Anchor Ice Formation in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, and Its Biological Effects

Aggregations of ice platelets accumulate below the annual sea ice (subice platelet layer) and on the bottom (anchor ice) to depths of 33 meters. Observations of ice platelets adhering to submerged lines support the conclusion that 33 meters is the lower limit for ice formation in the water column in this area. The rising anchor ice lifts epibenthic fauna and has a pronounced effect on the distribution of the epibenthic organisms.