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Collecting survey points in the Boulder Pavement Scientific Zone
U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) surveyor Jeff Scanniello collects survey points along the edge of the Boulder Pavement Scientific Zone, along the Onyx River, Wright Valley. The scientific zone comprises a part of the Onyx River which fans out and flows slowly through a flat area of boulders where conditions are favorable for the growth of algae and cyanobacteria, forming the most extensive microbial mats in the Wright Valley and a biofilter for Lake Vanda. The designation of a science zone informs visitors that the area is fragile and under study, so "be careful where you walk." Further information about the McMurdo Dry Valleys specially managed areas is available Here.
The National Science Foundation runs USAP. In addition to maintaining three U.S. research stations on the continent, USAP supports research projects in an array of scientific disciplines including, for example, aeronomy and astrophysics, biology and medicine, geology and geophysics, glaciology, and ocean and climate systems. Outreach such as the Antarctic Artists and Writers program and education programs are also supported. For more information about USAP, visit the program's website Here. [Note: Please see special restrictions regarding use of this image, below.] (Date of Image: January 2009)
Credit: Nathan Biletnikoff
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