The Lichen Flora and Habitats of the Syowa Region, Continental Antarctica

• Published in: The Lichenologist
• Main Author: Inoue, M.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1995
• Subjects: Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0024-2829(95)80005-0; http://api.elsevier.com/content/article/PII:S0024282995800050?httpAccept=text/xml; http://api.elsevier.com/content/article/PII:S0024282995800050?httpAccept=text/plain; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0024282995000582

Abstract The lichen flora and habitats in the Syowa region of continental Antarctica were surveyed. The distribution patterns of lichens appear to reflect habitat salinity, derived from wind-blown sea spray. Some halotolerant species are established in saline habitats where snow dunes are well developed. Snow and ice ameliorate the salinity of the habitat and provide a major source of moisture for lichens. Wind-borne drift snow carried by katabatic winds or occasional snow showers also provide the source of moisture to lichens growing on dry rock habitats in the Syowa region.