The hydrochemistry of Lake Vostok and the potential for life in Antarctic subglacial lakes

Siegert, Martin J.; Tranter, Martyn; Ellis-Evans, J. Cynan; Priscu, John C.; Lyons, W. Berry. 2003 The hydrochemistry of Lake Vostok and the potential for life in Antarctic subglacial lakes. Hydrological Processes, 17 (4). 795-814. 10.1002/hyp.1166

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Abstract/Summary

Our understanding of Lake Vostok, the huge subglacial lake beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, has improved recently through the identification of key physical and chemical interactions between the ice sheet and the lake. The north of the lake, where the overlying ice sheet is thickest, is characterized by subglacial melting, whereas freezing of lake water occurs in the south, resulting in similar to210 m of ice accretion to the underside of the ice sheet. The accreted ice contains lower concentrations of the impurities normally found in glacier ice, suggesting a net transfer of material from meltwater into the lake. The small numbers of microbes found so far within the accreted ice have DNA profiles similar to those of contemporary surface microbes. Microbiologists expect, however, that Lake Vostok, and other subglacial lakes, will harbour unique species, particularly within the deeper waters and associated sediments. The extreme environments of subglacial lakes are characterized by high pressures, low temperatures, permanent darkness, limited nutrient availability, and oxygen concentrations that are derived from the ice that provides the meltwater.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1002/hyp.1166
Programmes:	BAS Programmes > Other
ISSN:	0885-6087
Additional Keywords:	Lake Vostok, hydrochemistry, Antarctic subglacial lakes
NORA Subject Terms:	Glaciology Biology and Microbiology Hydrology Chemistry
Date made live:	13 Feb 2012 14:17 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/12980

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