Supraglacial sulfur springs and associated biological activity in the Canadian high arctic - signs of life beneath the ice

Astrobiology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Unique springs, discharging from the surface of an arctic glacier, release H2S and deposit native sulfur, gypsum, and calcite. The presence of sulfur in three oxidation states indicates a complex series of redox reactions. Physical and chemical conditions of the spring water and surrounding environment, as well as mineralogical and isotopic signatures, suggest biologically mediated reactions. Cell counts and DNA analyses confirm bacteria are present in the spring system, and a limited number of sequenced isolates suggests that complex communities of bacteria live within the glacial system.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Supraglacial sulfur springs and associated biological activity in the Canadian high arctic - signs of life beneath the ice
Series title Astrobiology
DOI 10.1089/153110703322610672
Volume 3
Issue 3
Year Published 2003
Language English
Publisher Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
Contributing office(s) Coastal and Marine Geology Progam
Description 14 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Astrobiology
First page 583
Last page 596
Country Canada
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