Antarctic Microbiology

by E.I. Friedmann (Editor), Anne B. Thistle (Editor)

Antarctic Microbiology The extreme climate of Antarctica — its sub-zero temperatures, low humidity, high winds, and extended light and dark periods — has limited scientists in their search for information on microbial communities there and in the surrounding oceans. Most early microbiological research was descriptive and focused on the interactions of microbial communities with physical and chemical parameters. Today, thanks to enormous improvements in technology and logistics, microbiologists can study the functional processes of microbial communities and their biological interactions. Microbiological research in Antarctica is particularly relevant in light of today’s discussions on global climate change. This volume offers an account of the microbial habitats and communities that play significant roles in the ecosystem of the Antarctic continent. Antarctic Microbiology demonstrates the explosion of new and exciting research into microbial communities, physiological rate processes, and adaptation of species at the biochemical and molecular level. This text presents new information Written by an international group of experts, Antarctic Microbiology will be of interest to all microbiologists and ecologists who study the diversity of microorganisms and their marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.

644 pages, Paperback

First published June 18, 1993