Lake Vostok
By Alex Lachapelle
Lake Vostok is a underground lake lying under the east Antarctic ice sheet, located beneath the Russian research station from which the lake is named. Sitting about five hundred meters below sea level, the underground lake is sealed off from the world by about 4,000 meters of ice. The massive ice sheet covering the lake is about 4,000m thick. The ice sheet covering the lake, when drilled through this past February, has the potential to provided researchers with about a 420,000 year old record of the climate and conditions of the Antarctic. The potential discovery of the lake dates back to 1964 with the seismic readings performed by the Russian Artic Explorations, though the confirmation of the lakes existence was not until 1991 when the University of London turned their high frequency radar toward the Antarctic ice sheet, and confirmed the presence of the lake. The lake itself sits about 500m below sea level, this presents an interesting situation as the lake has been sealed off for many thousands of years. The average depth of the lake is estimated to be around 344m deep, with a maximum depth of about 900m. Lake Vostok presents a challenge to live as we know it, not only because of the complete lack of sunlight, or the 5143psi pushing down on the lake, but also the extremely high concentration of oxygen and nitrogen coupled with the average temperature of the lake around -3 degrees Celsius make life as we now it almost impossible to live in. It is suspected though, that the bottom of the lake is heated by geothermal means.
By Alex Lachapelle
Lake Vostok is a underground lake lying under the east Antarctic ice sheet, located beneath the Russian research station from which the lake is named. Sitting about five hundred meters below sea level, the underground lake is sealed off from the world by about 4,000 meters of ice. The massive ice sheet covering the lake is about 4,000m thick. The ice sheet covering the lake, when drilled through this past February, has the potential to provided researchers with about a 420,000 year old record of the climate and conditions of the Antarctic. The potential discovery of the lake dates back to 1964 with the seismic readings performed by the Russian Artic Explorations, though the confirmation of the lakes existence was not until 1991 when the University of London turned their high frequency radar toward the Antarctic ice sheet, and confirmed the presence of the lake. The lake itself sits about 500m below sea level, this presents an interesting situation as the lake has been sealed off for many thousands of years. The average depth of the lake is estimated to be around 344m deep, with a maximum depth of about 900m. Lake Vostok presents a challenge to live as we know it, not only because of the complete lack of sunlight, or the 5143psi pushing down on the lake, but also the extremely high concentration of oxygen and nitrogen coupled with the average temperature of the lake around -3 degrees Celsius make life as we now it almost impossible to live in. It is suspected though, that the bottom of the lake is heated by geothermal means.
Antarctic ice-covered lakes
By Megan Sharret
There are many types of lakes that inhabit Antarctica, influencing the diversity of organisms found within the aquatic ecosystem. Antarctic lakes can be found in ice-free regions, with water ranging from freshwater to water with a high content of salt, also known as hypersaline, and within regions surrounding or beneath glacial cover. Ice-covered lakes specifically have been found to contain a unique ecosystem, due to the thick ice-covers of around 3-7m enclosing the water and influencing the nutrients and light available to the water. Antarctic lakes can be characterized by low inorganic nutrient levels, minimal water flow, poor light climate, and low temperatures. The microbial life found in the layers below the ice cover have adapted to this extreme environment, developing enzymes and proteins specific to metabolic activity. [2] The phototrophic microorganisms within the lake carry photosynthetic activity that is temperature-independent along with temperature-dependent processes involved with energy source production and usage. Psychrophilic bacteria, bacteria that inhabit extremely cold environments, have characteristics adapted to their artic lake environment, such as membrane fluidity and enzymes synthesized to compensate for the lowered rate of biochemical reactions. [3] Research has been conducted on the microorganisms underneath the ice cover, revealing new strains of bacteria found within the lakes. For example, Lake Fryxell in the Antarctic dry valleys has phototrophic purple bacteria that contain gas vesicles previously unknown to purple nonsulfur bacteria; these vesicles are thought to help position the organisms within the depths of the lake. [1] Potential genome sequencing of psychrophilic phototrophs in the ice-covered lakes could provide more information on the metabolic functions and biochemistry of organisms inhabiting the low temperature habitat. [3]
References
1. Karr, E. A., Sattley, W. M., Jung, D. O., Madigan, M. T., & Achenbach, L. A. (2003). Remarkable diversity of phototrophic purple bacteria in a permanently frozen antarctic lake. American Society for Microbiology, 69(8), 4910-4914. Retrieved from http://aem.asm.org/content/69/8/4910.full
2. Laybourn-Parry, J., & Pearce, D. A. (2007). The biodiversity and ecology of antarctic lakes: models for evolution. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 362(1488), 2273-2289. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2443172/
3. Morgan-Kiss, R. M., Priscu, J. C., Pocock, T., Gudynaite-Savitch, L. G., & Huner, N. P. A. (2006). Adaptation and acclimation of photosynthetic microorganisms to permanently cold environments. American Society for Microbiology, 70(1), 222-252. Retrieved from http://mmbr.asm.org/content/70/1/222.full
By Megan Sharret
