Abstract:
During the 33rd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition, the first detailed bathymetric and hydrographic survey of Emona Bay near the Bulgarian Antarctic Base on Livingston Island was conducted. A MB1 ODOM-Teledyne multibeam echosounder, StarFish 450H side-scan sonar, and DGPS system were mounted on a Zodiac boat. Between 4 Jan–7 Feb 2025, 12 missions covered over 14 km², including parts of Johnson Dock Bay. Data processing produced a 3D seabed model and a side-scan sonar mosaic outlining substrate zones. Results show significant glacial retreat—up to 1450 m compared to 1991 and 450 m since 2009. Morphology reveals unexpected deepening in the eastern sector (to 192 m). This study delivers the first complete bathymetric model of the bay, serving as a baseline for geological, ecological, and navigational applications.