Tramway Ridge

Tramway Ridge is a rare ecosystem of exceptional scientific value. It is located around 3,450 m above sea level in the northwest part of the volcano’s crater. One hectare of the ridge is an Antarctic Specially Protected Area – one part is a reference site, in which almost all access is prohibited, and the other part is an active research site for sample collection.

To protect the area, snowmobiles have a designated off-site parking lot. To minimise the risk of contaminating the area with alien biota, scientists wear sterilised, protective suits as shown in this image.

The warm ground and the vegetation it supports is of interest to botanists, phycologists and microbiologists. Of particular interest are extensive moss beds and cyanobacterial mats, which increase the abundance and diversity of microbial communities living in the surrounding soils.

Photo by Craig Cary © Antarctica New Zealand Pictorial Collection, Number CD K023 09/10, 2009–2010.