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Soil Ecology in Antarctic Dry Valleys

Justin -

Glad you made it down there! The journals and pictures are great. What do the bacteria in the Dry Valleys sustain themselves on? And how is the food?

  • Bruce
Tue, 11/26/2013 - 12:14

Justin Kendhammer

Hi Bruce,Good question. It has been described to me as an ecosystem in reverse. So, typically the vegetation surrounding streams and lakes provide the nutrients and carbon to to these waters. In Antarctica it is the lakes and streams that provide the nutrients/ carbon to the surrounding soils. This is due to the algae mats that are present in and around the water and later catch wind currents and are distributed around the Dry Valleys.As far as human food goes, it ranges from ok to excellent depending on the meal, day, camp, kitchen, and time of year. Sunday brunch is a big deal at Mc Murdo. Lake Hoare has a great camp host that serves up excellent dinners. The last load of fresh food has already arrived and from here out it will be all canned, boxed, or frozen food. Justin