The biomass, productivity and biodiversity of algae and bacteria in Terra Nova Bay and the physical parameters of their environment

Sampling sites in the Terra Nova Bay area were used to survey the sea ice for algae and bacteria by drilling cores and using bottom ice, brine and using the entire ice core to look at biomass in profile. Initial chlorophyll concentrations were determined on all samples and additional sub samples were collected for analysis of bacterial and algal cell counts, carbon concentrations, DNA content, MAA composition, species biodiversity and cell numbers.

Sea water under the ice was sampled at 5, 25 and 50m depths and similar analysis were performed. Light levels and termperature loggers were deployed in the sea ice for the duration of sampling and CTD (conductivity, temperature and chlorophyll concentration) profiles were taken in the water column every day at solar noon. A physical survey of the sampling area was also undertaken including snow depth, light attenuation through varying snow depths and under ice irradiance levels.