Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 08/29/2013 - 16:36
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Arctic Sunlight and Microbial Interactions

The ScienceDaily article stated that the researchers analyzed water from seven thermokarst failures near Toolik Lake, Alaska, as well as 27 other undisturbed sites nearby. What types of testing and analyses were conducted on this water, and what were the findings? Also, was there any variation between the bodies of water based on their location? Overall, what was the conclusion from the research? See you at school! Sara Cecere

Sat, 08/31/2013 - 17:04

Anonymous

Sara -
Very good questions. There was a lot of testing done with the thermokarst features over a long period of time. The team tested the carbon that was released from them into the water when the permafrost thawed and slumped, tested the microbial action on the released carbon, and measured gases dissolved in the waters impacted by the thermokarst. The most interesting finding from that study was that when the carbon from the thawed permafrost was exposed to sunlight, it was much easier for the microbes to digest it and convert it to CO2. If the tundra continues to thaw and more carbon is exposed to sunlight, this enhanced microbial respiration could be an important process in promoting the release of heat-trapping gases. But more work needs to be done to have a clear understanding.
- Mr. T