Experiments to determine the processes governing the colonization of micro-organisms in extreme Antarctic fellfields

Concurrent aerial samples were also taken. Examples of soil crusts, epilithic, chasmolithic and endolithic microbial communities were collected to determine common factors between colonization processes. Isolates of bacteria , yeasts, fungi and algae were obtained from aerial and terrestrial samples.

Physical perturbation and amendments of fine mineral debris and rock flakes was investigated at two sites at Keble Valley, Cape Bird (one dry and one wet). Soil crust formation and rock colonization was monitored by epifluorescence microscopy. The influence of temperature, moisture, nutrient availability and substrate structure was included.

Extant soil crusts and epilithic communities were also examined. Aerial microbial and cryptogamic propagules were collected using Rotorod samplers and the resulting collector strips were examined.