Huge thriving ecosystem from bottom of the ocean

There is a huge thriving ecosystem in the hydrated oceanic crust which is one of the largest in the world and virtually unknown. This giant ecosystem probably plays an important role today and in addition, could host the first forms of life.

© IPGP (CNRS, Université Paris-Diderot, Paris Sorbonne PRES City) / Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Mantle rocks, called peridotites, brought to outcrops on the ocean bottom by the interaction of tectonic environments which spurs the deep carbon cycle. The seawater circulates at depth of several kilometers. Maybe these environments are the largest microbial habitat on Earth. Continue Reading …