Lakes and ponds of Clearwater Mesa, James Ross Island, Antarctic Peninsula

LIRIO J.M.; CORIA SH; LOPEZ SNB; VIGNONI P.A.; KOHLER TJ; KOPALOVÁ, K; CHAPARRO M.A.E.; LECOMTE K.L.; NÝVLT D; MAC CORMACK W.P.

Congreso; VIII Congreso Latinoamericano de Ciencia Antártica; 2015

For the first time, we provide detailed geomorphological and biological observations on the more than 50 lakes and ponds of Clearwater Mesa. These waterbodies were observed to have different origin, physico-chemical characteristics and associated biota, and could help in disentangling the evolution of other areas in Antarctica now covered by ice. Further studies will include detailed geomorphology, deglaciation chronology, geochemistry of the volcanic rocks, as well as taxonomic and ecological studies to ascertain the evolution of the lakes and associated biota.