Automated biogeochemical sensing of icy ecosystems (resubmitted)

冰冷的生态系统（如冰川，雪，海冰，冰冻湖泊）仍然是寒冷生物圈中探索最少的部分，但现在已知有大量微生物居住。它们是我们在其他行星上栖息地的最接近的模型，可能是地球历史上极端寒冷时期的生命避难所。由于目前的极端环境条件（寒冷、干燥、高辐射、高压和融水/冰的物理磨损），很少为这些环境开发传感器，迄今为止的大多数调查都涉及手工取样和样品的实验室分析。这些基本的取样方法只能提供有限的信息，不适合调查更偏远的深层次表面环境，如南极冰盖下的湖泊。在化学/生物传感器开发领域的重大创新对于控制冰冷环境中的微生物活性至关重要，并且为了充分参与未来对南极冰下湖泊和其他行星（例如火星，木星卫星）上冰下水体的探索。首席研究员在极端寒冷环境（包括冰川现场）的传感器部署和生物地球化学监测方面拥有丰富的经验，并将组织和领导一个核心专家团队开发第一代化学/生物传感器，用于高分辨率监测冰冷的生态系统。传感器测试地点是挪威的恩格森冰川，那里存在着一系列冰生态系统所共有的环境压力。该场地的一个独特之处是对Svartisen冰下实验室的开发，在冰川下的基岩中钻凿隧道，使传感器能够在高应力地下环境中相对直接地安置。这项工作将为今后发展一个更大的研究小组提供一个平台，重点是对冰冻圈进行地球化学传感，并从各种来源获得进一步的资金。

Icy ecosystems (e.g. glacier, snow, sea ice, frozen lakes) remain the least explored sector of the cold biosphere, yet are now known to be inhabited by significant populations of microorganisms. They are the closest models we have for habitats on other planets and may have been refuges for life during periods of extreme cold in Earth's history. Because of the extreme environmental conditions present (cold, desiccation, high radiation, high pressure and physical abrasion by meltwater/ice) few sensors are developed for these environments and most investigations to date have involved hand-sampling and laboratory analysis of samples. These rudimentary sampling methods yield only limited information and are inappropriate for investigating the more remote deep sub-surface environments, such as lakes beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Significant innovation in the field of chemical/biosensor development is essential for controls on microbial activity in icy environments to be understood, and in order to engage fully in the future exploration of Antarctic subglacial lakes and sub-ice water bodies on other planets (e.g. Mars, Jovian moons). The Principle Investigator has extensive experience in sensor deployment and biogeochemical monitoring in extreme cold environments, including the glacial field site, and will organize and lead a core team of experts to develop the first generation of chemical/biosensors for high resolution monitoring of icy ecosystems. The sensor testing site is a glacier, Engabreen (Norway), where environmental stresses common to a range of icy ecosystems are present. A unique aspect of this site is the exploitation of the Svartisen subglacial laboratory, where tunnels bored in bedrock beneath the glacier enable relatively straight-forward emplacement of sensors in the high stress subsurface environment. This work will provide a platform for the future development of a larger research group focused on biogeochemical sensing of the cryosphere and the acquisition of further funding from a variety of sources.