Limnological studies in the potter Peninsula, 25 de mayo Island (South Shetland Islands ‐ Antarctica): chemistry of lentic environments

Abstract

Limnological studies were carried out in the Potter Peninsula, “25 de Mayo Island” (South Shetland Islands ‐ Antarctica) on the chemistry of lentic environments. The relevant chemical characteristics of twenty‐two bodies of water in Potter Creek are described. The marine contribution index (I.A.M.) and Gibbs’ diagrams show that only 50% of dissolved load in these bodies of water can be ascribed to marine contribution. The analysis of factors allows one to explain the first factor as associated to these waters’ chemical characteristics, while the second one is linked to endoproduction. The order obtained by means of discriminant analysis may be explained as resulting from two processes: succession and microsuccession.

Keywords:

• Limnology
• chemistry
• Antarctica
• lentic environments
• Potter Creek