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Antarctic Science

Table of Contents - 1996 - Volume 8, Issue 02  


Papers—Life Sciences and Oceanography

Preliminary investigation of the thermal biosystem of Mount Rittmann fumaroles (northern Victoria Land, Antarctica)

R. Bargagli a1, P.A. Broady a2 and D.W.H. Walton a3
a1 Department of Environmental Biology, University of Siena, Via delle Cerchia 3, 53100 Siena, Italy
a2 Department of Plant and Microbial Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand
a3 British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environmental Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 OET, UK

Article author query
bargagli r   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 
broady p   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 
walton d   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 

Abstract

The biota and environment of fumarolic ground recently discovered near Mount Rittmann are described. Three patches (about 1 m2 each) of the moss Pohlia nutans were found in a minor caldera rim. Cyanophytes, chlorophytes, protozoa and bacteria were isolated from the moss and warm ground (30–50°C). The results are compared with those of previous studies on Antarctic volcanoes. The origin of the geothermal flora is discussed in terms of long-distance transport of propagules to the continent.

(Received November 10 1995)
(Accepted February 1 1996)


Key Words: colonization; continental Antarctica; geothermal ground; physico-chemical properties.

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