A lonely lake in the midst of the McMurdo Dry Valleys in southern Victoria Land. Created by glacial melt, the tiny stream collects salts and nutrients from the soil as it travels to the lake bed. As lake water evaporates, the salt concentrations increase. Lighter fresh water floats to the top and freezes while the saltier water sinks to the bottom, remaining in a liquid state. Many scientists are studying lakes such as this one, sponsored by the National Science Foundation's Long Term Ecological Research project. For more information on the Dry Valleys and limnology, visit the January 26, 2003, edition of THE ANTARCTIC SUN at www.usap.gov.