AUTHOR=Pearce David A. , Alekhina Irina A. , Terauds Aleks , Wilmotte Annick , Quesada Antonio , Edwards Arwyn , Dommergue Aurelien , Sattler Birgit , Adams Byron J. , Magalhães Catarina , Chu Wan-Loy , Lau Maggie C. Y. , Cary Craig , Smith David J. , Wall Diana H. , Eguren Gabriela , Matcher Gwynneth , Bradley James A. , de Vera Jean-Pierre , Elster Josef , Hughes Kevin A. , Cuthbertson Lewis , Benning Liane G. , Gunde-Cimerman Nina , Convey Peter , Hong Soon Gyu , Pointing Steve B. , Pellizari Vivian H. , Vincent Warwick F. TITLE=Aerobiology Over Antarctica – A New Initiative for Atmospheric Ecology JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology VOLUME=7 YEAR=2016 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.00016 DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2016.00016 ISSN=1664-302X ABSTRACT=

The role of aerial dispersal in shaping patterns of biodiversity remains poorly understood, mainly due to a lack of coordinated efforts in gathering data at appropriate temporal and spatial scales. It has been long known that the rate of dispersal to an ecosystem can significantly influence ecosystem dynamics, and that aerial transport has been identified as an important source of biological input to remote locations. With the considerable effort devoted in recent decades to understanding atmospheric circulation in the south-polar region, a unique opportunity has emerged to investigate the atmospheric ecology of Antarctica, from regional to continental scales. This concept note identifies key questions in Antarctic microbial biogeography and the need for standardized sampling and analysis protocols to address such questions. A consortium of polar aerobiologists is established to bring together researchers with a common interest in the airborne dispersion of microbes and other propagules in the Antarctic, with opportunities for comparative studies in the Arctic.