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Surface darkening by abundant and diverse algae on an Antarctic ice cap

Author

Listed:
  • Alex Innes Thomson

    (Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS))

  • Andrew Gray

    (University of Edinburgh
    Norwegian Institute for Nature Research—NINA)

  • Claudia Colesie

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Naomi Thomas

    (Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)
    Argyll)

  • Hannah Moulton

    (Natural Environment Research Council)

  • Peter Convey

    (Natural Environment Research Council
    University of Johannesburg
    Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Ecosystems)

  • Alison G. Smith

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Peter Fretwell

    (Natural Environment Research Council)

  • Lloyd Peck

    (Natural Environment Research Council)

  • Matthew P. Davey

    (Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS))

Abstract

Algal blooms play important roles in physical and biological processes on glacial surfaces. Despite this, their occurrence and impacts within an Antarctic context remain understudied. Here, we present evidence of the large-scale presence, diversity and bioalbedo effects of algal blooms on Antarctic ice cap systems based on fieldwork conducted on Robert Island (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica). Algal blooms are observed covering up to 2.7 km2 (~20%) of the measured area of the Robert Island ice cap, with cell densities of up to 1.4 × 106 cells ml−1. Spectral characterisation reveal that these blooms increase melting of the ice cap surface, contributing up to 2.4% of total melt under the observed conditions. Blooms are composed of typical cryoflora taxa, dominated by co-occurring Chlorophyceae, Trebouxiophyceae, and Ancylonema. However, morphological variation and genetic diversity in Ancylonema highlight the influence of regional endemism and point to a large and under-characterised diversity in Antarctic cryoflora.

Suggested Citation

  • Alex Innes Thomson & Andrew Gray & Claudia Colesie & Naomi Thomas & Hannah Moulton & Peter Convey & Alison G. Smith & Peter Fretwell & Lloyd Peck & Matthew P. Davey, 2025. "Surface darkening by abundant and diverse algae on an Antarctic ice cap," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57725-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57725-6
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