There are many types of lakes that inhabit Antarctica, influencing the diversity of organisms found within the aquatic ecosystem. Antarctic lakes can be found in ice-free regions, with water ranging from freshwater to water with a high content of salt, also known as hypersaline, and within regions surrounding or beneath glacial cover. Ice-covered lakes specifically have been found to contain a unique ecosystem, due to the thick ice-covers of around 3-7m enclosing the water and influencing the nutrients and light available to the water. Antarctic lakes can be characterized by low inorganic nutrient levels, minimal water flow, poor light climate, and low temperatures. The microbial life found in the layers below the ice cover have adapted to this extreme environment, developing enzymes and proteins specific to metabolic activity. [2] The phototrophic microorganisms within the lake carry photosynthetic activity that is temperature-independent along with temperature-dependent processes involved with energy source production and usage. Psychrophilic bacteria, bacteria that inhabit extremely cold environments, have characteristics adapted to their artic lake environment, such as membrane fluidity and enzymes synthesized to compensate for the lowered rate of biochemical reactions. [3] Research has been conducted on the microorganisms underneath the ice cover, revealing new strains of bacteria found within the lakes. For example, Lake Fryxell in the Antarctic dry valleys has phototrophic purple bacteria that contain gas vesicles previously unknown to purple nonsulfur bacteria; these vesicles are thought to help position the organisms within the depths of the lake. [1] Potential genome sequencing of psychrophilic phototrophs in the ice-covered lakes could provide more information on the metabolic functions and biochemistry of organisms inhabiting the low temperature habitat. [3]
References
1. Karr, E. A., Sattley, W. M., Jung, D. O., Madigan, M. T., & Achenbach, L. A. (2003). Remarkable diversity of phototrophic purple bacteria in a permanently frozen antarctic lake. American Society for Microbiology, 69(8), 4910-4914. Retrieved from http://aem.asm.org/content/69/8/4910.full
2. Laybourn-Parry, J., & Pearce, D. A. (2007). The biodiversity and ecology of antarctic lakes: models for evolution. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 362(1488), 2273-2289. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2443172/
3. Morgan-Kiss, R. M., Priscu, J. C., Pocock, T., Gudynaite-Savitch, L. G., & Huner, N. P. A. (2006). Adaptation and acclimation of photosynthetic microorganisms to permanently cold environments. American Society for Microbiology, 70(1), 222-252. Retrieved from http://mmbr.asm.org/content/70/1/222.full
What is Blood Falls?
By Rhea Johnson
Antarctica is known for its inhospitable environment, with desperately cold temperature, snow-covered ground, and rocky terrain. With only scientists inhabiting the continent for research during the summer, little activity occurs the rest of the year. However, due to recent studies, it appears that Blood Falls is an environment in Antarctica where some microorganisms can live.
Blood Falls was named after the reddish stain from Taylor Glacier in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, a place barren of snow due to the harsh winds and ice covered lakes. The reddish tint is caused by iron that contains salt ferrous hydroxide, seeps into Lake Bonney; giving the appearance that the Taylor Glacier is bleeding. A theory of the origin of Blood Falls is that millions of years ago, a salt-water lake formed, but the climate changed and glaciers moved inland. The lake was covered and trapped under the Taylor Glacier. As the glacier moved across the lake, some of the iron containing salts were picked up and frozen inside of the glacier. With time, the salts have approached the edge of the glacier, and are slowly being seeped out into Lake Bonney.
Under recent studies, microorganisms have been found surviving in the dark, oxygen-free waters of the lake. Dr. Jill Mikucki, of the University of Kentucky, has three ideas of how the microorganisms have survived the inhospitable environment. Firstly, the microbes are closely related to those that use sulfate for respiration instead of oxygen. Secondly, the sulfate is not being used directly for respiration. Lastly, the organisms are converting insoluble ferric iron into soluble ferrous iron, thus enriching the water. In any case, this discovery gives the possibility that microorganisms can live in inhospitable environments, such as Mars or Jupiter’s moon Europa.
Resources
“Ancient Ecosystem Discovered Beneath Antarctic Glacier." - ScienceNOW. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2009/04/16-02.html>.
"Explanation Offered For Antarctica's "Blood Falls,"" Explanation Offered For Antarctica's "Blood Falls" N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/bloodfalls.htm>.
"Use Your Atlas Obscura Account." Atlas Obscura. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2012. <http://atlasobscura.com/place/blood-falls>.
By Rhea Johnson
Antarctica is known for its inhospitable environment, with desperately cold temperature, snow-covered ground, and rocky terrain. With only scientists inhabiting the continent for research during the summer, little activity occurs the rest of the year. However, due to recent studies, it appears that Blood Falls is an environment in Antarctica where some microorganisms can live.
Blood Falls was named after the reddish stain from Taylor Glacier in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, a place barren of snow due to the harsh winds and ice covered lakes. The reddish tint is caused by iron that contains salt ferrous hydroxide, seeps into Lake Bonney; giving the appearance that the Taylor Glacier is bleeding. A theory of the origin of Blood Falls is that millions of years ago, a salt-water lake formed, but the climate changed and glaciers moved inland. The lake was covered and trapped under the Taylor Glacier. As the glacier moved across the lake, some of the iron containing salts were picked up and frozen inside of the glacier. With time, the salts have approached the edge of the glacier, and are slowly being seeped out into Lake Bonney.
