02509nas a2200205 4500008004100000245012600041210006900167260005300236490000900289520180200298653002502100653001502125653001702140653002402157653002002181653002302201100002502224700001702249856003702266 2020 eng d00aAnalysis of acid-leachable barium, copper, iron, lead, & zinc concentrations in Taylor Valley, Antarctic stream sediments0 aAnalysis of acidleachable barium copper iron lead zinc concentra aColumbus, OHbThe Ohio State Universityc05/20200 vB.S.3 a

The purpose of this study is to assess the concentrations of Barium (Ba), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn) in sediment samples obtained from the Wales and Commonwealth streams located in Taylor Valley, Antarctica. These samples were collected at seven sample sites (three in Wales Glacier and four in Commonwealth Glacier) in 0 to 2 cm, 2 to 4 cm, 4 to 6 cm, and 6 to 8 cm depth increments which resulted in 28 total samples. After the collection process, these samples underwent a volumetric 1:5 sediment: 10% HCl leach for 48 hours, filtration through 4-µm pore-size, cellulose acetate membrane filters, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analyses in the Trace Element Research Laboratory at The Ohio State University. Upon completion of the analyses, results showed that the Wales samples had a higher average concentration of every metal element overall and at each depth increment when compared to the Commonwealth samples. In addition to the weak-acid leachate metal analyses, a second aliquot of one sediment profile from each stream was analyzed at Villanova University for the 210Pb activity via gamma spectroscopy. This was done to estimate the sedimentation rates at each of these sites. From the sedimentation rates, sedimentation fluxes were calculated for each element for each sediment profile at each of these sites. The data demonstrated that Fe is the most abundant element while Pb is the least abundant. Lastly, upon examination of results, it was found that the concentrations of these metals are often higher in samples collected closer to the surface. These findings suggest these streams, and their sources, have had little, if any, impact by anthropogenic input of metals, and that metal fluxes to the sediments are low.

10aacid-leachable metal10aAntarctica10ageochemistry10aMcMurdo Dry Valleys10apolar sediments10asedimentation rate1 aPiergallini, Brianna1 aLyons, Berry uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1811/9177202534nas a2200229 4500008004100000245010900041210006900150260001200219300001600231490000800247520179600255100002102051700001702072700002402089700001502113700002302128700001902151700002402170700001902194700001702213856007402230 2018 eng d00aAeolian material transport and its role in landscape connectivity in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica0 aAeolian material transport and its role in landscape connectivit c12/2018 a3323 - 33370 v1233 a

Arid regions, particularly polar and alpine desert environments, have diminished landscape connectivity compared to temperate regions due to limited and/or seasonal hydrological processes. For these environments, aeolian processes play a particularly important role in landscape evolution and biotic community vitality through nutrient and solute additions. The McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV) are the largest ice-free area in Antarctica and are potentially a major source of aeolian material for the continent. From this region, samples were collected at five heights (~5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 cm) above the surface seasonally for 2013 through 2015 from Alatna Valley, Victoria Valley, Miers Valley, and Taylor Valley (Taylor Glacier, East Lake Bonney, F6 (Lake Fryxell), and Explorer’s Cove). Despite significant geological separation and varying glacial histories, low-elevation and coastal sites had similar major ion chemistries, as did high-elevation and inland locations. This locational clustering of compositions was also evident in scanning electron microscopy images and principal component analyses, particularly for samples collected at ~100 cm above the surface. Compared to published soil literature, aeolian material in Taylor Valley demonstrates a primarily down-valley transport of material toward the coast. Soluble N:P ratios in the aeolian material reflect relative nutrient enrichments seen in MDV soils and lakes, where younger, coastal soils are relatively N depleted, while older, up-valley soils are relatively P depleted. The aeolian transport of materials, including water-soluble nutrients, is an important vector of connectivity within the MDV and provides a mechanism to help “homogenize” the geochemistry of both soil and aquatic ecosystems.

