@article {3206, title = {Spring thaw ionic pulses boost nutrient availability and microbial growth in entombed Antarctic Dry Valley cryoconite holes}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {5}, year = {2014}, month = {12/2014}, abstract = {

The seasonal melting of ice entombed cryoconite holes on McMurdo Dry Valley glaciers provides oases for life in the harsh environmental conditions of the polar desert where surface air temperatures only occasionally exceed 0\°C during the Austral summer. Here we follow temporal changes in cryoconite hole biogeochemistry on Canada Glacier from fully frozen conditions through the initial stages of spring thaw toward fully melted holes. The cryoconite holes had a mean isolation age from the glacial drainage system of 3.4 years, with an increasing mass of aqueous nutrients (dissolved organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus) with longer isolation age. During the initial melt there was a mean nine times enrichment in dissolved chloride relative to mean concentrations of the initial frozen holes indicative of an ionic pulse, with similar mean nine times enrichments in nitrite, ammonium, and dissolved organic matter. Nitrate was enriched twelve times and dissolved organic nitrogen six times, suggesting net nitrification, while lower enrichments for dissolved organic phosphorus and phosphate were consistent with net microbial phosphorus uptake. Rates of bacterial production were significantly elevated during the ionic pulse, likely due to the increased nutrient availability. There was no concomitant increase in photosynthesis rates, with a net depletion of dissolved inorganic carbon suggesting inorganic carbon limitation. Potential nitrogen fixation was detected in fully melted holes where it could be an important source of nitrogen to support microbial growth, but not during the ionic pulse where nitrogen availability was higher. This study demonstrates that ionic pulses significantly alter the timing and magnitude of microbial activity within entombed cryoconite holes, and adds credence to hypotheses that ionic enrichments during freeze-thaw can elevate rates of microbial growth and activity in other icy habitats, such as ice veins and subglacial regelation zones

}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2014.00694}, url = {http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmicb.2014.00694/abstract}, author = {Telling, J. and Alexandre M. Anesio and Martyn Tranter and Andrew G Fountain and Thomas H. Nylen and Hawkings, Jon and Singh, Virendra B. and Kaur, Preeti and Musilova, Michaela and Wadham, J. L.} } @article {1082, title = {Do Cryoconite Holes have the Potential to be Significant Sources of C, N, and P to Downstream Depauperate Ecosystems of Taylor Valley, Antarctica?}, journal = {Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research}, volume = {45}, year = {2013}, month = {11/2013}, pages = {440 - 454}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, doi = {10.1657/1938-4246-45.4.440}, author = {Bagshaw, Elizabeth and Martyn Tranter and Andrew G Fountain and Kathleen A. Welch and Hassan J. Basagic and W. Berry Lyons} } @article {1079, title = {Environmental factors influencing diatom communities in Antarctic cryoconite holes}, journal = {Environmental Research Letters}, volume = {8}, year = {2013}, month = {12/2013}, pages = {045006}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, doi = {10.1088/1748-9326/8/4/045006}, url = {http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/8/4/045006/pdf/1748-9326_8_4_045006.pdf}, author = {Lee F. Stanish and Bagshaw, Elizabeth and Diane M. McKnight and Andrew G Fountain and Martyn Tranter} } @article {1140, title = {Determination of Dissolved Oxygen in the Cryosphere: A Comprehensive Laboratory and Field Evaluation of Fiber Optic Sensors}, journal = {Environmental Science \& Technology}, volume = {45}, year = {2011}, month = {01/2011}, pages = {700 - 705}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, doi = {10.1021/es102571j}, author = {Bagshaw, Elizabeth and Wadham, J. L. and Mowlem, M. and Martyn Tranter and Eveness, J. and Andrew G Fountain and Telling, J.} } @article {1137, title = {High-resolution monitoring reveals dissolved oxygen dynamics in an Antarctic cryoconite hole}, journal = {Hydrological Processes}, volume = {25}, year = {2011}, month = {08/2011}, pages = {2868 - 2877}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, doi = {10.1002/hyp.8049}, author = {Bagshaw, Elizabeth and Martyn Tranter and Wadham, J. L. and Andrew G Fountain and Mowlem, M.