![]() ![]() ![]() Received: SeptemAccepted: FebruPublished: March 4, 2013Ĭopyright: © 2013 Quartino et al. The Pennsylvania State University, United States of America As macroalgae are probably one of the main energy sources for the benthos, an expansion of the macroalgal distribution can be expected to affect the matter and energy fluxes in Potter Cove ecosystem.Ĭitation: Quartino ML, Deregibus D, Campana GL, Latorre GEJ, Momo FR (2013) Evidence of Macroalgal Colonization on Newly Ice-Free Areas following Glacial Retreat in Potter Cove (South Shetland Islands), Antarctica. ![]() The colonization is determined by the size and type of substrate and by the slope of the bottom. Macroalgal colonization is negatively affected by the ice disturbance, 4. Algae development depends on the optical conditions and the sediment input in the water column some species are limited by light availability, 3. The complexity of the macroalgal community is positively correlated to the elapsed time from the ice retreat, 2. ![]() Macroalgae were found in all sites, even in close proximity to the retreating glacier. Are the newly ice-free areas suitable for macroalgal colonization? To tackle this question, underwater video transects were performed at six newly ice-free areas with different degree of glacial influence. Seventeen years ago, the coastal sites close to the glacier cliffs were devoid of macroalgae. However, ice melting produces a reduction of light penetration due to an increase of sediment input and higher ice impact. Over the last years, a visible melting of Fourcade Glacier (Potter Cove, South Shetland Islands) has exposed newly ice-free hard bottom areas available for benthic colonization. Climate warming has been related to glacial retreat along the Western Antarctic Peninsula. ![]()
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