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Laser-Induced Fluorescence Emission (L.I.F.E.) as Novel Non-Invasive Tool for In-Situ Measurements of Biomarkers in Cryospheric Habitats
Published on: October 26, 2019
Glaciers and ice sheets as a biome
Alexandre M Anesio1, Johanna Laybourn-Parry
1Bristol Glaciology Centre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK, BS8 1SS. a.m.anesio@bristol.ac.uk
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|October 18, 2011
Summary
The cryosphere, including glaciers and ice sheets, should be recognized as a distinct biome. Microbial communities in these extreme environments are crucial for element cycling.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Geology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Textbooks typically define biomes based on temperature and precipitation, excluding icy regions.
- The cryosphere, encompassing glaciers, ice caps, and ice shelves, contains vast ice expanses.
- Microbial life becomes active during summer melt, influencing biogeochemical cycles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose the recognition of the cryosphere as a distinct biome.
- To highlight the ecological significance of microbial communities in icy environments.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cryospheric environments and microbial activity.
- Analysis of biogeographical structures and food webs within the cryosphere.
Main Results:
- Microbial communities are active in the cryosphere during summer melt.
- These communities play a vital role in carbon and element cycling.
- The cryosphere exhibits distinct biogeographical structures and truncated food webs.
Conclusions:
- The cryosphere meets the criteria to be classified as a biome.
- Recognizing the cryosphere as a biome provides a more comprehensive understanding of Earth's ecosystems.
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