地球深部微生物生存奥秘破译

Core Insights - A significant discovery by the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry reveals that chemical energy released during geological faulting can sustain deep subsurface microbial life, challenging previous understandings of energy sources in Earth's deep ecosystems [1][2] - The research indicates that the hydrogen gas produced during rock fracturing is at least 100,000 times greater than that generated by known serpentinization or radiolytic processes, suggesting a robust energy source for microbial communities [1] - This energy mechanism could also apply to extraterrestrial environments, such as ancient fault lines on Mars or cracks in the ice shell of Europa, providing a potential energy source for "dark life" in the solar system [2] Research Findings - The study utilized a "fracturing-reaction" experimental platform to simulate fault activities several kilometers underground, demonstrating that the interaction of fractured rock surfaces with water generates substantial amounts of hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide [1] - The research team discovered that the coupling of hydrogen radicals and hydrogen peroxide drives an iron redox cycle, creating an "underground electric grid" that supplies essential energy to microorganisms without the need for photosynthesis [1] - Calculations indicate that earthquakes can produce a hydrogen flux of 737.2 moles per square meter annually at fault surfaces, which exceeds the energy requirements for microbial communities, allowing for rapid growth and reproduction [2]