Microbial sucession dynamics in the forefield of Breiðamerkurjokull Glacier (Iceland)

Abstract

Backgrounds One key consequence of glacier recession, as effect of climatic change, is the creation of new habitats for colonization. In glacier forefields, primary succession occurs simultaneously in soils and rocks recently discovered offering a type of natural experiment in which temporal colonization dynamics can be analyzed. Objectives A chronosequence established at Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier forefield, was used as a framework to analyze primary microbial succession processes in subarctic regions. This outlet glacier stretches to southeast from Vatnajökull Glacier and has been dramatically retreating during the 20th century. Methods Soil samples from different succession stages were collected. Microbial community structure was analyzed by high-throughput amplicon sequencing. Potential microbial activity (microbial respiration, N mineralization) as well as different soil attributes were also measured in these samples.