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Scientists from the University of Michigan collected water samples from the underground lake of Antarctica, which lies at a depth almost 800 meters below the surface. This study will allow more learn about the conditions that microbial life can adapt to, reports Global Biogeochemical Cycles.
It is known that lakes with liquid water periodically arise in bowels of glaciers. There is no sunlight, but the ice pressure in combined with the heat coming from the core of the Earth, contribute to melting. Lake Willans in West Antarctica is one such reservoirs.
Complex life forms cannot exist in such conditions, but colonies of microorganisms thrive there, as in water organic carbon is present – a key element of their nutrition.
Researchers’ calculations showed that subglacial lakes contain 5400% more carbon than is needed to maintain microbial of life. Such abundance probably compensates for the adverse conditions such as lack of heat and light.
When the pool is shallow, nutrients penetrate lower to the ice-covered coast of the Southern Ocean. Ice systems contain complex systems of melt lakes, rivers and streams, which can communicate with each other. A new study showed that they contain the components necessary for life, which may not be in surface water.
“Life is hardy, it can endure a lot,” – The authors emphasized.
By studying such closed ecosystems, scientists not only expand knowledge of the Earth, but can also conclude about the possibility of development life on other planets where conditions are far from being so favorable like we have.
Scientists have almost no doubt that there is an icy ocean on one of the moons of Jupiter – Europe. It can be heated internal geothermal sources and be suitable for of life.
A source
Antarctica Water Life
