Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2016-471
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2016-471
03 Nov 2016
 | 03 Nov 2016
Status: this discussion paper is a preprint. It has been under review for the journal Biogeosciences (BG). The manuscript was not accepted for further review after discussion.

Quantification of basal ice microbial cell delivery to the glacier margin

Mario Toubes-Rodrigo, Simon J. Cook, David Elliott, and Robin Sen

Abstract. We present the first assessment of microbial cell discharge from sediment-laden glacier basal ice. At Svínafellsjökull, a temperate valley glacier in Iceland, approximately 1017 cells a−1 are transferred through basal ice to the proglacial environment, and between 101 and 106 cells g−1 basal ice were cultured from our samples under laboratory conditions. We suggest that the delivery of viable cells and dead microbial matter to proglacial ecosystems could be playing a crucial role in soil formation and primary succession during deglaciation, but further quantification of cell transfer from a range of glacier contexts is required.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Mario Toubes-Rodrigo, Simon J. Cook, David Elliott, and Robin Sen
 
Status: closed
Status: closed
AC: Author comment | RC: Referee comment | SC: Short comment | EC: Editor comment
Printer-friendly Version - Printer-friendly version Supplement - Supplement
 
Status: closed
Status: closed
AC: Author comment | RC: Referee comment | SC: Short comment | EC: Editor comment
Printer-friendly Version - Printer-friendly version Supplement - Supplement
Mario Toubes-Rodrigo, Simon J. Cook, David Elliott, and Robin Sen
Mario Toubes-Rodrigo, Simon J. Cook, David Elliott, and Robin Sen

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Short summary
For the first time, we have quantified the amount of cells exported from sediment-rich glacier basal ice to the glacier margin. Approximately 1017 cells per year are being released to the forefront of Svínafellsökull (SE Iceland), and in laboratory conditions between 101 and 106 cells per gram of sediment were able to proliferate. These cells may trigger the process of soil formation that will end up with the establishment of vegetation in the bare sediment the glacier leave after its retreat
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