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Perennially ice-covered Lake Hoare, Antarctica: physical environment, biology and sedimentationLake Hoare (77 degrees 38' S, 162 degrees 53' E) is a perennially ice-covered lake at the eastern end of Taylor Valley in southern Victoria Land, Antarctica. The environment of this lake is controlled by the relatively thick ice cover (3-5 m) which eliminates wind generated currents, restricts gas exchange and sediment deposition, and reduces light penetration. The ice cover is in turn largely controlled by the extreme seasonality of Antarctica and local climate. Lake Hoare and other dry valley lakes may be sensitive indicators of short term (< 100 yr) climatic and/or anthropogenic changes in the dry valleys since the onset of intensive exploration over 30 years ago. The time constants for turnover of the water column and lake ice are 50 and 10 years, respectively. The turnover time for atmospheric gases in the lake is 30-60 years. Therefore, the lake environment responds to changes on a 10-100 year timescale. Because the ice cover has a controlling influence on the lake (e.g. light penetration, gas content of water, and sediment deposition), it is probable that small changes in ice ablation, sediment loading on the ice cover, or glacial meltwater (or groundwater) inflow will affect ice cover dynamics and will have a major impact on the lake environment and biota.
Document ID
20040090080
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Wharton, R. A. Jr
(University of Nevada System Reno 89506, United States)
Simmons, G. M. Jr
McKay, C. P.
Wharton RA, J. r.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Hydrobiologia
Volume: 172
ISSN: 0018-8158
Subject Category
Exobiology
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCA2-2
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCA2-1R675-402
CONTRACT_GRANT: DPP-8416340
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Number 52-50
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Exobiology
NASA Center ARC
NASA Program Exobiology

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