site.btaSeismologist Gergana Georgieva and Nuclear Physicist Vasil Gurev Measure Movement of Balkan Glacier

Seismologist Gergana Georgieva and nuclear physicist Vasil Gurev studied the direction and speed of movement of different sections of the Balkan Glacier. The research involves systematically measuring the coordinates of 15 points placed on the glacier’s surface.

Georgieva told BTA that similar studies have been conducted for about 20 years, but a significant improvement was introduced during the 30th Bulgarian Antarctic expedition. This advancement involves the use of Recco reflectors, which are attached to the marker poles identifying the measurement points and detected using a receiver. Previously, locating these points relied solely on visual observation.

The Recco system was originally developed for locating avalanche victims. It uses a receiver to detect reflectors buried under the snow. By applying this technology, scientists can accurately track the marked points on the glacier. Without such a system, long-term and consistent measurements would be impossible, as some points move by as much as 30 meters per year.

These movements also rely on the diverse topography found in different areas of the glacier. Surface velocity offers essential insights into the glacier's behaviour. "Compared to previous research, we have found that the glacier’s movement has actually accelerated. However, to draw definitive conclusions, measurements need to be conducted annually over a period of about 10 years," Georgieva said.

This study is part of Bulgaria’s ongoing scientific research at the St. Kliment Ohridski Bulgarian Antarctic Base on Livingston Island. The RSV 421 departed from Varna for its third Antarctic expedition on November 7, 2024, and arrived at Livingston Island on December 28. The base officially opened for the new polar season on November 23, 2024.

BTA has a national press club both on the research vessel and at the Bulgarian Antarctic base. This is the third consecutive year that BTA has sent a correspondent to Antarctica. This year’s correspondent, Milena Ostrovska, arrived at the base on January 17. Her reports can be accessed free of charge in English at Bulgaria-Antarctica BTA’s Log on BTA’s website and may be used by all media with attribution to BTA.