Under recent studies, microorganisms have been found surviving in the dark, oxygen-free waters of the lake. Dr. Jill Mikucki, of the University of Kentucky, has three ideas of how the microorganisms have survived the inhospitable environment. Firstly, the microbes are closely related to those that use sulfate for respiration instead of oxygen. Secondly, the sulfate is not being used directly for respiration. Lastly, the organisms are converting insoluble ferric iron into soluble ferrous iron, thus enriching the water. In any case, this discovery gives the possibility that microorganisms can live in inhospitable environments, such as Mars or Jupiter’s moon Europa.
Resources
“Ancient Ecosystem Discovered Beneath Antarctic Glacier." - ScienceNOW. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2009/04/16-02.html>.
"Explanation Offered For Antarctica's "Blood Falls,"" Explanation Offered For Antarctica's "Blood Falls" N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/bloodfalls.htm>.
"Use Your Atlas Obscura Account." Atlas Obscura. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2012. <http://atlasobscura.com/place/blood-falls>.
The Long Term Ecological Research Network
By Janine Cerny
The Long Term Ecological Research Network, often referred to as the LTER, is a program that focuses on the research of ecological issues, primarily ones that require an extended amount of time to study. Founded in 1980 by the National Science Foundation, the program now involves over 1800 scientists (2). There are 26 LTER sites encompassing various types of ecosystems (2). It was founded upon the idea that in order to fully understand environmental issues, long-term research on a broad scale is necessary. Among the diverse ecosystems that the LTER has site locations, two are located in Antarctica as well as one site in the Arctic tundra (1).
The LTER program is a very distinct research program in three main ways. First, the locations of the sites have been specifically chosen as to best represent the major biomes and ecosystems on Earth. Deserts, coral reefs, estuaries, and urban areas are among the various ecosystems. Secondly, the studies are focused on environmental issues that need to be studied over extended lengths of time. Finally, the LTER program is unique in the way that the research data collected is available for use by other scientists and others involved within the LTER network. This common data available to the scientific community is a stipulation in receiving funds from the National Science Foundation (1).
Research under the LTER network encompasses a wide variety of disciplines, varying from evolutionary biology and phylogenetic systematics, to social sciences and urban ecology (1). The connection and sharing of research among the 26 sites in the network means bigger questions can be addressed such as continental or global issues. The vision of the LTER program is that the research they conduct on the long-term scale will ultimately improve the lives of humans and help protect the global environment (1).
Works Cited
1. The Long Term Ecological Research Network. (2012). Network Overview. Retrieved from
http://www.lternet.edu/network
2. Wikipedia. (2011) Long Term Ecological Research Network. Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Term_Ecological_Research_Network
By Janine Cerny
The Long Term Ecological Research Network, often referred to as the LTER, is a program that focuses on the research of ecological issues, primarily ones that require an extended amount of time to study. Founded in 1980 by the National Science Foundation, the program now involves over 1800 scientists (2). There are 26 LTER sites encompassing various types of ecosystems (2). It was founded upon the idea that in order to fully understand environmental issues, long-term research on a broad scale is necessary. Among the diverse ecosystems that the LTER has site locations, two are located in Antarctica as well as one site in the Arctic tundra (1).
The LTER program is a very distinct research program in three main ways. First, the locations of the sites have been specifically chosen as to best represent the major biomes and ecosystems on Earth. Deserts, coral reefs, estuaries, and urban areas are among the various ecosystems. Secondly, the studies are focused on environmental issues that need to be studied over extended lengths of time. Finally, the LTER program is unique in the way that the research data collected is available for use by other scientists and others involved within the LTER network. This common data available to the scientific community is a stipulation in receiving funds from the National Science Foundation (1).
Research under the LTER network encompasses a wide variety of disciplines, varying from evolutionary biology and phylogenetic systematics, to social sciences and urban ecology (1). The connection and sharing of research among the 26 sites in the network means bigger questions can be addressed such as continental or global issues. The vision of the LTER program is that the research they conduct on the long-term scale will ultimately improve the lives of humans and help protect the global environment (1).
Works Cited
1. The Long Term Ecological Research Network. (2012). Network Overview. Retrieved from
http://www.lternet.edu/network
2. Wikipedia. (2011) Long Term Ecological Research Network. Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Term_Ecological_Research_Network
Effects of Climate Change on the Arctic and Antarctic
By Greg Bohurjak
The changing climate around the world is having vast and important effects on the Arctic and Antarctic. These regions of the Earth have been greatly affected by global warming and in turn are affecting the rest of the world. Some of the major problems occurring in these regions are defrosting of permafrost, endangerment of wildlife, and melting of sea ice and the ice sheet. These problems are occurring at an increasing rate and if not controlled have disastrous effects for not only those regions but also the entire world.
The defrosting of permafrost is an important issue that needs to be addressed because of the severe repercussions if it continues. The Arctic permafrost is a region of land that is frozen, which provides for structures, roads, and pipelines (Global). One consequence of it defrosting is the ground the infrastructure built on it becomes unstable. The more severe problem though, is the release of greenhouse gasses that are locked in the ground. The release of these gasses will cause greater climate change and the cycle keeps getting worse (Global).
Another effect of climate change is the endangerment of wildlife in these regions. As the ice sheets melt, multiple species are losing their food sources or land to live on (Antarctic). For example, plankton and krill have less and less ice to feed on, and in turn penguin population is decreasing because of the decreasing krill population (Antarctic). Many other species including Emperor Penguins and Walrus’s are losing space on the ice to live as it melts away.
One huge effect of global warming that most effects the rest of the world is the actual melting of the sea ice and ice sheets. As more and more ice melts, the higher sea levels become. Some predictions are that if the whole ice sheet would melt, the oceans would rise around 60 meters, critically endangering all coasts (Antarctic). This is also a problem that keeps building on itself as the more water that is exposed to the sun, the more heat that is absorbed, which continues to increase global warming (Global).
These effects of climate change on the Arctic and Antarctic regions have significant consequences currently and in the future if steps aren’t taken to stop global warming. Many species will become endangered, more greenhouse gasses will be released, and our own societies could be in danger from the increasing sea levels. Global warming and the current climate change is a very important problem that is affecting not only the poles of our Earth, but the whole world.
Works Cited
"Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition." Climate Change and the Antarctic -. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012.
<http://www.asoc.org/issues-and-advocacy/climate-change-and-the-antarctic>.
"Global Warming Impacts in the Arctic and Antarctic." WWF. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. <http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/aboutcc/problems/impacts/polar_melting/>.
By Greg Bohurjak
The changing climate around the world is having vast and important effects on the Arctic and Antarctic. These regions of the Earth have been greatly affected by global warming and in turn are affecting the rest of the world. Some of the major problems occurring in these regions are defrosting of permafrost, endangerment of wildlife, and melting of sea ice and the ice sheet. These problems are occurring at an increasing rate and if not controlled have disastrous effects for not only those regions but also the entire world.
The defrosting of permafrost is an important issue that needs to be addressed because of the severe repercussions if it continues. The Arctic permafrost is a region of land that is frozen, which provides for structures, roads, and pipelines (Global). One consequence of it defrosting is the ground the infrastructure built on it becomes unstable. The more severe problem though, is the release of greenhouse gasses that are locked in the ground. The release of these gasses will cause greater climate change and the cycle keeps getting worse (Global).
Another effect of climate change is the endangerment of wildlife in these regions. As the ice sheets melt, multiple species are losing their food sources or land to live on (Antarctic). For example, plankton and krill have less and less ice to feed on, and in turn penguin population is decreasing because of the decreasing krill population (Antarctic). Many other species including Emperor Penguins and Walrus’s are losing space on the ice to live as it melts away.
One huge effect of global warming that most effects the rest of the world is the actual melting of the sea ice and ice sheets. As more and more ice melts, the higher sea levels become. Some predictions are that if the whole ice sheet would melt, the oceans would rise around 60 meters, critically endangering all coasts (Antarctic). This is also a problem that keeps building on itself as the more water that is exposed to the sun, the more heat that is absorbed, which continues to increase global warming (Global).
These effects of climate change on the Arctic and Antarctic regions have significant consequences currently and in the future if steps aren’t taken to stop global warming. Many species will become endangered, more greenhouse gasses will be released, and our own societies could be in danger from the increasing sea levels. Global warming and the current climate change is a very important problem that is affecting not only the poles of our Earth, but the whole world.
Works Cited
"Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition." Climate Change and the Antarctic -. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012.
<http://www.asoc.org/issues-and-advocacy/climate-change-and-the-antarctic>.
"Global Warming Impacts in the Arctic and Antarctic." WWF. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. <http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/aboutcc/problems/impacts/polar_melting/>.
Who was Robert Falcon Scott? “Scott of the Antarctic” (Ward, 1)
By Caitlyn Threadgill
Robert Falcon Scott is possibly the most distinguished Polar explorer of his time in the early 1900’s. Growing up Scott was an avid daydreamer and grew up to be a Royal Navy officer and explorer of the mysterious land of Antarctica (Wikipedia). After Scott had served 18 years in the Navy, he was determined to broaden his horizons. He did so by accepting a leadership role in his two journeys to Antarctica. The main goal of the expeditions was to reach the South Pole.
Of his accomplishments, his two expeditions to Antarctica, the Discovery Expedition and the Terra Nova Expedition, are the most prominent. During the Discovery Expedition, Scott and his crew performed scientific and exploratory operations. Before ending this journey Scott travelled 300 miles farther south than anyone before and was only 480 miles from the Pole (Ward, 1). After Scott’s almost successful journey to the South Pole was ended, he decided to make another journey back to Antarctica a few years later. During the Terra Nova Expedition, Scott and his crew dealt with unusually extreme weather conditions. They finally reached the Pole on January 18th 1912, disappointed (ward, 2). A Norwegian flag was already waving in the wind.
