Analysis of the effects of environmental factors (temperature, light, water content and CO2 concentration) on the photosynthesis activity of two common Antarctic mosses and a cyanobacterial mat in the Taylor Valley

A detailed study of how the environmental factors temperature, light, water content and carbon dioxide concentration affected photosynthesis of the two common mosses Bryum argenteum and Hennediella heimii and the surface cyanobacterial mats Nostoc sp was conducted at the Taylor Valley. These were the dominant soil crust associations on the flush. Samples were removed for experimental analysis, taxonomic identification, dry weight and chlorophyll determinations. Data loggers were established from the collection sites to record the microclimate. Comparative data is available for Granite Harbour and Cape Hallett.