Background on our journey

Hello All,

Welcome to our journey to Antarctica ...specifically the region across the McMurdo Sound called the Dry Valleys. The McMurdo Dry Valleys (77°30'S 163°00'E) on the shore of McMurdo Sound, 2,200 miles (3,500 km) due south of New Zealand, form the largest relatively ice-free area (approximately 4,800 sq km) on the Antarctic continent. These ice-free areas of Antarctica display a sharp contrast to most other ecosystems in the world, which exist under far more moderate environmental conditions. The perennially ice-covered lakes, ephemeral streams and extensive areas of exposed soil within the McMurdo Dry Valleys are subject to low temperatures, limited precipitation and salt accumulation. The dry valleys represent a region where life approaches its environmental limits, and is an end-member in the spectrum of environments included in the LTER Network.

We are part of team headed by Dr. Diane McKnight from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Locally, we are know as "The Stream Team". Please visit:http://www.mcmlter.org/ for more information about our project, the LTER, and Dr. McKnight.