1 aDiaz, Melisa, A.1 aAdams, Byron1 aWelch, Kathleen, A.1 aWelch, Sue1 aOpiyo, Stephen, O.1 aKhan, Alia, L.1 aMcKnight, Diane, M.1 aCary, Craig, S1 aLyons, Berry uhttps://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2017JF00458903321nas a2200205 4500008004100000022001400041245008600055210006900141260001200210300001600222490000700238520262100245100001702866700002302883700002402906700002502930700001502955700002402970856012102994 2015 eng d a0091-761300aAntarctic streams as a potential source of iron for the Southern Ocean: Figure 1.0 aAntarctic streams as a potential source of iron for the Southern c11/2016 a1003 - 10060 v433 a

Due to iron’s role in oceanic primary production, there has been great interest in quantifying the importance of Fe in regions where concentrations are very low and macronutrients, nitrate and phosphate, are available. Measurements of filterable (i.e., <0.4 μm) Fe concentrations in streams from Taylor Valley, McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, suggest that coastal-zone stream Fe input to the Southern Ocean could potentially play an important role in primary production in nearshore regions. Filterable Fe (fFe) data from streams in the McMurdo Dry Valleys were used to represent glacier meltwater that flows through ice-free landscape with the potential of transporting Fe to the Antarctic coastal zone. Estimates of potential fFe flux to the Antarctic Peninsula region using our mean fFe concentration of 10.6 µg L–1 combined with an estimate of ice-free area for the Antarctic Peninsula result in an fFe flux of 1.2 × 107 g yr–1. Although small compared to iceberg and aeolian Fe fluxes, future stream input to the Southern Ocean could increase due to glacier retreat and 

1 aLyons, Berry1 aDailey, Kelsey, R.1 aWelch, Kathleen, A.1 aDeuerling, Kelly, M.1 aWelch, Sue1 aMcKnight, Diane, M. uhttp://geology.gsapubs.org/lookup/doi/10.1130/G36989.1http://geology.geoscienceworld.org/lookup/doi/10.1130/G36989.103970nas a2200217 4500008004100000245011000041210007200151260004000223490001000263520322300273653001503496653001903511653001903530653002403549653003003573653003703603653001603640100001703656700001703673856006203690 2013 eng d00aThe application of stable isotopes, δ11B, δ18O, and δD, in geochemical and hydrological investigations0 aapplication of stable isotopes δ11B δ18O and δD in geochemical a aColumbus, OHbOhio State University0 vPh.D.3 a

My dissertation research utilizes stable isotopes as tracers of water and solute sources to study specific geochemical (solute origin) and hydrological (glacier meltwater source across a season comparing water contributions from hyporheic zone and/or glacier melt and residence time of precipitation within a managed water supply) problems within McMurdo Dry Valleys (MCM), Antarctica, and Central Ohio, USA. In Chapter II, δ11B isotopic and dissolved B measurements are used to infer the origin of B within MCM aquatic system. Boron stable isotopic values span the range of +12.3‰ to +51.4‰, varying from glacier meltwater streams to the hypolimnion of a highly evaporated hypersaline lake. These data demonstrate that the major sources of B are chemical weathering of alumniosilicates within the stream channels, and a marine source, either currently introduced by marine-derived aerosols or from ancient seawater. In-lake processes create a more positive δ11B through adsorption or mineral precipitation. The glacier meltwater streams, Lakes Fryxell, Hoare, and upper waters of Lake Joyce display a mixture of these two sources, with Lake Joyce bottom waters primarily of marine origin. Lakes Bonney and Vanda and Blood Falls brine are interpreted as having a marine-like source changed by in-lake processes to result in a more positive δ11B, while Don Juan Pond displays a more terrestrial influence. In Chapter III, δ18O and δD are used to trace water source variation via hyporheic zone or glacier melt within two MCM streams over an entire melt season. The isotopic variation of these streams was more negative at the beginning of the season and more positive later. D-excess measurements were used to infer mixing between hyporheic storage and glacier meltwater. It was supported that Von Guerard Stream has a large, widespread hyporheic zone that changes with time and discharge amounts. The chemistry of Andersen Creek also displayed hyporheic zone influence at certain times of the year. This work adds important new information on the role of hyperheic zone-stream interactions, and supports the short term, more physically based, descriptions of hyporheic dynamics explained in the past decade. Chapter IV describes water flow and travel time within a human managed watershed-reservoir system by measuring the δ18O and δD of the precipitation source to the reservoirs and finally to the distribution system, the tap. Generally, the tap waters experienced little lag time in the managed system, having a residence time of about two months. Tap and reservoir waters preserved the precipitation signal with the reservoir morphology acting as an important control. These water supply reservoirs functioned more like a river system with a faster throughput of water and larger variations in chemical parameters. Other water supply reservoirs have a greater capacity with a larger amount of water supply usage through a more lacustrine environment, which displays more constant solute concentrations and longer flow-through times. This work provides a basic understanding of a regional water supply system in central Ohio, reservoir isotopic dynamics, and Ohio precipitation sources.

