In January 2001, we surveyed streams and ponds above 300 m asl in Taylor Valley, South Victoria Land, Antarctica. One pond was examined in detail. Organic materials covered nearly 100% of the adjacent soil to 5-20 m from the shore, with intermittent patches to 80 m. Organic matter averaged 257 gC/m2, and totaled 1388 kg organic C on the soil around the pond. Soil moisture content (0.56 to 12.41%) decreased with distance from shore, whereas pH (7.8 to 10.8) increased with distance. Electrical conductivity was lowest in the soils less than 10 m from the pond (416 +- 94 uS/cm).
Dataset Results
2001-01-01 to 2001-01-31
10.6073/pasta/b74ce9bc2c28808eb13847967ef1d1a0
4009
Soil communities in the McMurdo Dry Valleys are subject to many limitations, including resource limitations. However, the nutrients that are predominantly limiting to growth and diversity of soil biota are not known. Additionally, landscape history (N deposition, P weathering) and native N and P content (glacial till provenance) may influence the ability of soil communities to respond to nutrient additions or changes in nutrient availability associated with environmental change.
Date Range:
2007-01-15 to 2016-01-15
Data sources:
DOI:
10.6073/pasta/4da6e17a7a8d1e575241b3d79c047f08
Dataset ID:
4013
A study was conducted to examine soil microbial communities and associated geochemical parameters at potential glacial refugia and glaciated control sites throughout the McMurdo Dry Valleys region of Antarctica. Soil samples were collected as part of ongoing long-term monitoring efforts by the McMurdo Dry Valleys Long Term Ecological Research program (MCM LTER). The oldest samples used in this study were collected during the 1993-1994 austral summer, and the newest from the 2018-2019 austral summer.
Date Range:
1994-01-03 to 2019-01-31
Data sources:
DOI:
10.6073/pasta/3380695f50e8f3527c12aba416e86b1f
Dataset ID:
267