Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) Terrestrial ecosystem monitoring

[From Research Group/Research Activities: Terrestrial Biology,
"http://www.nipr.ac.jp/"]

Y. Ohyama, H. Kanda, S. Imura)
This group promotes taxonomical, ecological and physiological studies
of plants and animals in ice-free areas near Syowa Station. Since the
international program BIOTAS (Biological Investigation of Terrestrial
Antarctic Systems) was initiated in 1986 by SCAR, comprehensive
studies on the structure and function of Antarctic terrestrial
ecosystems have been carried out in the Yukidori Valley, Langhovde,
with special emphasis on mosses, lichens, freshwater algae and
invertebrates. Soil microorganisms and vegetation in the valley are
monitored in relation to temporal and long-term changes in the local
and global environment, using open-top chambers installed in moss
colonies. The origin and colonization processes of flora and
fauna are studied to learn about the ecosystems in harsh polar
environments. Taxonomical and reproductive studies of main
elements of the ecosystem such as algae, mosses, lichens and invertebrates
are carried out. Taxonomical investigation of small animals such as
mites, nematodes, tardigrades and collembola is undertaken. Ecological
study of mites is also conducted along the Yukidori Valley. Their
habitat preference is identified with respect to moisture, food and
temperature tolerance. These animals as well as soil bacteria are
important decomposers in the Antarctic terrestrial ecosystem, so
studies of the energy budget of this group will continue.

The biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of the
fresh-water lakes near Syowa Station are investigated. Water
temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, depth, and
transparency are measured, and net-plankton and benthic algal mats are
analyzed. In particular, curious tower-like structures composed of
mosses rising from the algal mat on the lake bottoms are investigated.