Limnological studies of Dry Valley lakes: water parameters (pH, conductivity, nutrients, temperature), uranium content, trace elements, isotopic ratio and tritium concentrations, and geochemical samples
Abstract:
A large number of saline and freshwater lakes and ponds of the Dry Valley area and crater lakes behind the McMurdo station were visited for limnological study including Lake Fryxell of the Taylor Valley, Lake Vanda, Don Juan Pond and unnamed ponds in the Labyrinth of the Wright Valley in the Dry Valleys. Water samples were collected for all the visited lakes and ponds. Measurement of the samples ... include water temperature, pH, conductivity, inorganic nitrogen compounds, vertical distribution of nutrient matters, major and minor chemical elements and radionuclides and the size of the pond were made. Geochemical samples, such as evoporites and bottom sediments of saline ponds were collected to study the evolutional history of the saline waters in this area. To study the background level of radionulcides in the Dry Valleys, water, soil, moss and algal samples were collected. Samples were also analysed for neutron activation analysis of trace elements, measurements of the uranium content and its isotopic ratio to determine the origin of salts and the evolutionary history of the saline waters and tritium concentrations. Inorganic constituents in the lakes and ponds and their surroundings (algal, moss, lichen and soil) were studied from samples and the vertical distribution of bacteria.
Quality
Gammarid, Isopod, gastropod faunas identified at the Australian Museum. Remaining faunas identified by J. Stark. Diatoms identified by L. Cunningham.
Access Constraints
Please contact investigators before using data. The data for this project is not yet publicly available.