10aAntarctica10aboron isotopes10ahyporheic zone10aMcMurdo Dry Valleys10aOhio precipitation source10aoxygen-18 and deuterium isotopes10asaline lake1 aLeslie, D.L.1 aLyons, Berry u http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu138600003705611nas a2200229 4500008004100000245006100041210006000102260004000162490000900202520491500211653002205126653001505148653000905163653002605172653001705198653002405215653002405239653001505263100002505278700001705303856006105320 2010 eng d00aAeolian sediments of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica0 aAeolian sediments of the McMurdo Dry Valleys Antarctica aColumbus, OHbOhio State University0 vM.S.3 a

The role of dust has become a topic of increasing interest in the interface between climate and geological/ecological sciences. Dust emitted from major sources, the majority of which are desert regions in the Northern Hemisphere, is transported via suspension in global wind systems and incorporated into the biogeochemical cycles of the ecosystems where it is ultimately deposited. While emissions within the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV) region of Antarctica are small compared to other source regions, the redistribution of new, reactive material by wind may be important to sustaining life in the ecosystem.


The interaction of the dry, warm foehn winds and the cool, moist coastal breezes “recycles” soil particles throughout the landscape. The bulk of sediment movement occurs during foehn events in the winter that redistribute material throughout the MDV. To understand the source and transfer of this material samples were collected early in the austral summer (November 2008) prior to the initiation of extensive ice melt from glacial and lake surfaces, aeolian landforms, and elevated sediment traps. These were preserved and processed for grain size distribution and major element composition at the sand and silt particle sizes. Major elemental oxide analysis indicated that the silt and sand size particles are of different composition: SiO2 values for silt range from 50 to 59% by weight and for sand range from 59 to 74%. When compared to the elemental oxide composition four rock types present in the MDV, the composition of the silt indicates a mixing influenced mostly by the igneous rock types (Ferrar Dolerite and McMurdo Volcanic basanite) and sand a mixing influenced largely by the sedimentary rocks (Beacon Sandstone and the metasedimentary Basement Complex). This could imply a local source of the aeolian material that is corroborated by low CIA values at both particle sizes (44-57%) indicating low degrees of chemical weathering. In addition, comparison of 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd to values published for the major MDV rock types and ice core dust to values analyzed in 3 silt size glacier sample and one bulk glacier sample also indicates a local source of sediments and that it is not likely to be transferred inland.


During the melt season, the aeolian material is actively solubilized where it interacts with water, releasing solutes and vital bioavailable nutrients throughout the aquatic system. Differences in the chemistry of supra- and proglacial streams as well as lake surface waters may be derived from the deposition and dissolution of these aeolian sediments. To simulate these conditions, a two-step leaching method using deionized water to represent glacial melt in field conditions was employed and leachates analyzed for major ion and nutrient constituents. Leachates represent a small degree (<0.7%) of dissolution of major elements, and are solubilized to a greater extent from samples closer to the coast or with increased silt content. The composition of the leachates reflects the dissolution of the major salts found in the MDV. Leach 1 (cold water) indicates that Na- and Cl-bearing salt phases are dissolved to a greater extent than seen in Leach 2 (freeze-thaw). Conversely, Leach 2 compositions indicate that carbonate mineral dissolution and Mg-bearing silicate weathering are proceeding to a greater extent than in Leach 1.


Inorganic N:P ratios follow the same patterns of nutrient limitations based on the Redfield Ratio found by Priscu (1995) in the terminal lakes of the Taylor Valley: N-limited in the Fryxell and Hoare basins (east) and P-limited in the Bonney basin (west). This is also consistent with the age of the tills in the area, as found by Gudding (2003). The concentration of soluble Fe in the leachates is about the same as soluble inorganic P, and thus is not a limiting nutrient in the leachates. Comparison of total dissolved N and P to their inorganic counterparts reveals increased organic nutrients in the glacier and lake leachates that may indicate the influence of biota. Nutrient fluxes based on known sediment fluxes from elevated sediment traps deployed throughout the MDV and the composition of these leachates range from 0.34-330 g a-1 for N, 0.02-8.3 g a-1 for P, and 0.03-8.6 g a-1 for Fe. These are at least two orders of magnitude less than calculated loads from streams to the lakes in the Taylor Valley and, thus, should be considered underestimations or minima.


