16S rRNA gene sequencing; marine surface sediment; McMurdo Sound, Antarctica

A comparative study of benthic microbial communities at Cape Evans and New Harbour in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica where contrasting sea ice conditions drive high versus low primary productivity. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of climate-driven sea ice change on benthic microbial community structure, composition, and their associated functions to improve predictability of the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystem functioning.