Glacier clear ice bands indicate englacial channel microbial distribution

Abstract Distant glacial areas are interconnected by a complex system of fractures and water channels which run in the glacier interior characterize englacial realm. Water can slowly freeze these where slow freezing excludes air bubbles giving ice clear aspect. This is uplifted to surface ablation zone movements therefore be observed form bands. We employed an indirect method sample coring were able, for first time, compare microbial communities sampled from (i.e. frozen bands) cloudy meteoric ice) through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Although primarily shaped structured their spatial distribution on glacier, type was secondary factor. One area particular, presented significant community clear/cloudy differences. supraglacial showed typical cold-adapted communities, had less defined ubiquitous environmental organisms. These results highlight role dispersion within and, possibly, shaping communities.