IMIS

All data provided are OTUs of the 16S rRNA gene which were identified via a comparison to online databases to family or genus level. For most OTUs identification to species level was not possible.
Sampling methods: Cyanobacterial samples were collected from five different sampling sites in the Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) No. 126 of Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island (62° 34' 35" to 62° 4' 35" S and 60° 54' 14" to 61° 13' 07" W), South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, during an expedition in February 2009. Microbial mats were probed using a sterile spatula, sealed in sterile plastic bags or tubes and stored frozen (-20 °C) for DNA extraction.
Study Extent: Samples were collected on Byers Peninsula (ASPA 126) in February 2009. This area is a summer snow- and ice-free area. Various microbial mats on wet soil, meltwater and seepages were sampled.
Quality Control: Data were published in a peer-reviewed journal DOI: 10.1038/NCLIMATE1418