This work provides the first investigation into the composition and source of aeolian transported materials in the MDV, as well of what is potentially solubilized from it during the austral summer melt season. In addition, it will contribute to the understanding of the interplay between aeolian and aquatic processes in the MDV and further the understanding of this unique ecosystem.

10aaeolian transport10aAntarctica10adust10aexperimental leaching10ageochemistry10aMcMurdo Dry Valleys10asediment provenance10aweathering1 aDeuerling, Kelly, M.1 aLyons, Berry uhttp://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu129052486200722nas a2200193 4500008004100000020001800041245008800059210006900147260004200216300001400258100002500272700002400297700001700321700001700338700002100355700001700376700002400393856011100417 2010 eng d a978052188919300aAntarctic McMurdo Dry Valley stream ecosystems as analog to fluvial systems on Mars0 aAntarctic McMurdo Dry Valley stream ecosystems as analog to fluv aCambridgebCambridge University Press a139 - 1591 aGooseff, Michael, N.1 aMcKnight, Diane, M.1 aCarr, M., H.1 aBaeseman, J.1 aDoran, Peter, T.1 aLyons, Berry1 aMcKnight, Diane, M. uhttps://mcm.lternet.edu/content/antarctic-mcmurdo-dry-valley-stream-ecosystems-analog-fluvial-systems-mars00754nas a2200205 4500008004100000245012400041210006900165300001200234490000700246100001600253700001500269700002400284700001700308700002300325700001300348700002200361700001500383700002400398856012600422 2006 eng d00aThe aeolian flux of calcium, chloride and nitrate to the McMurdo Dry Valleys landscape: Evidence from snow pit analysis0 aaeolian flux of calcium chloride and nitrate to the McMurdo Dry  a497-5050 v181 aWitherow, R1 aBertler, N1 aWelch, Kathleen, A.1 aLyons, Berry1 aMayewski, Paul, A.1 aSneed, S1 aNylen, Thomas, H.1 aHandley, M1 aFountain, Andrew, G uhttps://mcm.lternet.edu/content/aeolian-flux-calcium-chloride-and-nitrate-mcmurdo-dry-valleys-landscape-evidence-snow-pit00563nas a2200169 4500008004100000245004600041210004600087260003400133100001700167700002800184700002400212700002100236700002000257700001800277700002000295856007800315 2006 eng d00aAntarctic lake systems and climate change0 aAntarctic lake systems and climate change aDordrecht, The NetherlandsbS1 aLyons, Berry1 aLaybourn-Parry, Johanna1 aWelch, Kathleen, A.1 aPriscu, John, C.1 aBergstrom, D.M.1 aConvey, Peter1 aHuiskes, A.H.L. uhttps://mcm.lternet.edu/content/antarctic-lake-systems-and-climate-change00890nas a2200277 4500008004100000245006500041210006500106260001200171300001200183490000800195653002100203100002100224700002100245700001700266700002000283700002400303700002400327700002400351700002300375700002000398700001900418700002700437700002700464700002400491856009700515 2002 eng d00aAntarctic climate cooling and terrestrial ecosystem response0 aAntarctic climate cooling and terrestrial ecosystem response c01/2002 a517-5200 v41510aClimate Response1 aDoran, Peter, T.1 aPriscu, John, C.1 aLyons, Berry1 aWalsh, John, E.1 aFountain, Andrew, G1 aMcKnight, Diane, M.1 aMoorhead, Daryl, L.1 aVirginia, Ross, A.1 aWall, Diana, H.1 aClow, Gary, D.1 aFritsen, Christian, H.1 aMcKay, Christopher, P.1 aParsons, Andrew, N. uhttps://mcm.lternet.edu/content/antarctic-climate-cooling-and-terrestrial-ecosystem-response00597nas a2200169 4500008004100000245007200041210006700113260002900180300001200209100001700221700002400238700001700262700001700279700002700296700001500323856008900338 1997 eng d00aThe abundance of planktonic virus-like particles in Antarctic lakes0 aabundance of planktonic viruslike particles in Antarctic lakes aRotterdambBalkema Press a241-2501 aKepner, R.L.1 aWharton, Robert, A.1 aGalchenko, V1 aLyons, Berry1 aHoward-Williams, Clive1 aHawes, Ian uhttps://mcm.lternet.edu/content/abundance-planktonic-virus-particles-antarctic-lakes