Thesis
Nutrient and population dynamics in a subglacial reservoir: a simulation case study of the Blood Falls ecosystem with implications for astrobiology
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2013
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102150
Abstract
Subglacial ecosystems have recently become of interest within the astrobiological community, as they represent a potentially habitable site in otherwise uninhabitable environments. Using data from Blood Falls, the periodic discharge from the subglacial reservoir beneath Taylor Glacier, Antarctica, an ecosystem model was constructed of the putative subglacial microbial community residing there using system dynamics modeling. The model results were, for the most part, within an order of magnitude of the geochemical data from the field. The amount of carbon fixed was estimated at 0.015 nanomoles per liter per day, and it was also possible to estimate general and net ecosystem productivity. Sensitivity testing was then performed to analyze the behavior of the system under varying conditions. The system was shown to be highly resilient to pulse disturbances. From the results of the model it may be possible to draw inferences on the search for life on Mars- in particular, that a similar ecosystem is capable of continued survival for extremely long periods of time, would generate significant amounts of reduced iron, be highly dependent on a continuous supply of redox pairs, and may not be easily detectable using methods that rely on high microbial population levels or high productivity.
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Details
- Title
- Nutrient and population dynamics in a subglacial reservoir
- Creators
- Thomson Mason Fisher
- Contributors
- Dirk Schulze-Makuch (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525372001842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis