Bulgaria is a small European country, but it has made a significant contribution to the scientific study of Antarctica, said Prof. Kliment Naydenov, dean of the Faculty of Geology and Geography at Sofia University at the opening of the Antarctic Day held at this university Tuesday, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported.
Antarctica, with its extreme climatic conditions, is one of the harshest territories on Earth, but it is also critical to understanding the planet’s climate, Naydenov said.
He noted that Bulgarian scientists have participated in several research missions interested in developments in earth sciences like geology, geophysics, physics, geography, meteorology and glaciology.
The Bulgarian Antarctic expeditions established the Bulgarian base “St. Kliment Ohridski” on Livingstone Island, said Naydenov.
“This research station has provided a crucial platform for Bulgarian and international scientists to conduct a wide range of research activities. We should also mention our latest acquisition, the research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii and the expansion of our base that started this year,” he added.
The Bulgarian expeditions to Antarctica have contributed significantly to the global understanding of the continent and the role it plays in the study of our planet, concluded Naydenov.
The Antarctic Day is an event dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Geological and Geographical Faculty of Sofia University, where Prof. Hristo Pimpirev is lecturer. He is the president of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute and the leader of the Bulgarian polar expeditions.
At the event, Prof. Pimpirev spoke on the topic “The Romantic Years in Bulgarian Antarctic Research
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