PALMER STATION SCIENCE SITREP OCT 1995 The following science projects were active at Palmer Station during the month: S-019 REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY OF FREE-LIVING ADELIE PENGUINS AT TORGERSEN ISLAND, ANTARCTICA. Carol Vleck, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 5001. PERSONNEL ON STATION: Carol Vleck, Theresa Bucher, Wendy Reed, and Asrun Krismundsdottir. The four members of our team boarded the Polar Duke in Punta Arenas on 2 October, 1995, and arrived at Palmer Station on 8 October, 1995. For the first week the fast ice between Palmer and Torgersen was considered unsafe because of warm rain and wind. We calibrated equipment and assembled our field and laboratory gear. The harbor was clear enough that we completed our boating instruction on 12 October and visited Torgersen briefly on 13 October. Very few Adelie penguins were present. Subsequent cold conditions resulted in freezing of the harbor, and no more boating was possible through the rest of October. The sea ice was considered safe for foot travel on 14 October, and that afternoon we began preparation of a site for a Scott tent on the edge of our study area. Erection of the tent on a new wooden foundation was completed on 17 October. Beginning on 15 October we worked each day on the island, reaching it by foot across the fast ice. During this interval the number of Adelie penguins on the non-restricted side of Torgersen grew from less than 20 to several thousand. During the 17 days we spent in the field, we banded 224 penguins. Each bird was weighed, and morphological measurements were taken. Many were birds just arriving on the island. We caught these birds near the tent as they traveled from the shore to the sub-colonies under observation. In addition we banded most of their apparent mates by locating the banded birds in the colonies under observation and banding the birds with which they were defending a territory. In 25 newly arriving individuals we used deuterium dilution for later estimation of water and fat content. Each day we completed a census of banded birds in our colonies. We estimated the size of the colonies and identified all pairs of birds, including those which had switched partners, lost a mate, or moved. In addition we obtained 132 blood samples which will be used to measure the level of reproductive and stress hormones. The cellular portion of the blood has been preserved for DNA analysis. By the end of October we had identified over 30 focal pairs of birds located in 13 sub colonies. We began behavioral observations of courtship and aggression in these focal birds and resampled levels of reproductive hormones during this stage in approximately 6 birds. For two newly arriving birds we obtained a series of blood samples over the course of approximately 40 minutes to measure hormonal response to handling stress. We also identified and banded another approximately 40 pairs of birds which will not be bled serially, but will be censused regularly and used for control birds or will be sampled later during the incubation stage. S-024 ANTARCTIC MARINE ARCHAEBACTERIA; BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE. Edward DeLong, University of California, Marine Science Institute, Santa Barbara, California 93106. PERSONNEL ON STATION: Edward DeLong, Alison Murray, Christina Preston. October activities for S-024 (DeLong) included the continued collection of microbial biomass from the Arthur Harbor region for studies of archaebacterial activity, abundance, biological properties and diversity. Due to ice conditions, only two days of zodiac operations were possible, so the bulk of operations were performed on sea ice. We gratefully acknowledge Ken Earle (wearing his "GSAR" team leader hat) and Don Ferris, station manager, for their expert advice and assistance in all aspects of our sea ice operations. Microbial biomass for small (20 l) and larger scale analyses (100 l) was collected from two depths at each site, using submersible pumps lowered into holes drilled in the ice. Three stations, one near LTER's Station A, one between Litchfield and Breaker Islands, and one in Loudwater Cove, were established and sampled in October. Ancillary data recovered along with biomass collection included total bacterial cell counts, bottom depth, temperature and salinity data, and chlorophyll concentrations. One sample per week (100 l) was also collected before sunset at Station A, fractionated into > 0.8um and > 0.2 um size classes, and stored frozen for UV-induced DNA damage studies being conducted by Dr. Wade Jeffrey (S-200). In addition, larger