Microbial biogeography along a 2578 km transect on the East Antarctic Plateau.

ABSTRACT: Microorganisms are present in snow/ice of the Antarctic Plateau, but their biogeography and metabolic state under extreme local conditions are poorly understood. Here, we show the diversity and distribution of microorganisms in air (1.5 m height) and snow/ice down to 4 m depth at three distant latitudes along a 2578 km transect on the East Antarctic Plateau on board an environmentally friendly, mobile platform. Results demonstrate the widespread distribution of microorganisms in the ice down to at least 4 m depth. Data point to geochemical and bacterial geographic distribution that correlate with wind trajectory and speed, modulated by local gathering and recirculation of microorganisms through snow drifting. Reservoir effects and community selection appear to occur over time, favoring mic

SUBMITTER: Parro V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11742046 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature