Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1990-91: VUWAE 35
Sea ice algae:
Sea ice algae:
Samples of sea ice algae were collected from 2 sites, under Arrival Heights and near Tent Island. Samples were obtained using an 8 inch Finn auger to cut a 1.5m deep hole in the ice, followed by a Cipre auger to obtain a core of ice from the last 0.5m. The core was shaded from direct light during removal and a sample of algae taken for return to Scott Base. Sub samples of algae were cultured in the presence of 14C at −1.5°C under an artificial light source containing both UV and visible light at irradiances typical of under ice conditions. The visible light was maintained at approximately 5μmol/m2s, while the UV irradiance was varied from experiment to experiment over a wide range. Growth rates of the algae were estimated by measuring the uptake of 14C over time using a beta spectrometer.