Scott is best known for his attempt to be the first explorer to reach the South Pole. Battling extreme environmental conditions, starvation, and disease, Scott and his team reached the South Pole eventually on his second expedition. Although his team reached the South Pole, the Norwegians had successfully beaten them a month before. To make matters worse, Scott and his crew never returned home safely. Running low on fuel and food, the men froze and starved to death on the trip home. Nonetheless, Scott became a British hero and maintained this status for more than 50 years after the fatal death of his comrades and himself during the Terra Nova Expedition.
"Robert Falcon Scott." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Sept. 2012. Web. 23 Sept. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Falcon_Scott>.
Ward, Paul. "Robert Falcon Scott (1868-1912)." Cool Antarctica. Paul Ward, 2001. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. <http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/History/Robert%20Falcon%20Scott.htm>.
By Caitlyn Threadgill
Robert Falcon Scott is possibly the most distinguished Polar explorer of his time in the early 1900’s. Growing up Scott was an avid daydreamer and grew up to be a Royal Navy officer and explorer of the mysterious land of Antarctica (Wikipedia). After Scott had served 18 years in the Navy, he was determined to broaden his horizons. He did so by accepting a leadership role in his two journeys to Antarctica. The main goal of the expeditions was to reach the South Pole.
Of his accomplishments, his two expeditions to Antarctica, the Discovery Expedition and the Terra Nova Expedition, are the most prominent. During the Discovery Expedition, Scott and his crew performed scientific and exploratory operations. Before ending this journey Scott travelled 300 miles farther south than anyone before and was only 480 miles from the Pole (Ward, 1). After Scott’s almost successful journey to the South Pole was ended, he decided to make another journey back to Antarctica a few years later. During the Terra Nova Expedition, Scott and his crew dealt with unusually extreme weather conditions. They finally reached the Pole on January 18th 1912, disappointed (ward, 2). A Norwegian flag was already waving in the wind.
Scott is best known for his attempt to be the first explorer to reach the South Pole. Battling extreme environmental conditions, starvation, and disease, Scott and his team reached the South Pole eventually on his second expedition. Although his team reached the South Pole, the Norwegians had successfully beaten them a month before. To make matters worse, Scott and his crew never returned home safely. Running low on fuel and food, the men froze and starved to death on the trip home. Nonetheless, Scott became a British hero and maintained this status for more than 50 years after the fatal death of his comrades and himself during the Terra Nova Expedition.
"Robert Falcon Scott." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Sept. 2012. Web. 23 Sept. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Falcon_Scott>.
Ward, Paul. "Robert Falcon Scott (1868-1912)." Cool Antarctica. Paul Ward, 2001. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. <http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/History/Robert%20Falcon%20Scott.htm>.
What are Psychrophiles
By Kendall Kilander
Psychrophiles are organisms that require a cold environment for survival. Most psychrophiles are bacteria or archaea and are classified by their optimal growth at around 10°C.1 However, these organisms can grow and thrive at temperatures as low as 0°C.1 Some cellular components that make up psychrophiles are specialized and unique since the cold temperatures naturally impair cell functioning.2 Cold temperatures affect several processes within the organism, including membrane fluidity, transport of nutrients and wastes, protein denaturation, ice formation, and incorrect protein folding.2 The sheer cold of the external environment provides psychrophiles with challenges since it slows biochemical reactions and necessary cell processes.2 Psychrophiles had to overcome the freezing of the components within their cell membrane. In order to prevent their cytoplasm and cell components from freezing, and thereby, killing the cell, psychrophiles have cold shock proteins.2 The cold shock proteins prevent the inside of the cell from freezing when under stress due to extreme cold. Another way in which psychrophiles have adjusted to their environment is through their highly unsaturated fatty acids in the membrane.1 Unsaturated fatty acids contain double bonds, which limit the free rotation of the chain. Unsaturated fatty acids essentially contain kinks in their chain where the double bonds appear.2 These bends within the chain prevent the fatty acid tails from being able to bind as closely, and therefore, the fluidity of the membrane is increased.2 This is important when discussing the viscosity, or the thinness of the liquid within the cell. The unsaturated fatty acids maintain the liquid phase within the cell at cold temperatures.1 Psychrophiles are important to study because of their unique and essential cellular and structural adaptations.
References
1. Todar’s Online Textbook of Bateriology. Nutrition and Growth of Bacteria. http://textbookofbacteriology.net/nutgro_5.html (accessed Sept. 24, 2012).
2. D’Amico, S., Collins, T., Marx, J., Feller, G., Gerday, C. Psychrophilic Microorganisms: Challenges For Life. PubMed Central. [Online] 2006, 4, 385-389. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1456908/ (accessed Sept. 24, 2012).
