Item: Life in ice and snow
-
-
Title: Life in ice and snow
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2018, Innsbruck, Austria
Authors:
- Klemens Weisleitner [ Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck Tirol, Austria ]
- Birgit Sattler [ Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck Tirol, Austria ]
- Arwyn Edwards [ IBERS (Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth Ceredigion, Wales ]
- Sabrina Obwegeser [ Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck Tirol, Austria ]
- Daniel Gattinger [ Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck Tirol, Austria ]
- Roland Psenner [ Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck Tirol, Austria ]
Date: 2018-10-07
Abstract: Snow and ice surfaces were long considered as sterile environments and hence neglected as a research topic in a biological context. Today, the presence of active life in the cryosphere is evident and key strategies for survival under extreme conditions on ice and snow surfaces have been explored. Here we present microbially dominated communities in the cryosphere and demonstrate how these organisms actively decrease the reflectivity of ice and snow surfaces and hence alter the physical properties of snow and ice. Further, we highlight challenges of sample acquisition and how these hurdles can be minimized by using a novel portable laser prototype for the non-invasive in-situ detection of supraglacial biota. Ultimately, we discuss the impact of anthropogenic footprints on glaciers and ice sheets in context with global warming.
Object ID: ISSW2018_O06.4.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Glacial Ice, Snow Pack, Cryoconite Holes, Cryobiosphere, Microbes, Bioalbedo, Laser-Induced Fluorescence Emission.
Page Number(s): 525-526
-