Insights Into Cryoconite Community Dynamics on the Alpine Glacier Throughout the Ablation Season.

ABSTRACT: Cryoconite holes (water reservoirs) significantly contribute to biodiversity and biogeochemical processes on glacier surfaces. However, the lack of seasonal observations of cryoconite biota limits our knowledge of glacial ecosystem functioning. We studied photoautotrophs, consumers and sediment characteristics (community structure, biomass, elemental composition, organic matter content, δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) from cryoconite holes in the upper and lower parts of the Forni Glacier ablation zone (Italy) throughout the ablation season. Dominant cyanobacteria were Oscillatoriaceae and Leptolyngbyaceae, while dominant green algae were Zygnemataceae and Chlorellaceae. Tardigrades (Cryobiotus klebelsbergi) were the dominant consumers. The biomass of consumers negatively correlat

SUBMITTER: Jaromerska TN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11932729 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature