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The cryptoendolithic microbial environment in the Ross Desert of Antarctica: Mathematical models of the thermal regime

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Abstract

Microbial activity in the Antarctic cryptoendolithic habitat is regulated primarily by temperature. Previous field studies have provided some information on the thermal regime in this habitat, but this type of information is limited by the remoteness of the site and the harsh climatic conditions. Therefore, a mathematical model of the endolithic thermal regime was constructed to augment the field data. This model enabled the parameters affecting the horizontal and altitudinal distribution of the community to be examined. The model predicts that colonization should be possible on surfaces with zenith angle less than 15°. At greater zenith angles, colonization should be restricted to surfaces with azimuth angles less than 135° or greater than 225°. The upper elevational limit of the community should be less than 2,500 m. The thermal regime probably does not influence the zonation of the community within a rock.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Polar Desert Research Center and Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 32306-2043, Tallahassee, Florida, USA

    James A. Nienow & E. Imre Friedmann

  2. Solar System Exploration Branch, NASA Ames Research Center, 94035, Moffett Field, California, USA

    Christopher P. McKay

Authors
  1. James A. Nienow
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  2. Christopher P. McKay
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  3. E. Imre Friedmann
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Nienow, J.A., McKay, C.P. & Friedmann, E.I. The cryptoendolithic microbial environment in the Ross Desert of Antarctica: Mathematical models of the thermal regime. Microb Ecol 16, 253–270 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02011699

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