} } @article {1150, title = {Biogeochemical weathering under ice: Size matters}, journal = {Global Biogeochemical Cycles}, volume = {24}, year = {2010}, month = {2010}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, doi = {10.1029/2009GB003688}, author = {Wadham, J. L. and Martyn Tranter and Skidmore, M and Hodson, A. J. and John C. Priscu and W. Berry Lyons and Sharp, M. and Wynn, P. and Margaret S. Jackson} } @inbook {1169, title = {The biogeochemistry and hydrology of Dry Valley glaciers: is there life on Martian ice now?}, booktitle = {Life in Antarctic Deserts and other Cold Dry Environments}, year = {2010}, pages = {195-220}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, organization = {Cambridge University Press}, address = {Cambridge}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, author = {Martyn Tranter and Bagshaw, Elizabeth and Andrew G Fountain and Forman, C.} } @article {1162, title = {Dynamic behaviour of supraglacial lakes on cold polar glaciers: Canada Glacier, McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica}, journal = {Journal of Glaciology}, volume = {56}, year = {2010}, month = {06/2010}, pages = {366 - 368}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, doi = {10.3189/002214310791968449}, author = {Bagshaw, Elizabeth and Martyn Tranter and Wadham, J. L. and Andrew G Fountain and Hassan J. Basagic} } @book {1173, title = {Life in Antarctic Deserts and Other Cold Environments}, series = {Astrobiological Analogs}, volume = {5}, year = {2010}, pages = {307}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press.}, organization = {Cambridge University Press.}, address = {Cambridge}, keywords = {LTER-MCM, Planetary Science}, isbn = {9780511712258}, doi = {10.1017/CBO9780511712258}, url = {http://ebooks.cambridge.org/ebook.jsf?bid=CBO9780511712258}, author = {Peter T. Doran and W. Berry Lyons and Diane M. McKnight}, editor = {Diane M. McKnight and Michael N. Gooseff and Cristina D. Takacs-Vesbach and Jill A. Mikucki and Martyn Tranter and Sun, Henry J} } @inbook {1207, title = {Bacteria in Subglacial Environments}, booktitle = {Psychrophiles: from biodiversity to biotechnology}, year = {2008}, pages = {51-71}, publisher = {Springer Verlag}, organization = {Springer Verlag}, address = {New York}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, author = {Brent C. Christner and Skidmore, M and John C. Priscu and Martyn Tranter and Christine M. Foreman} } @phdthesis {1228, title = {The Biogeochemistry of Cryoconite Holes on Glaciers in Taylor Valley, Antarctica}, year = {2008}, school = {University of Bristol, UK}, type = {doctoral}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, doi = {LTER}, author = {Bagshaw, Elizabeth} } @inbook {1213, title = {Glacial ecosystems}, booktitle = {Ecological Monographs}, volume = {78}, year = {2008}, pages = {41-67}, edition = {1}, abstract = {
There is now compelling evidence that microbially mediated reactions impart a significant effect upon the dynamics, composition, and abundance of nutrients in glacial melt water. Consequently, we must now consider ice masses as ecosystem habitats in their own right and address their diversity, functional potential, and activity as part of alpine and polar environments. Although such research is already underway, its fragmentary nature provides little basis for developing modern concepts of glacier ecology. This paper therefore provides a much-needed framework for development by reviewing the physical, biogeochemical, and microbiological characteristics of microbial habitats that have been identified within glaciers and ice sheets. Two key glacial ecosystems emerge, one inhabiting the glacier surface (the supraglacial ecosystem) and one at the ice-bed interface (the subglacial ecosystem). The supraglacial ecosystem is characterized by a diverse consortium of microbes (usually bacteria, algae, phytoflagellates, fungi, viruses and occasional rotifers, tardigrades, and diatoms) within the snowpack, supraglacial streams, and melt pools (cryoconite holes). The subglacial system is dominated by aerobic/anaerobic bacteria and most probably viruses in basal ice/till mixtures and subglacial lakes. A third, so-called englacial ecosystem is also described, but it is demonstrated that conditions within glacier ice are sufficient to make metabolic activity and its impact upon nutrient dynamics negligible at the glacier scale.
Consideration of the surface and internal heat balances of the glacier show that all glacial ecosystems are sensitive to climate change, although at different timescales. Thus, while rapid, melt-driven habitat changes lead to melt-out, resuscitation, and redistribution of microorganisms in many supraglacial ecosystems, much slower climatic and glacial mass-balance processes effect such changes in the subglacial ecosystem. Paradoxically, it is shown that these forces have brought about net refreezing and the onset of cryostasis in the subglacial ecosystems of many Arctic glaciers subject to thinning in recent decades.
