Repository logo
 

Impacts of thawing permafrost on nematode populations and soil habitat characteristics in an Antarctic polar desert ecosystem

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorSmith, Tracy Elise, author
dc.contributor.authorWall, Diana H., advisor
dc.contributor.authorHogg, Ian D., advisor
dc.contributor.authorKnapp, Alan K., 1956-, committee member
dc.contributor.authorConant, Richard T., committee member
dc.coverage.spatialMcMurdo Dry Valleys (Antarctica)
dc.date.accessioned2007-01-03T05:00:53Z
dc.date.available2007-01-03T05:00:53Z
dc.date.issued2011
dc.description.abstractGlobal climatic changes are altering ecosystem dynamics at unprecedented rates and degrees. Given this, studying the controls on species distribution and functioning within ecosystems, as well as how they are impacted by such changes, is timely. Polar deserts such as those in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica (MDV) have been exposed to long-term cooling over the last two decades as well as increased frequency of seasonal warming events, and may also be exposed to a warming trend within the next several decades. Each of these changes can lead to substantial shifts in ecosystem characteristics, affecting habitat conditions for biota. I examined these issues with a specific focus on how nematode communities, the dominant fauna in the extremely cold and arid environment of the MDV, responded to a warming event that led to inundation of moisture from thawing permafrost. I took samples to the depth of the ice-cemented soil layer in seeps of permafrost thaw and compared nematode community structure to dry soils not affected by thaw. I also assessed potential alterations to soil properties that determine suitability of nematode habitats, measuring soil pH, salinity, and texture. I observed a gradient in impacts on each of these soil properties, which were consistent with the pattern of the degree of moisture increase. I additionally observed a response by nematode populations that similarly followed these patterns. My results suggest that warming and the resulting moisture increases from thawing permafrost can have profound negative effects on nematode abundance and distribution.
dc.format.mediumborn digital
dc.format.mediummasters theses
dc.identifierSmith_colostate_0053N_10690.pdf
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10217/46913
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherColorado State University. Libraries
dc.relation.ispartof2000-2019
dc.rightsCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.
dc.subjectcold desert
dc.subjectsoil fauna
dc.subjecthabitat suitability
dc.subjectfrozen soil
dc.titleImpacts of thawing permafrost on nematode populations and soil habitat characteristics in an Antarctic polar desert ecosystem
dc.typeText
dcterms.rights.dplaThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights (https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/). You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
thesis.degree.disciplineBiology
thesis.degree.grantorColorado State University
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science (M.S.)

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
Smith_colostate_0053N_10690.pdf
Size:
1.16 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download

Collections

2000-2019
Theses and Dissertations