Abstract:
The presence and extent of the interstitial meiofauna that developed in the sandy beach when the push-ice had melted or rafted out was investigated. The timing of melting was late and only a short period of time was available for sampling. The nutrient levels from the meltwater streams that flow from the ice face and down across the moraine at Cape Bird was also investigated. The river 300m north
... of the Cape Bird hut was regularly sampled at 3 points; the origin at the base of the Mt Bird ice cap, before the flow enters the penguin colony and after its passage through the colony where it enters the sea. Samples were analysed for reactive phosphate and nitrates (unsuccessful for nitrates). Flow rates were measured using a v-notch weir, water depth transects and flow velocity. Comparisons were made with a second meltwater stream to the south of Cape Bird hut where the water flowed only through glacial remain. The coastal seawater was also regularly sampled and analysed. Trial collations of freshwater fauna showed dense growths of Protozoa. Tardigrads and rotifers were found to abound in patches of mass and algae on the seepage that emerge on the beach at Cape Bird. 
