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Shifts in benthic megafauna communities after glacial retreat in an Antarctic fjord

Earth Sciences

Shifts in benthic megafauna communities after glacial retreat in an Antarctic fjord

D. Kim, I. Ahn, et al.

This insightful research uncovered the dynamic shifts in Antarctic benthic megafauna communities following glacial retreat in Marian Cove. Conducted by Dong-U Kim, In-Young Ahn, Junsung Noh, Changkeun Lee, and Jong Seong Khim, the study highlights how these unique ecosystems respond to environmental changes, peaking in diversity near recently exposed areas.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This study investigated changes in Antarctic benthic megafauna communities due to recent glacial retreat in Marian Cove. Benthic megafauna communities showed less variation at 10m due to frequent ice-scouring. At deeper depths (50–90m), megafauna was scarce near the glacier but peaked near the glacier (~10 years after exposure). Pioneer species dominated near the glacier, while late-successional species were abundant at the outermost site. Taxonomic and functional diversities peaked near the glacier and the outermost site respectively. A four-step successional process (high disturbance, colonization, transition, and maturing stages) was identified.
Publisher
Communications Earth & Environment
Published On
Aug 17, 2024
Authors
Dong-U Kim, In-Young Ahn, Junsung Noh, Changkeun Lee, Jong Seong Khim
Tags
Antarctic
benthic megafauna
glacial retreat
successional process
diversity
Marian Cove
ecosystem
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