scale collection and concentration of bacterioplankton (1000 to 2000 l) was also conducted from the Palmer Station seawater pumphouse (aka "SSL field office", aka "Club Ed"), for subsequent genetic analyses, lipid compositional studies, and detection and measurement of archaebacterial-specific metabolic activities. On site analyses and preliminary results resulting from S-024s October activities include the following : 1) Extraction of nucleic acids and archaebacterial detection via pcr analysis Nucleic acids from selected filters were extracted and analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (pcr) using eubacterial and archaebacterial specific, ribosomal RNA gene primers. The results indicate the presence of a high proportion of archaebacteria in surface waters of the Arthur Harbor, similar to that obtained in late winter 1993 in the same area. These results will be verified and extended by quantitation of the relative percentage of archaebacterial ribosomal RNA present in the same nucleic acid extracts. These results were also supported by single-cell, fluorescent in situ hybridization analyses (see 3 below). 2) Spatial and temporal survey of picoplankton genetic diversity via denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (Alison Murray) Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) is a recently developed electrophoretic technique, which allows rapid detection of DNA variants. Although it was initially developed for its powerful capacity to rapidly detect single point mutations which cause specific genetic diseases, this technique is now being usefully applied to more general ecological questions relating to naturally-occurring genetic diversity. An application of DGGE which we are exploring is the survey of naturally-occurring microbial diversity. Using this technique on Station, we have conducted preliminary surveys on the diversity and composition of picoplankton populations collected in transit to and in the area surrounding Palmer Station. The following preliminary conclusions have resulted from our October studies at Palmer Station using pcr and DGGE: a) The diversity and composition of eubacterial planktonic assemblages in Drakes Passage changes across the Antarctic Convergence. Some eubacterial types appear in common amongst all samples collected across the Drake transect. The preliminary data indicate that the Polar Front may serve as a microfaunal, as well as macrofaunal transition zone. This hypothesis requires further testing. b) Eubacteria in late winter plankton assemblages in Arthur Harbor are spatially (horizontally and vertically) and temporally homogeneous. However, the total diversity contained within the late winter Antarctic eubacterial picoplankton as estimated by DGGE is reasonably high. Patterns of eubacterial diversity in Arthur harbor in late winter 1993 are similar to that seen in late winter 1995. c) Archaebacteria in late winter plankton assemblages in Arthur Harbor are also spatially (horizontally and vertically) and temporally homogeneous. The total diversity contained within the late winter Antarctic archaebacterial picoplankton, as estimated by DGGE, is however much lower than that found in the corresponding eubacteria. Patterns of archaebacterial diversity in Arthur Harbor in late winter 1993 are similar to those seen in late winter 1995. 3) Single cell enumeration of archaebacteria using ribosomal RNA targeted, fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide probes and epifluorescence microscopy (Christina Preston) Using fluorescently labeled, group-specific, rRNA targeted oligonucleotide probes, we successfully conducted our first field-based estimation of archaebacterial cell densities. These data will allow better interpretation of spatial and temporal variability of these prokaryotes, since absolute archaebacteial cell numbers, as opposed to relative rRNA percentages, can now be estimated. In situ hybridization using "universal" probes (which recognize all cells) labeled between 50 to 70 % of the total cell population enumerated by DAPI staining. Of those cells, up to 19 % were identified as archaebacteria by simultaneous hybridization with eubacterial-specific and archaebacterial-specific probes labeled with different fluorochromes. Archaebacteria were identified as those cells which bound the archaebacterial-specific but not eubacterial-specific probes. These data are consistent with estimates of archaebacterial abundance from 1993 winter samples, and our preliminary pcr results of 1995. These data will be compared with analyses performed at UCSB, which quantify the relative percentage of archaebacterial rRNA obtained in nucleic acid extracts from the same samples. 