In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences in the Chinese mainland have uncovered how earthquakes and other crustal activities generate an unexpected energy source for deep-Earth life.
Beyond the reach of sunlight, around 95 percent of Earth’s prokaryotic organisms dwell in the planet’s crust19 percent of global biomass. Until now, scientists have puzzled over how these microbes find the energy to survive.
Through lab simulations of fault movements several kilometers underground, the team observed that when rocks fracture, they form fresh surfaces. The newly broken chemical bonds then react with water, producing bursts of hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide. These molecules drive cycles of iron oxidation and reduction, continuously releasing electrons.
'These electrons flow among key life elementslike carbon, sulfur and nitrogencreating an invisible subterranean power grid that supplies ready-to-use energy for microbes,' explained the research team.
Beyond reshaping our view of deep-Earth ecosystems, the finding offers clues for astrobiology missions. Future searches for life on Mars or icy moons such as Europa might focus on oxidized and reduced substances near fault zoneshotspots for this earthquake-driven fuel.
For young global citizens and curious travelers alike, this discovery invites us to rethink the hidden engines that power life beneath our feetand potentially beyond our world.
Reference(s):
Study finds earthquakes can provide 'fuel' for subterranean life
cgtn.com
