A glimpse into the future: How the timing of sea ice formation influences associated microalgal communities
Summary: This study investigates the impact of unseasonable storm events in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, in 2022 on eukaryotic microalgal communities (EMCs). We assessed EMCs from the fast-ice and sub-ice platelet layer (SIPL) associated with fast-ice formed during March (historical timing) and Septem...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-05-01
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| Series: | iScience |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004225006789 |
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| Summary: | Summary: This study investigates the impact of unseasonable storm events in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, in 2022 on eukaryotic microalgal communities (EMCs). We assessed EMCs from the fast-ice and sub-ice platelet layer (SIPL) associated with fast-ice formed during March (historical timing) and September (five months later). We compared three ice conditions: March-ice (fast ice with SIPL, frozen in March), September-ice (fast ice with SIPL, frozen in September), and September-no-SIPL (fast-ice without SIPL, frozen in September). Using metabarcoding and light microscopy, results showed higher diversity in March-ice EMCs compared to September-no-SIPL. Community structure was significantly influenced by ice condition and ice type. March-ice had the most unique ASVs, of all ice conditions. Biomass peaked in March-ice SIPLs at 25–50 cm, while September-ice SIPLs peaked at 0–25 cm. These findings demonstrate delayed ice formation alters EMC structure, diversity, and biomass, potentially impacting primary productivity, nutrient cycling, and Antarctic sea ice ecosystems. |
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| ISSN: | 2589-0042 |