The Antarctic Subglacial environment is a dynamic ecosystem where life, ice, water, and rock form a web of complex interactions. To better understand this subglacial biome, SALSA is employing an integrated approach of scientific discovery that samples from three geobiological systems. Through combining results across multiple disciplines, we are learning new information about our planet’s past and gaining knowledge on subglacial processes such as carbon cycling and water-ice dynamics.

Preserving the pristine nature of Antarctic subglacial ecosystems necessitates environmental stewardship during their exploration. SALSA drilled into and accessed  Mercer Subglacial Lake using a clean and sterile system that minimized microbial and chemical contamination to the environment and retrieved samples. Click here to read more about our clean access system.