Arctic sea-ice biota

Abstract

Examines the organisms associated with the bottom few centimeters of ice at the ice-seawater interface, in particular microalgae, meiofauna and epifauna. Comments are made on species composition and ecology (including distribution). Light is the key factor affecting growth and production of the ice algal community, but temperature, salinity, nutrient concentrations and grazing pressures may also be important. Heterotrophy, slow metabolism of accumulated food reserves and formation of resting spores are all possible means by which ice algae may survive the winter dark period. Ice-associated fauna have connections with both the benthic and pelagic communities, depending on local water depth. -P.J.Jarvis