by
Halide Nur Dursun | Jul 09, 2025
A new research effort from the Department of Geological Engineering, primarily taken over by Assist. Prof. Dr. Alp Ünal aims to investigate the nature, origin, and spatiotemporal evolution of arc magmatism in the Western Antarctic Peninsula through a combination of field observations and advanced laboratory analyses.
The project focuses on the magmatic and tectonic evolution of Nelson Island, located in the South Shetland Islands of Northwest Antarctica. The study aims to investigate the nature, origin, and spatiotemporal evolution of arc magmatism in the Western Antarctic Peninsula through a combination of field observations and advanced laboratory analyses.
Geological fieldwork was conducted in January–February 2023 on the Stansbury Peninsula of Nelson Island, with logistical support provided by the Czech Antarctic Research Center and material support (field equipment) from the Polar Research Institute of TÜBİTAK MAM (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey). During the 14-day expedition, volcanic and intrusive rocks were systematically sampled, stratigraphic relations were recorded, and a geological map of the area was produced for the first time in such detail.
The collected samples represent various magmatic units, including basaltic lavas, pyroclastic deposits, and diabase–microgabbro intrusions. These units are considered key products of subduction-related arc magmatism associated with the Antarctic Peninsula arc system. However, Nelson Island remains one of the least geologically studied islands of the South Shetland archipelago, particularly in terms of precise age constraints and geochemical/isotopic characterization.
The ongoing research, funded by the TÜBİTAK 1001 Grant Program, includes high-precision 40Ar/39Ar geochronology, Sr-Nd-Pb isotope geochemistry, major and trace element analyses, mineral chemistry, and petrographic studies. The results will contribute to understanding the arc migration patterns across the South Shetland Islands, mantle–crust interactions, and the temporal and chemical evolution of subduction-related magmatism in this remote region.
By combining field data with analytical results, this collaborative Turkish–Czech initiative not only aims to fill critical gaps in Antarctic geoscience literature but also strengthens Türkiye’s scientific presence and capacity in international polar research.
Field Studies
Czeco-Nelson Field Camp