This dataset comprises raster model outputs from a Bayesian additive regression tree model predicting habitable area for snow algae on the Antarctic Peninsula. The dataset shows the likelihood that snow is habitable for snow algae growth and is presented for red snow algae (RSA) and green snow algae (GSA) for 2021 climatic conditions as well as for predicted 2100 climate conditions under the RCP8.5 warming scenario. The purpose of this model was to predict the potential coverage of snow algae under different temperatures, as well as to explore the climatic and environmental factors influencing their distribution. This work was carried out by researchers as part of the NERC-funded research project NE/V000764/1 investigating the historical, present and future snow algae distribution in Antarctica.

This dataset is a sequential list of all the terrestrial snow and ice samples taken at Robert Island, Antarctica from January 2023 to March 2023. Sample date, location, bloom colour and what the sample was subsequently used for (metabolomics, pigment, DNA, DOC, FTIR, CN), along with cell counts is provided. Cell counts and biometric measurements of Ancylonema are included in the dataset. The samples were taken by small 15ml or 50ml plastic tube sampling in the snow pack or on the icecap hard ice. This was to study the habitat and ecosystem progression over the season and linking this to other satellite or drone or vegetation data. A remote sensing output (red snow algae vector for Robert Island) was also produced. The expedition and sampling was carried out by Matthew Davey (PI), Alex Thomson, Andrew Gray, Hannah Moulton, Charlotte Walshaw with support from INACH, Chile and BAS. This was part of a wider project with Claudia Colesie, Naomi Thomas, Peter Convey, Alison G. Smith, Peter Fretwell, Lloyd Peck. Samples were transferred to UK (SAMS) for further analysis. This project was funded by Standard NERC References: NE/V000764/1 and NE/V000896/1. The past, present and future of snow algae in Antarctica: a threatened terrestrial ecosystem?