Research Information System
6th International Conference on Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, Ağrı, Turkey, 11 - 13 October 2022
Cryoconite holes are unique microbial ecosystems formed by organic material trapped inside a glacier. Due to their extreme and highly isolated nature, these formations have attracted a great scientific attention with their biodiversity. Microbial hosts of these extreme habitats serve as a valuable source for astrobiology, biotechnology, cryobiology and climate change studies [1-2].
In this regard, our present study was conducted to investigate the presence of cryoconite holes in Horseshoe Island (Antarctica). During the 6th Turkish Antarctic Expedition (TAE-VI), 20 of Antarctic cryoconite holes were found. Their locations, distances from the glacial surface and characteristics of the organic matter was recorded. Moreover, each of the cryoconite holes were also photographed. According to the results, each hole observed in the field was Antarctic type of cryoconite holes characterized by an ice cap. The depths of the holes ranged from 10-27 inches. The consistency, color and texture of the organic matter also showed unique characteristics for each sample.
Consequently, 20 cryoconite holes were recorded in Horseshoe Island by this study for the first time. With future biodiversity studies, resources will be provided to biological sciences.