By Kendall Kilander
Psychrophiles are organisms that require a cold environment for survival. Most psychrophiles are bacteria or archaea and are classified by their optimal growth at around 10°C.1 However, these organisms can grow and thrive at temperatures as low as 0°C.1 Some cellular components that make up psychrophiles are specialized and unique since the cold temperatures naturally impair cell functioning.2 Cold temperatures affect several processes within the organism, including membrane fluidity, transport of nutrients and wastes, protein denaturation, ice formation, and incorrect protein folding.2 The sheer cold of the external environment provides psychrophiles with challenges since it slows biochemical reactions and necessary cell processes.2 Psychrophiles had to overcome the freezing of the components within their cell membrane. In order to prevent their cytoplasm and cell components from freezing, and thereby, killing the cell, psychrophiles have cold shock proteins.2 The cold shock proteins prevent the inside of the cell from freezing when under stress due to extreme cold. Another way in which psychrophiles have adjusted to their environment is through their highly unsaturated fatty acids in the membrane.1 Unsaturated fatty acids contain double bonds, which limit the free rotation of the chain. Unsaturated fatty acids essentially contain kinks in their chain where the double bonds appear.2 These bends within the chain prevent the fatty acid tails from being able to bind as closely, and therefore, the fluidity of the membrane is increased.2 This is important when discussing the viscosity, or the thinness of the liquid within the cell. The unsaturated fatty acids maintain the liquid phase within the cell at cold temperatures.1 Psychrophiles are important to study because of their unique and essential cellular and structural adaptations.
References
1. Todar’s Online Textbook of Bateriology. Nutrition and Growth of Bacteria. http://textbookofbacteriology.net/nutgro_5.html (accessed Sept. 24, 2012).
2. D’Amico, S., Collins, T., Marx, J., Feller, G., Gerday, C. Psychrophilic Microorganisms: Challenges For Life. PubMed Central. [Online] 2006, 4, 385-389. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1456908/ (accessed Sept. 24, 2012).
Astrobiology and planetary analogs in Antarctica
By Zach Troyer
When one hears the word “astrobiology,” one’s mind usually shifts to the other seven planets surrounding our sun. What is often overlooked is the fact that astrobiology has a major component that strikes very close to home. Right in our own metaphorical backyard, scientists in Antarctica are researching environments that are thought to represent conditions on some of the other planets and moons in our solar system.
Astrobiology is generally defined as the study of extraterrestrial life and the possibility thereof (1). Astrobiologists can study the possible origin of life on other planets, whether certain planets or moons could possibly harbor life, or even environments on earth that could be similar to environments on places other than earth. Astrobiology is a very broad field with many current projects and applications. Many astrobiologists who work for NASA study environments on earth in order to better prepare space missions for environments on other planets.
One such environment is the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica. These valleys constitute an extreme desert with extremely little precipitation and very high winds (2). The valleys are generally ice free, unlike the rest of the Antarctic continent. There is a general consensus among scientists that these valleys are the closest terrestrial environment analog to conditions on Mars, and thus are a very important scientific site (2). Also very important is the Antarctic underwater lake, Lake Vostok (3). Lake Vostok is considered an extremely important analog for Jupiter’s moon, Europa. Just as Lake Vostok consists of a lake trapped under ice, Europa is believed to contain a large sub-glacial ocean beneath its ice layer (3). Thus, if life is found to have survived in Lake Vostok, there is a probability that similar life exists in Europa’s sub-glacial ocean.
In closing, Antarctica is truly a place of exciting exploration and discovery, despite its reputation as a barren wasteland of ice and snow. This sometimes overlooked continent may in fact hold the key to someday discovering life on other planets in our solar system.
References:
1. "Astrobiology." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Sept. 2012. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrobiology>.
2. "McMurdo Dry Valleys." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Sept. 2012. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMurdo_Dry_Valleys>.
3. Choi, Charles Q. "Where in the World Is Europa?" Where in the World Is Europa?Astrobiology Magazine, 16 Aug. 2010. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://www.astrobio.net/exclusive/3584/where-in-the-world-is-europa>
By Zach Troyer
When one hears the word “astrobiology,” one’s mind usually shifts to the other seven planets surrounding our sun. What is often overlooked is the fact that astrobiology has a major component that strikes very close to home. Right in our own metaphorical backyard, scientists in Antarctica are researching environments that are thought to represent conditions on some of the other planets and moons in our solar system.
Astrobiology is generally defined as the study of extraterrestrial life and the possibility thereof (1). Astrobiologists can study the possible origin of life on other planets, whether certain planets or moons could possibly harbor life, or even environments on earth that could be similar to environments on places other than earth. Astrobiology is a very broad field with many current projects and applications. Many astrobiologists who work for NASA study environments on earth in order to better prepare space missions for environments on other planets.
One such environment is the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica. These valleys constitute an extreme desert with extremely little precipitation and very high winds (2). The valleys are generally ice free, unlike the rest of the Antarctic continent. There is a general consensus among scientists that these valleys are the closest terrestrial environment analog to conditions on Mars, and thus are a very important scientific site (2). Also very important is the Antarctic underwater lake, Lake Vostok (3). Lake Vostok is considered an extremely important analog for Jupiter’s moon, Europa. Just as Lake Vostok consists of a lake trapped under ice, Europa is believed to contain a large sub-glacial ocean beneath its ice layer (3). Thus, if life is found to have survived in Lake Vostok, there is a probability that similar life exists in Europa’s sub-glacial ocean.
