Hydrological systems from the Antarctic Peninsula under climate change: James Ross Archipelago as study case.

LECOMTE K.L.; VIGNONI P.A.; CÓRDOBA, F.E.; CHAPARRO M.A.E.; KOPALOVÁ, K; GARGIULO J.D.; LIRIO J.M.; IRUZUN M.A.; BÖHNEL HN

Environmental Earth Sciences

Springer

Año: 2016 vol. 75 p. 1 - 20

1866 6299

Multidisciplinary studies are described for several hydrological systems in the ice-free areas of theJames Ross archipelago (NE Antarctic Peninsula). This region provides a unique opportunity forstudying recent environmental changes that can be linked to recent climate change. Lake systemsand ephemeral ponds were developed on different periglacial environments, after ice cap retreatduring the Holocene. Geochemical, hydrological, sedimentological, and magnetic studies werecarried out to characterize and analyze different environments? behavior and dynamics. Moreover, asynthesis based on the observed diatom flora is made in the sampled habitats (lakes, streams andseepage areas, mosses). Based on an analysis of physicochemical characteristics, significantstatistical differences between lakes are observed. These differences can be attributed to differentprocesses (geochemical, diagenetic, biological, etc.) that could take place or particular characteristics of each lake?s catchments and environment (lithological, geomorphological).Marambio Island?s lakes present high dissolved concentrations (total dissolved solids ~3.300 mg L-1) due to the high rate of evaporation in this region, whereas their trace elements show differences inthe lithological source. Meanwhile lakes from Vega and James Ross islands are diluted waters withthe highest values of water?s pH (up to 10.2) as a result of biological photosynthesis. Within VegaIsland, trace elements discriminate sectors with statistical differences. The present study willcontribute to a better understanding of Antarctic lake systems from a multidisciplinary approach,and can be used as a baseline dataset of information.