Meltwater geochemistry and biological characteristics of the Darwin Glacier region of Antarctica

A suite of relatively easily measured chemical and biological variables that provide key information on the structure of Antarctic aquatic ecosystems have been measured at several sites in the Ross Sea region in conjunction with the Latitudinal Gradient Project and were measured more recently in areas around the Darwin glacier.

Samples were collected from the following meltwater catchments: Lake Wilson, Diamond Hill, Lake Wellman area, Grant Valley (Lake Hendy),the Foggy Dog Glacier region and Tentacle Ridge. In addition, several moraine based ponds and several supraglacial ponds were sampled opportunistically. Water samples are to be analysed for pH, salinity, conductivity, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO4, HCO3, DIC, DOC, Chlor-a, isotopes (O18, D2, Tr3), dissolved nutrients (NO3, DRP, NH3, TDN, and TDP), particulate nutrients (PNPP, PNPC), viruses and bacteria, and selected trace elements.