The biota of Antarctic pack ice in the Weddell sea and Antarctic Peninsula regions

摘要: Pack ice surrounding Antarctica supports rich and varied populations of microbial organisms. As part the Antarctic Marine Ecosystem Research in Ice Edge Zone (AMERIEZ) studies, we have examined this community during late spring, autumn, winter. Although organisms are found throughout ice, richest concentrations often occur surface layer. The flora consists diatoms flagellates. Chrysophyte cysts (archaeomonads) unknown affinity dinoflagellate abundant may serve as overwintering stages ice. fauna includes a variety heterotrophic flagellates, ciliates, micrometazoa. abundance heterotrophs indicates an active food web within community. temporary habitat or refuge for many forms some these appear to provide inoculum planktonic when melts. Larger consumers, such copepods krill, Euphausia superba on underside floes weathered floes. importance biota resource pelagic consumers is unknown.