Magnetic susceptibility and conductivity variations of Horseshoe Island (Antarctica): An indicator of environmental pollution vs lithological change

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 4, 940 - 951, 31.12.2025

Murat Özkaptan , Mert Kaya

https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1587144

Abstract

Magnetic susceptibility and conductivity surveys are widely used to identify rock lithological changes, soil quality, and pollution (both atmospheric and human-related) due to their cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and simplicity. This study aims to determine the magnetic properties of igneous rocks, classified into five groups, on the northern side of Horseshoe Island (Antarctica). Rock samples were collected from 22 locations, covering five distinct lithologies. Measurements of magnetic susceptibility and conductivity were conducted at 1 cm vertical intervals, resulting in 828 recorded values. The data, analyzed at three levels (top, overall, and bottom), were used to differentiate between surface/atmospheric and mineralogical origins of the rocks. The results indicated that gabbro had the highest average susceptibility (3.91 × 10⁻³ CGS), while granitic gneiss showed zero susceptibility in all measurements. Conversely, granitic gneiss exhibited the highest conductivity values (116 S/m), whereas gabbro displayed the lowest conductivity (18.6 S/m). Spatially, susceptibility variations followed a northeast-southwest trend, particularly noticeable near the Turkish Scientific Station. High susceptibility was observed near Historical Site No. 63, while low values were concentrated around Gaul Cove. The findings highlight lithological differences, though snow and glacier cover limited precise boundary determinations. No significant differences were observed between surface and depth averages, suggesting mineral content influences exceed pollution effects.

Keywords

Magnetic susceptibility , conductivity , pollution , Horseshoe Island , Antarctica

Supporting Institution

TUBITAK MAM Polar Research Institute

Project Number

TUBITAK, project no. 122G255

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