4) Detection of archaebacterial metabolic activities in mixed populations Amino acid incorporation into bacterioplankton protein fractions was followed in the presence and absence of eubacterial and eukaryotic specific protein synthesis inhibitors. Initially, low overall rates and low signal to noise were obtained due to the combination of low cell numbers and low incubation temperatures of -1.5 Celsius. This problem was overcome by using highly concentrated cell preparations. Using this approach, both uninhibited and antibiotic inhibited amino acid incorporation rates were easily measurable. Eubacterial protein synthesis inhibitors had a differential effect on the incorporation of leucine versus glutamate. Antibiotics which specifically target eubacterial ribosomes inhibited > 90 % incorporation of leucine incorporation into protein. Glutamate incorporation however, using the same cell population measured at the same time, was inhibited by only 50%. There appears to be a large difference in the relative incorporation rates of various amino acids in the presence of eubacterial specific protein synthesis inhibitors. The incorporation of some amino acids appears relatively resistant to known eubacterial protein synthesis inhibitors. Our present hypothesis is that a component of the population, specifically the archaebacteria, preferentially incorporates glutamate relative to leucine, which results in the observed insensitivity of glutamate incorporation to eubacterial protein synthesis inhibitors. It may soon be possible to correlate this "activity" signal with other relevant parameters, such as archaebacterial cell abundance. Summary Though abbreviated due to the heavy ice conditions, the late winter/early spring field season has been truly productive for team S-024. This is largely thanks to the cooperation of the weather in the last half of deployment, and all the fine support provided by ASA personnel. Special thanks to Don Ferris, Marian Moyher and Ken Earle for their super effort and cooperation, both in the field and in the lab. S-045F LONG-TERM ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH (LTER) ON THE ANTARCTIC MARINE ECOSYSTEM: AN ICE-DOMINATED ENVIRONMENT (SEABIRD COMPONENT). William R. Fraser and Wayne Z. Trivelpiece, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT. PERSONNEL ON STATION: Eric Holm, Karen Carney, John Carlson. The three members of S-045F left Punta Arenas on October 3 and arrived at Palmer Station on October 8 after a smooth Drake Passage crossing. We arrived to find Arthur Harbor completely covered in fast ice and sea ice looming as far as the eye could see. The only open water was within the Palmer Station 2 mile boating limit. Since our arrival the fast ice has kept its integrity and we have been able to ski or walk to Torgersen, Humble, and Litchfield Islands, as well as Norsel Point. Thus, we have been able to monitor the arrival of Adelie Penguins on all three islands unhindered. A timely but short retreat in the sea ice allowed a window for boating tests to be conducted but to date only one boating excursion has been conducted by us. As a matter of course in our daily field work we have been censusing and making observations on marine mammals in the area. This has brought to light two groups of pupping elephant seals. As of this writing there is a harem on Torgersen Island with three pups and another on Litchfield Island with three pups. All the pups were born within the week. Lab work has included intertidal limpet size distribution analysis and south polar skua scat analysis. S-045R LONG-TERM ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON THE ANTARCTIC MARINE ECOSYSTEM: AN ICE-DOMINATED SYSTEM. Robin M. Ross and Langdon B. Quetin, University of California, Marine Science Institute, Santa Barbara, California 93106. PERSONNEL ON STATION: Langdon Quetin (PI, Field Leader), Janice Jones (shared with 045S), Laird MacDonald. S-045R arrived at Palmer 8 Oct 95. Offload went quickly and smoothly thanks to a magnificent effort by the Palmer Station personnel. Fast ice in Arthur Harbor has prevented zodiac operations so we have concentrated on unpacking, setting up the lab, preparing for the LTER cruise in January, and orienting divers to Antarctic conditions. W. Kozlowski (045V) and L. MacDonald have completed two orientation dives with no difficulty. J. Jones will complete orientation dives in early November. We anticipate diving operations will increase in November. Installation of the seawater temperature probe for