Snow surface microbiome on the High Antarctic Plateau (DOME C)

Area of Science:

• Cryosphere and Astrobiology
• Microbial Ecology
• Polar Microbiology

Background:

• The cryosphere is a critical component of Earth's climate and biosphere.
• Polar environments harbor diverse, active microbial communities.
• Understanding snow microbial ecology is vital for polar research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate microbial diversity in High Antarctic Plateau surface snow.
• To quantify and identify microbial populations using multiple techniques.
• To determine the ecological role of microorganisms in snowpack.

Main Methods:

• Polyphasic approach combining flow cytometry and CARD-FISH for quantification.
• 16S rRNA gene clone library sequencing and 454 amplicon pyrosequencing for phylogenetic identification.
• Analysis of microbial communities in snowmelt near Concordia Research Station.

Main Results:

• Low microbial abundance (<10(3) cells/ml) confirmed across methods.
• Dominant microbial groups include Alpha-proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Cyanobacteria.
• Identified specific families like Kiloniellaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, Cryomorphaceae, and Flavobacteriaceae.

Conclusions:

• Antarctic snow harbors a distinct and active microbial ecosystem.
• Polar microorganisms are not just airborne particles but integral to snowpack ecology.
• Findings contribute to understanding life in extreme cold environments.