Volcanic Steam, Deception Island

Thursday November 9th 2023
At sea - Cruise Expedition Day 18  - Deception Island
Port Foster, Whalers Bay

am:  Yes, we made it into Deception Island!

Such a fantastic island with interest both historical and geological.
Geologically, it was a large conical volcanic island formed above a subduction zone. Later, the magma chamber emptied/lowered and almost the whole island collapsed downward below sea-level leaving just a narrow rim - a structure known as a caldera.  A fault/weakness allowed the sea to break through forming a natural sheltered harbour (Port Foster) with a narrow entrance known as 'Neptune's Bellows'.  The navigable channel is just 160 metres wide.  In the era of whaling, this was used extensively by whalers who set up a (Norwegian) land station in Whalers Bay.  After that, the Argentinians, Chileans and British set up scientific stations there in what was thought to be a dormant volcano. Until 1967. There was a sudden eruption near the Chilean base which necessitated the evacuation of all personnel.  You can read more about it on the internet.

A landing by Zodiac gave us a couple of hours ashore. Low cloud and snow flurries but enjoyable nonetheless.

That was followed by 'The Polar Plunge' where a few hardy individuals (wearing a safety harness and rope) jumped into the sea.

Lunch, and then the start of the journey north to cross the Drake passage to Ushuaia and home.  Weather worsening.

Images:
Main: Steam rising from the volcanic beach in Whalers Bay.  Extra shows some whaling station remains with our ship, the 'MS Expedition', and a visiting yacht, the 'NanookX' in the background.