the Hugo Island Automated Weather System is on track for the January LTER cruise. Necessary materials have been ordered by ASA and final schedules for fabrication and equipment lists will be completed in November. We gave a science lecture 27 Oct to station personnel about our diving techniques and the importance of annual pack ice to krill. For most of the month the weather has remained remarkably calm. Unless we get some strong northeast winds the ice conditions are expected to continue. S-045S LONG-TERM ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH (LTER) ON THE ANTARCTIC MARINE ECOSYSTEM: AN ICE DOMINATED ENVIRONMENT. Ray Smith, University of California, ICESS, Santa Barbara, CA 93106. PERSONNEL ON STATION: Janice Jones (shared position with S-045R). Field team leader Janice Jones arrived 8 Oct aboard the R/V POLAR DUKE. The computers and printers have been set up in lab 2, and have been successfully linked to the Palmer network. The Palmer event log was ready to go, but the hard drive on the laptop crashed and we are still looking for an alternative. The new Garmin GPS's were taken up the glacier to set up their almanacs - a full 8 satellite lock in was achieved. Field sampling has not been possible as yet due to ice. The ROZE zodiac equipment is being set up in the blue boxes in lab 2. They will be ready for final checkout prior to installing on the MK V zodiac within the next few days. The blue boxes were refurbished (strengthened and repainted - thanks go to Commander for his help in the Trade Shop) prior to setup. Three fluorometers were set up and cross-calibrated with the S-045V team. The chlorophyll filtration rig was set up in the aquarium room and is ready for the first chlorophyll samples. Thank you to the logistics people on station, as well as the POLAR DUKE and in Punta Arenas for helping to make this season's deployment a smooth and painless one! S-045V LONG-TERM ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON THE ANTARCTIC MARINE ECOSYSTEM: AN ICE-DOMINATED ENVIRONMENT (PHYTOPLANKTON COMPONENT). Maria Vernet, Scripps Institution of Oceanography. PERSONNEL ON STATION: Wendy Kozlowski, Cristine Moraes S-045V departed Punta Arenas October 2, and after a smooth crossing arrived at Palmer Station on the 8th of October. Though during the first week at Palmer there was a brief break in ice coverage which allowed initial stages of boating tests to be carried out, Arthur Harbor has been frozen since then. Time has been dedicated to laboratory and instrument setup and calibration, as well as method and protocol establishment. Instrument setup for photosynthetic pigment analysis by high performance liquid chromatography is complete (with an upgraded software and computer package) and standard curve and column calibrations are currently being performed. Instrumentation for nutrient analysis is set up, also with an upgraded software package, and we are currently running analysis for nitrate, nitrite, orthophosphate and silicate. The channel for ammonium determination should be added as soon as necessary additional equipment arrives from the states. Incubators and laboratory setup is complete for primary productivity (radiocarbon uptake) experiments (photosyntheses versus irradiance curves, simulated in situ incubations, and growth rate determinations using carbon to chlorophyll a ratios). The Legend (sampling zodiac) platform has been assembled as well, and is ready to be put in the boat for the start of water sampling (thank you Herb). S-045V would also like to thank info-sys and lab support for the cooperation and assistance in setting up the computer systems in Lab 10. S-091 PALMER IRIS SEISMOLOGY. R. Butler/G. Holcomb, U.S. Geological Survey, Albuquerque, NM. No personnel were on station. The system has been operated by the station science technician. Seismic events throughout the month were recorded. On 06 October a planned power outage occurred from 0300 to 0645Z. The IRIS system was powered by an UPS unit; however, the UPS, although hooked to a generator, failed after about 20 minutes. An automatic tape change occurred when the DP came back on line at approximately 0647Z. S-106 VERY LOW FREQUENCY (VLF) REMOTE SENSING OF THUNDERSTORM AND RADIATION BELT COUPLING TO THE IONOSPHERE. U. Inan, Stanford University. No personnel were on station. The system has been operated by the station science technician. Synoptic, narrow band and broad-band recordings of VLF signals were made on a daily basis. During the planned power outages on 05 and 06 October, the VLF system was powered by a generator. Continuous broadband Beta tape recordings