}, keywords = {LTER-MCM, Biggie, snow ecology}, doi = {10.1890/07-0187.1}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1890/07-0187.1}, author = {Hodson, A and Alexandre M. Anesio and Martyn Tranter and Andrew G Fountain and Osborn, M and John C. Priscu and Johanna Laybourn-Parry and Sattler, B} } @article {1217, title = {Introduction - The Biogeochemistry of Cryoconite Holes}, journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research}, volume = {113}, year = {2008}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, doi = {10.1029/2008JG000698}, author = {Andrew G Fountain and Martyn Tranter} } @article {1227, title = {Temporal variations in physical and chemical features of cryoconite holes on Canada Glacier, McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica}, journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research}, volume = {113}, year = {2008}, pages = {G01S92}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, doi = {10.1029/2008JG000698}, author = {Andrew G Fountain and Thomas H. Nylen and Martyn Tranter and Bagshaw, Elizabeth} } @article {1239, title = {The biogeochemical evolution of cryoconite holes on glaciers in Taylor Valley, Antarctica}, journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research}, volume = {113}, year = {2007}, pages = {G04S35}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, doi = {LTER}, author = {Bagshaw, Elizabeth and Martyn Tranter and Andrew G Fountain and Kathleen A. Welch and Hassan J. Basagic and W. Berry Lyons} } @article {1292, title = {The chemical composition of runoff from Canada Glacier, Antarctica: implications for glacier hydrology during a cool summer}, journal = {Annals of Glaciology}, volume = {40}, year = {2005}, pages = {15-19}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, doi = {LTER}, author = {Martyn Tranter and Andrew G Fountain and W. Berry Lyons and Thomas H. Nylen and Kathleen A. Welch} } @article {1297, title = {The Geochemistry of Supraglacial Streams of Canada Glacier, Taylor Valley (Antarctica), and their Evolution into Proglacial Waters}, journal = {Aquatic Geochemistry}, volume = {11}, year = {2005}, pages = {391-412}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, author = {Sarah Fortner and Martyn Tranter and Andrew G Fountain and W. Berry Lyons and Kathleen A. Welch} } @article {1305, title = {Perturbation of hydrochemical conditions in natural microcosms entombed within Antarctic ice}, journal = {Ice and Climate News}, volume = {6}, year = {2005}, pages = {22-23}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, author = {Martyn Tranter and Andrew G Fountain and Christian H. Fritsen and W. Berry Lyons and John C. Priscu and Stratham, P and Kathleen A. Welch} } @article {1323, title = {The Biodiversity and Biogeochemistry of Cryoconite Holes from McMurdo Dry Valley Glaciers, Antarctica}, journal = {Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research}, volume = {36}, year = {2004}, pages = {84-91}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, author = {Porazinska, D and Andrew G Fountain and Thomas H. Nylen and Martyn Tranter and Ross A. Virginia and Diana H. Wall} } @article {1327, title = {Cryoconite holes on polar glaciers and their importance for meltwater runoff}, journal = {Journal of Glaciology}, volume = {50}, year = {2004}, pages = {25-45}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, author = {Andrew G Fountain and Martyn Tranter and Thomas H. Nylen and Booth, D and Karen J. Lewis} } @article {1321, title = {Evolution of cryoconite holes and their contribution to meltwater runoff from glaciers in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica}, journal = {Journal of Glaciology}, volume = {50}, year = {2004}, month = {01/2004}, pages = {35-45}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, doi = {10.3189/172756504781830312}, author = {Andrew G Fountain and Martyn Tranter and Thomas H. Nylen and Karen J. Lewis and Derek R. Mueller} } @article {1331, title = {Extreme hydrochemical conditions in natural microcosms entombed within Antarctic ice.}, journal = {Hydrological Processes}, volume = {18}, year = {2004}, pages = {379-387}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, author = {Martyn Tranter and Andrew G Fountain and Christian H. Fritsen and W. Berry Lyons and John C. Priscu and Stathan, P and Kathleen A. Welch} } @article {1404, title = {The McMurdo Dry Valleys Long-Term Ecological Research Program: new understanding of the biogeochemistry of the Dry Valley lakes: a review.}, journal = {Polar Geography}, volume = {25}, year = {2001}, pages = {202-217}, keywords = {LTER-MCM}, author = {W. Berry Lyons and Kathleen A. Welch and John C. Priscu and Johanna Laybourn-Parry and Daryl L. Moorhead and Diane M. McKnight and Peter T. Doran and Martyn Tranter} }