Analyses of water and microbial mat samples collected from two ponds at Luther Peak, near Cape Hallett

To broaden the understanding of pond systems within the Ross Sea region of Antarctica survey work was carried out below Luther Peak, near Cape Hallett. The investigation would test the hypothesis that the gradient in climatic severity associated with latitudinal and altitudinal gradients drives a corresponding gradient of biological diversity and productivity.

This was the first ecological investigation of these ponds. Two ponds, away from the influence of the penguin colony, were located. Both were ice covered.