Permafrost as a microbial habitat: extreme for the Earth, favorable in space

David A. Gilichinsky

doi:10.1117/12.278803

11 July 1997 Permafrost as a microbial habitat: extreme for the Earth, favorable in space

David A. Gilichinsky

Proceedings Volume 3111, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for the Investigation of Extraterrestrial Microorganisms; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278803
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Cold adapted viable paleomicroorganisms, the only known organisms, survive `in situ' within permafrost at subzero temperatures over geological time and upon thawing resume the activities. Because the cryosphere existence is a common phenomenon in space, the terrestrial permafrost environment inhabited by microbes and their metabolically end products can be considered as a model of conditions of the other planets. Ancient microbial communities within the Earth permafrost provide a range of analogies for possible extraterrestrial ecosystems, which might be found at permafrost depths on other planets. The main econiches where the microorganisms may survive are the unfrozen water films enveloping soil particles and functions as a cryoprotector. This type of rigidly associated `liquid' water has not been sublimated and may present in extraterrestrial cryosphere as a life indicator.

Citation Download Citation

David A. Gilichinsky "Permafrost as a microbial habitat: extreme for the Earth, favorable in space", Proc. SPIE 3111, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for the Investigation of Extraterrestrial Microorganisms, (11 July 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278803

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