LTER: Microbial Component

Most of the science that goes on at Palmer is dedicated to the Long Term Ecological Research project. This project studies the ecological connections among the different levels in a basic ecosystem. The connections in this fragile environment (along with others at high lattitudes or high altitudes) will be the first to show the effects of global climate change. By studying the effects here, we can better understand what will happen to more complex systems around the world and hopefully act appropriately. And in the process hopefully eliminate the doubt about global warming and climate change.

Looking at the bookends of the nutrient cycle (the beginning and end to organic matter), this first group studies the microbial component of the ecological connection in the area. The bacteria break down organic compounds into usable forms of food for higher organisms such as phytoplankton (discussed next). This group is studying the populations and types of bacteria and how they react to changes in their environment. Therefore, how do these changes perpetuate up the food chain?

Sampling water in the field to collect the bacteria in the water at different depths.

Back in the lab filtering out the bacteria for further analysis.

Under the microscope- and example of one strain of bacteria they are looking at.