Characteristics and classification of the lakes of Signy Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica

The lakes of Signy Island (60° 43′S, 45° 38′W), South Orkney Islands, Antarctica, provide a unique laboratory for the study of many processes including natural eutrophication. Current relationships between the lakes have been examined by principal components analysis of environmental data from a long‐term monitoring programme. The results from the analysis have been combined with some biological data to provide a classification scheme for the lakes. The study has produced a valuable baseline for use in future research.