Scientists Examine ‘Alien’ Underworld of Antarctic Subglacial Lake – Video

In 2014, researchers made a groundbreaking discovery finding almost 4,000 microbial species living in the waters of Lake Whillans. Just recently they returned hoping to study the lake as it could possibly answer questions about life in other parts of the world and maybe the universe.

Scientists from Michigan Technological University (MTU) have examined the underworld of subglacial Lake Whillans, which looked like an alien planet. In their study published in the journal Global Biochemical Cycles, they revealed that the lake has a surprising amount of organic carbon, a vital source of food for microbes in Antarctica.

Researchers discovered that a pool of dissolved carbon can form in the lake in 4.8 to 11.9 years. As the lake fills and drains, nutrients and organic carbon travel underwater to the Southern Ocean.

Researchers from MTU used a special hot water drill to get through almost one kilometre of ice and then took samples of water and even sent down a camera

​Vick-Majors said that the study of subglacial lakes will provide insight into how life starts in other parts of the world.

Sourse: sputniknews.com