Soil samples were collected from three sites: 30 samples from the south side of Lake Hoare sampled in a 6m2 area; 30 samples from the south side of Lake Fryxell sampled in a 6m2 area; and 27 samples in the Site of Special Scientific Interest #12 collected along three 100-m transects extending away from glacier meltwater.

 

Soil samples were taken for organism enumeration, moisture content, and salinity analysis as follows: Sampling bags were prepared with one sterile 'Whirlpak' bag and clean plastic scoop per sample. Samples were taken from within the 10 cm diameter circular area of each plot. The location of the sampling was recorded each year so that areas were not re-sampled. Using the plastic scoop, soil was collected to 10 cm depth. Very large rocks (>20 mm diameter) were excluded from the sample. The soil was shoveled into the 'Whirlpak' bag until three quarters full (about 1.5 kg soil). The soil was mixed well in the bag, then the bag was closed tightly, expelling as much air as possible. The soil samples were stored in a cooler for transportation. On return to the laboratory (within 8 hours of sampling), the soils were stored at -8C until further processing.  In the laboratory, soil samples were handled in a laminar flow hood to prevent contamination. The Whirlpak bags of soil were mixed thoroughly prior to opening . A sub-sample of approximately 50g was removed and placed in a pre-weighed alu minum soil can, and weighed on a balance accurate to 0.01g. This sample was dried at 105C for 24 hours. The sample was removed, placed in a desiccator to cool down, and re-weighed. These data were used to calculate water content of the soil.