Vegetation distribution (maps, soil temperature, and microscopic examination) on the surface of heated ground at Tramway Ridge, Mt Erebus

Descriptions of the vegetation distribution on the surface of steam heated warm ground, especially in relation to temperature gradients from cold to hot areas was investigated on the summit of Mt Erebus. Samples were removed from warm soil, mainly at the bottom of Tramway Ridge. Soil and vegetation samples were removed aseptically into sterile bags - approximately 1cm2 of soil surface to a depth of about 1cm. All material was examined microscopically in the field up to x1000. Algae present in the samples were recorded on a subjective five point quantitative scale (absent, rare, occasional, frequent, abundant). Soil temperatures were measured up to 5cm within the soil but the most relevant data was the surface temperature. Broad scale and detailed maps of the warm ground were made. An area of the major study site at the bottom of Tramway Ridge was sketch mapped with the aid of a tape measure in order to show the extent of vegetation cover. Three small areas showing zonation in vegetation colour around hot spots were mapped in more detail. Vegetation colour, soil surface temperature and positions of samples were marked on these maps. General photographs of site topography and detail of vegetation and other feature within the sites were taken.