In closing, Antarctica is truly a place of exciting exploration and discovery, despite its reputation as a barren wasteland of ice and snow. This sometimes overlooked continent may in fact hold the key to someday discovering life on other planets in our solar system.
References:
1. "Astrobiology." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Sept. 2012. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrobiology>.
2. "McMurdo Dry Valleys." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Sept. 2012. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMurdo_Dry_Valleys>.
3. Choi, Charles Q. "Where in the World Is Europa?" Where in the World Is Europa?Astrobiology Magazine, 16 Aug. 2010. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://www.astrobio.net/exclusive/3584/where-in-the-world-is-europa>
American Research in Antarctica
By Justin Woods
The United States has a strong presence in Antarctica with three permanent research stations on the continent. All stations are operated by the United States Antarctic Program and subject to the worldwide regulations through the Antarctic Treaty. Dr. Rachael Morgan-Kiss conducts her research at McMurdo Station, which was the first United States station established in 1956. “McMurdo is a very busy place in the summer”, Morgan-Kiss explains. McMurdo is the largest of the three stations with over 100 buildings and about 1,200 residents in the summer months (McMurdo). Eight-hundred of these residents are not scientists, but Morgan-Kiss does not take them for granted: “The support staff are vital for assisting scientists in every aspect of their research, from crevasse safety training courses to helping us organize our scientific instruments”.
The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is home to about 150 in the summer and is situated directly on the magnetic South Pole (Amundsen). Its unique location provides six straight months of light followed by six months of darkness. Extreme cold temperatures (average high of -46.3 °C) limit the amount of field research that can be pursued, so the scientists focus on astronomy, astrophysics, and meteorology (Amundsen). The Amundsen-Scott Station was built in November 1956 and the United States is still the only nation that occupies the South Pole (Amundsen, Office).
Palmer Station is located outside of the Antarctic Circle and is subject to a milder climate than McMurdo. Palmer can accommodate around 40 people during peak summer research. The research focus at Palmer is marine biology, but there is also year-round monitoring of atmospheric, UV, and seismic global networks (Palmer). According to Dr. Morgan Kiss, Palmer Station is experiencing the greatest effects of recent climate change. The station bears the name of Nathanial B. Palmer, the first American to view Antarctica.
Bibliography
"McMurdo Station." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Sept. 2012. 25 Sept. 2012.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMurdo_Station>.
"Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Aug. 2012. 25
Sept. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amundsen-Scott_South_Pole_Station>.
"Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station." Office of Polar Programs. National Science
Foundation, n.d. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/support/southp.jsp>.
"Palmer Station." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Sept. 2012. 25 Sept. 2012.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmer_Station>.
By Justin Woods
The United States has a strong presence in Antarctica with three permanent research stations on the continent. All stations are operated by the United States Antarctic Program and subject to the worldwide regulations through the Antarctic Treaty. Dr. Rachael Morgan-Kiss conducts her research at McMurdo Station, which was the first United States station established in 1956. “McMurdo is a very busy place in the summer”, Morgan-Kiss explains. McMurdo is the largest of the three stations with over 100 buildings and about 1,200 residents in the summer months (McMurdo). Eight-hundred of these residents are not scientists, but Morgan-Kiss does not take them for granted: “The support staff are vital for assisting scientists in every aspect of their research, from crevasse safety training courses to helping us organize our scientific instruments”.
The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is home to about 150 in the summer and is situated directly on the magnetic South Pole (Amundsen). Its unique location provides six straight months of light followed by six months of darkness. Extreme cold temperatures (average high of -46.3 °C) limit the amount of field research that can be pursued, so the scientists focus on astronomy, astrophysics, and meteorology (Amundsen). The Amundsen-Scott Station was built in November 1956 and the United States is still the only nation that occupies the South Pole (Amundsen, Office).
Palmer Station is located outside of the Antarctic Circle and is subject to a milder climate than McMurdo. Palmer can accommodate around 40 people during peak summer research. The research focus at Palmer is marine biology, but there is also year-round monitoring of atmospheric, UV, and seismic global networks (Palmer). According to Dr. Morgan Kiss, Palmer Station is experiencing the greatest effects of recent climate change. The station bears the name of Nathanial B. Palmer, the first American to view Antarctica.
Bibliography
"McMurdo Station." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Sept. 2012. 25 Sept. 2012.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMurdo_Station>.
"Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Aug. 2012. 25
Sept. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amundsen-Scott_South_Pole_Station>.
"Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station." Office of Polar Programs. National Science
Foundation, n.d. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/support/southp.jsp>.
"Palmer Station." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Sept. 2012. 25 Sept. 2012.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmer_Station>.
The Endurance and Ernest Shackleton
By Ben Meacham
Sir Ernest Shackleton was a well-respected explorer who led many “failed” voyages to Antarctica. The first voyage he led was a sledding trip attempting to reach the South Pole, a place that had not yet been reached by any group of explorers. Shackleton made it quite far across the ruthless Antarctica landscape, but after getting to within 97 miles of the pole, he had to turn back due to concern for the safety of himself and his exploration party. After the pole had been successfully reached by a group of other explorers, Shackleton then made it his personal goal to cross the continent of Antarctica successfully.
