Conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) vertical profiles collected from lakes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica (1993-2026, ongoing)

As part of the McMurdo Long Term Ecological Research (MCM LTER) project in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica, a series of lakes have been monitored for conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD). Due to the permanent ice cover and unique geological history, Dry Valley lakes are strongly stratified and do not seasonally mix. The steep gradients in temperature and conductivity form unique ecological niches for bacteria and phytoplankton. CTD profiles are routinely performed three times every austral summer (in November, December, and January) in Lakes Fryxell, East Lobe Bonney, and West Lobe Bonney. Less frequent measurements are available from Lakes Hoare, Miers, Vanda, Joyce, and Trough. CTD profiles are collected with a Seabird 19plusV2 SEACAT instrument with a custom wide range conductivity cell.