Bacteria multiply 800m below the surface of Antarctic ice

Scientists discovered bacteria at a depth of 800m, below the Antarctic ice surface. This discovery raises hope, sees extraterrestrial life.

According to a study published in Nature, international scientists found that the microbial community proliferating at Lake Whillans lies at a depth of 800 meters below the surface of Antarctica ice. This is the first time scientists have discovered life in such an extreme environment.

Life can still exist under the icy Antarctic surface - (Photo: NASA)

The team said that these bacteria survive by obtaining energy from all kinds of chemicals in rocks and sediments at Lake Whillans."These bacteria are very active and have their own functions," said microbiologist Jill Mikucki of the University of Tennessee (USA).

She said they are part of a global biochemical system that scientists still don't understand.'About 10% of the earth's surface area is covered by ice. We know very little about biochemical activities in the environment below. Through internal chemical reactions, these bacteria do things like release nutrients from rocks, 'said Mikucki.

The team said the finding suggests that similar life could exist at Jupiter's moon Europa, Saturn's moon Enceladus and even Mars. Both Europa and Enceladus have oceans beneath the icy surface.

On Earth, experts are aiming for life research projects at Lake Vostok, a giant lake located beneath the Antarctic ice surface.