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Area of Science:

  • Glaciology
  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Molecular studies of microbes on the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) are recent.
  • Aeolian microbial seeding is a proposed factor influencing glacier surface communities.
  • Cryoconite holes are known hotspots for microbial activity on glaciers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate microbial community origins and evolution in GrIS cryoconite holes throughout an ablation season.
  • To assess the impact of aeolian inputs on glacier surface microbial communities.
  • To understand the temporal and structural transformations of microbial communities on the GrIS.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a range of experimental approaches to study microbial inputs and transformations.
  • Analyzed microbial community composition in snow, aeolian samples, and cryoconite holes.
  • Measured organic carbon stable isotope ratios (δ(13)C) to differentiate carbon sources.

Main Results:

  • Aeolian microbes, primarily Firmicutes, did not establish in glacier surface communities.
  • Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Actinobacteria dominated the stable cryoconite and cryoconite hole communities.
  • Community composition remained stable throughout the ablation season after initial snowmelt.
  • Distinct δ(13)C values indicated in situ carbon fixation and transformation by resident microbes.

Conclusions:

  • GrIS cryoconite and cryoconite hole microbial communities are stable throughout the melt season.
  • Aeolian inputs have a limited impact on established glacier surface communities.
  • Stable microbial communities contribute significantly to biogeochemical nutrient cycling on glaciers.