Shackleton set off to achieve his goal and sailed from England on the Endurance on August 8, 1914 towards Antarctica. Shackleton had hired Frank Hurley to film and record the expedition to the South Pole. Hurley was able to capture the expedition in moving pictures and still photographs, including some that were in color. The journey to Antarctica was a tough one with pack ice being encountered steadily as they approached the continent. The pack ice became so dense that it eventually took the ship hostage, and it permanently disabled the ship from traveling any further.
Stuck on the ice, Shackleton had his men make camps to live in to combat the harsh Antarctic conditions. Eventually, the men marched with their supplies and lifeboats far enough away from the ice pack to reach water, and then they sailed to Elephant Island. After reaching the island, Shackleton took one of the Endurance lifeboats with five other men (out of 28 total) to sail about 800 miles away to the whaling stations on South Georgia Island. The rest of his men sat patiently waiting for months after Shackleton sailed for help until he eventually returned to Elephant Island to rescue them. Miraculously, all the men survived the hellish journey.
By Ben Meacham
Sir Ernest Shackleton was a well-respected explorer who led many “failed” voyages to Antarctica. The first voyage he led was a sledding trip attempting to reach the South Pole, a place that had not yet been reached by any group of explorers. Shackleton made it quite far across the ruthless Antarctica landscape, but after getting to within 97 miles of the pole, he had to turn back due to concern for the safety of himself and his exploration party. After the pole had been successfully reached by a group of other explorers, Shackleton then made it his personal goal to cross the continent of Antarctica successfully.
Shackleton set off to achieve his goal and sailed from England on the Endurance on August 8, 1914 towards Antarctica. Shackleton had hired Frank Hurley to film and record the expedition to the South Pole. Hurley was able to capture the expedition in moving pictures and still photographs, including some that were in color. The journey to Antarctica was a tough one with pack ice being encountered steadily as they approached the continent. The pack ice became so dense that it eventually took the ship hostage, and it permanently disabled the ship from traveling any further.
Stuck on the ice, Shackleton had his men make camps to live in to combat the harsh Antarctic conditions. Eventually, the men marched with their supplies and lifeboats far enough away from the ice pack to reach water, and then they sailed to Elephant Island. After reaching the island, Shackleton took one of the Endurance lifeboats with five other men (out of 28 total) to sail about 800 miles away to the whaling stations on South Georgia Island. The rest of his men sat patiently waiting for months after Shackleton sailed for help until he eventually returned to Elephant Island to rescue them. Miraculously, all the men survived the hellish journey.
The International Polar Year
By Julianne Miller
The international polar year is a worldwide collaborative effort to learn more about the scientific phenomena that is the polar regions of the world. It was first suggested by George Neumayer, a German polar explorer, and was followed through by naval officer Karl Weyprecht, another arctic explorer, whose focus was gaining international cooperation to further research in the arctic. This research endeavor was the largest collaborative effort on behalf of researchers around the world in the science field to build an understanding of the vast unknown science of the Polar Regions.
The first international polar year occurred in 1882-1883, it included 11 countries fulfilling the dreams of Neumayer and Weyprecht by placing fourteen research stations in the arctic, these stations became the basis of research for the years to come. The latest international polar year occurred from March 1 2007-March 2009, the effort has grown to 60 nations and more than 50,000 arctic researchers participating. The most recent international polar year had a heavy focus on the issue of climate change. Canada studied the “Circumpolar Flaw Lead” system specifically a system that is active as the central ice pack is withdrawn from the ice that lines the coast, leaving exposed bodies of water in its place. This event is considered a flaw in the climate of the arctic and is just one of the many phenomena being researched in the Polar Regions. It is apart of an effort to raise public awareness about how the science and the events occurring at the Polar Regions can have an affect on the climate and scientific studies around the world.
By Julianne Miller
The international polar year is a worldwide collaborative effort to learn more about the scientific phenomena that is the polar regions of the world. It was first suggested by George Neumayer, a German polar explorer, and was followed through by naval officer Karl Weyprecht, another arctic explorer, whose focus was gaining international cooperation to further research in the arctic. This research endeavor was the largest collaborative effort on behalf of researchers around the world in the science field to build an understanding of the vast unknown science of the Polar Regions.
The first international polar year occurred in 1882-1883, it included 11 countries fulfilling the dreams of Neumayer and Weyprecht by placing fourteen research stations in the arctic, these stations became the basis of research for the years to come. The latest international polar year occurred from March 1 2007-March 2009, the effort has grown to 60 nations and more than 50,000 arctic researchers participating. The most recent international polar year had a heavy focus on the issue of climate change. Canada studied the “Circumpolar Flaw Lead” system specifically a system that is active as the central ice pack is withdrawn from the ice that lines the coast, leaving exposed bodies of water in its place. This event is considered a flaw in the climate of the arctic and is just one of the many phenomena being researched in the Polar Regions. It is apart of an effort to raise public awareness about how the science and the events occurring at the Polar Regions can have an affect on the climate and scientific studies around the world.