were restarted on 11 October. S-254 CHLORINE- AND BROMINE-CONTAINING TRACE GASES IN ANTARCTICA. R.A. Rasmussen, Oregon Graduate Institute for Science and Technology, Portland, Oregon, 97291. There are no personnel on station. Air samples are taken on a weekly basis by the station physician. The samples are returned to the Institute for analysis of a number of trace components, especially chlorine- and bromine-containing gases. These elements have been implicated in the chemical processes that contribute to the austral-spring depletion of the ozone layer over Antarctica. This work will contribute to a better understanding of the buildup of trace constituents, particularly those of high-latitude marine origin. S-257C COLLECTION OF ATMOSPHERIC AIR FOR THE NOAA/CMDL WORLDWIDE FLASK SAMPLING NETWORK. James T. Peterson, Environmental Research Laboratories, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Boulder, CO 80303-3328. There are no personnel on station. Air samples are taken on a weekly basis by the station physician. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory team continue long-term measurements of trace atmospheric constituents that influence climate. The Palmer Station air samples are returned to the NOAA laboratory for analysis of trace constituents, including carbon dioxide. These measurements are part of NOAA's effort to determine and assess the long-term buildup of global pollutants in the atmosphere. These data will be used to determine how the rate of change of these parameters affects climate, particularly by including them in climate model studies. S-275 UM/DOE-EML REMOTE ATMOSPHERIC MEASUREMENTS PROGRAM. J. Prospero/T. Snowdon, University of Miami; C. Sanderson/ N. Chui, EML/DOE N.Y. No personnel were on station. The system has been operated by the station science technician. One sample filter was exposed for the duration of each week, and a weekly schedule of calibration, background, and sample counts was maintained. Counting and filtration operations were suspended on 05 October from 11:16pm (local) to 11:45pm due to a planned power outage, and again on 06-07 October between 11pm and 3:45am. The clock on the Zenith computer was adjusted forward one hour on 20 October for "daylight savings" time. T-312 TERASCAN SATELLITE IMAGING SYSTEM. R. Whritner, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA. No personnel were on station. The system has been operated by the station science technician. The TeraScan system collected, archived, and processed DMSP and NOAA telemetry, maintaining a schedule of 15 passes per day. AWS data was collected from the Bonaparte Point and Hugo Island automatic weather stations in support of the LTER project. Infrared, visible and passive microwave imagery was provided in support of R/V POLAR DUKE and R/V NATHANIEL B. PALMER science and operations. Ozone concentration data was derived from NOAA-12 telemetry, and provided to project S-200 in support of their research efforts. Planned power outages resulted in a total of three passes being preempted. Hard hangs of the Sun workstation occurred three times during October, resulting in a total of 11 satellite pass losses. SCSI transport failure errors, most likely due to dirty tape heads, were seen on two occasions. On 25 October one pass collect failed for unknown reasons. T-513 UV MONITORING EXPERIMENT. C. Booth, Biospherical Instruments, Inc. No personnel were on station. The system has been operated by the station science technician. Throughout the month, raw irradiance data were collected daily and transmitted to BSI. Preliminary irradiance data and inferred ozone abundances were produced in support of Science. Absolute calibrations of the UV monitor were performed on 10 October and again on 20 October. The schedule of data scans was expanded in response to the seasonal lengthening of daylight hours, and the UV monitor's sensitivity was reduced due to increases in solar irradiance. During the planned power outages on 05 and 06 October, the UV monitor was powered by a generator. On 16, 22, and 29 October ReadDAS errors were seen, cause unknown; on 22 and 29 October these errors were also associated with AXSS errors. On 17 October, the voltage setting for item #1 of the response scan did not function properly; the system was reset and the response scans worked fine thereafter. On 22 October, the system was found in a locked-up state, with the screen blank; a computer reboot fixed the problem, and only the 0000Z data scan was missed. The cause of this sudden rash of errors and system problems remains undetermined at this time. 03114146.388 PLM212.NOV