Hydrocarbon Spills on Antarctic Soil

This data set summarizes current understanding of the extent and effects of hydrocarbon spillage on Antarctic soils; the observed physical, chemical, and biological responses of such soils; and current gaps in knowledge. Comparisons between temperature profiles of hydrocarbon contaminated and pristine sites at Scott Base and Marble Point indicate that during sunny weather, when soils are snow-free, the daily maximum surface temperature of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils is often warmer (by up to ca. 10 °C) than adjacent pristine sites The higher temperatures at the hydrocarbon contaminated sites are attributed to decreased soil surface albedo due to surface darkening by hydrocarbons.

In contrast, at a Bull Pass site where hydrocarbons 39 contaminated the subsurface, no difference in soil temperature was detected between a pristine and hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. There is potential for hydrocarbons to affect soil moisture regimes. Hydrocarbon-contaminated soils were weakly hydrophobic, whereas no evidence of hydrophobicity was detected at pristine sites.

The area affected by hydrocarbons in Antarctica is not large, yet significant hydrocarbon contamination can be detected in soil around current and former scientific research stations more than 30 yr post-spill.