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Limnology and Biogeochemistry
Limnological conditions are one determinant of the viability and identity of microbes in subglacial environments .
Currently little is known about in situ limnological conditions in subglacial environments. It is critically important to know if these environments are “open” or “closed” systems, i.e., is there exchange among lakes within a certain geographical area and on what timeframes. To model circulation; construct water, heat, and biochemical budgets; and estimate the age of the water, the basin topography and salinity, temperature, density, and current distributions must be known.
Biogeochemical studies also provide data about the presence of metabolic activity. The amount and distribution of bioactive elements in subglacial environments will indicate the presence of biological production and suggest how microorganisms meet metabolic needs. The spatial and temporal distribution of various elements in water columns and sediments lend clues to elemental cycles. Information on potentially toxic elements lends clues to the habitability of subglacial environments. Chemical profiles in sediments will establish if chemical gradients are present that suggest biological activity.
Limnology....The Long Version
Scientific questions related to limnology and biogeochemistry:
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Which subglacial environments exhibit internal circulation and how does this effect water and heat budgets, vertical stratification, biogeochemical gradients, and the conditions that support life?
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Do the spatial and temporal distributions of inorganic species, dissolved organic carbon, and other bioactive chemicals in subglacial environments indicate the presence of life?
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Are dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels sufficient to support heterotrophic life and or is life based on chemolithoautotrophic production of new organic carbon?
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How do nutrients (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and others) cycle in these environments?
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Are gas hydrates present, and if so, what gases are involved and do they support microhabitats for living microorganisms?
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What is the biogeochemical role of sediment in these environments and how do sediments affect limnological conditions?
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Do sediments contain a record of previous lake environments and a history of the evolution of life in the lakes?
For more details go to ..... LIMNOLOGY AND BIOGEOCHEMISTRY OF SALE
Related topics:
Selected Publications: ......to be added