Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 11/18/2008 - 12:01
Forums
Lake Ecosystems in Antarctica

How will the LTER project help in future research, life, climate change, etc.

From Joey A. 8th grade

Thu, 11/20/2008 - 00:00

Robin Ellwood

Hello there Joey! Nice to hear from you!Great questions! The LTER project helps in numerous ways. First, the research that is conducted now assists the scientists in designing new questions to further our understanding of how life is existing in these conditions. The algal mats in the Dry Valleys are made up of some of the most basic orgainisms - ones that are believed to have been like the first living things on this planet. It is specualated that if we were to find signs of life on other planets, that it may have been started by similar organisms, so the LTER project is very helpful in astrobiology and works quite closely with NASA.
 Also, the vallyes are such a senstive area, that even the slightest change in climate can have dramatic effects within the valley. The scientists are monitoring things very closely as they search for evidence of change. For instance, the lake levels have risen significantly over the years. This is due to an increase in lake water due to glacial melt.
Hope that helps! See you soon!
Cheers,
Robin