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Lake Ecosystems in Antarctica

Ms. Ellwood,

My 3rd block class has a few questions:

1. What kinds of bacteria and algae live on the bottom of the lake? 2. When you get samples of the life from the bottom of the lake, can you bring them back to the surface and to the lab without them dying? 3 Since the lake in the Dry Valleys is so special, how do you feel about diving there? 4. How quickly does the life on the lake bottom grow back after you disturb it with fin tipping? 5 Do you ever get water leaking into your dry suit? If so, what happens?

We will check back soon. TTYL

Mr. Peneston's 3rd block class

Tue, 10/14/2008 - 23:30

Robin Ellwood

Hello Mr. Peneston's class!
Thanks so much for writing! Let me see if I can answer your questions; they are GOOD ones!
1) I know there are cyanobacteria and protists living in the lakes. It is quite fun to watch them under the miccroscope interacting with each other! I will find out more information about specific species and get back to you!
2) Yes, we can get samples back to the lab without them dying! We have actually done several experiments comparing in situ (meaning in running experiements in their natural positions in the lake) with samples that have been taken to the lab. For the most part, results are comparible within acceptable limits, so researchers feel comfortable that for most experiments, they can retrieve samples and take them to the lab area and get reliable data. Some even go all the way back to Chicago for analysis!
3) This is a GREAT, and COMPLEX question! On the one hand, because the lakes are so special, it is a privilege to be able to dive in these lakes. I am one of only a few people to have ever experienced this diving! But, on the other hand, they are special and as much as we try to have minimal impact, we do have some impact. I have mixed feelings about this! We work VERY hard not to disturb the environment any more than necessary to gather the samples that are needed. The information that is being learned is incredible. It is a difficult judgment call to make! I do my very best to respect and preserve the environment!
4) It takes a long time for any disturbance to recover. We try only to fin-tip so that the disturbance we cause in the substrate is a thin line which has more chance of recovering "quickly" than a large disruption. Exact time-frame, I can't offer, but it is months to a year or more. This is a very sensitive area; maintaining proper buoyancy control is a must!
5) I, unfortunately, have had the experience of water leaking into my dry suit. The suit I have used in previous years was quite old and simply started to disintegrate! The water is VERY cold! If it's a slight leak, the fleece I wear under the suit is still able to keep me warm so I can work a bit longer. If it is a larger leak, which has happened, it is not possible to stay warm and the dive must end. It simply becomes dangerous to be under the ice in a leaking suit that is filling with water and to be freezing cold! So - I get out! 
Luckily, I have a NEW suit for this year! I should be warm and dry for the duration! 

Wed, 10/15/2008 - 07:28

Guest

i whounder what type of fish are thare

Wed, 10/15/2008 - 07:30

Monkeygirl

You did a wonderful Job! I loved reading it. It was very interesting!You can most likly tell that I love smily faces!I hope to read another!
                                   Monkeygirl