Life Found Two Metres Underground in Atacama Desert

A microbial ecosystem containing bacteria, archaea and DNA was found two metres below the surface of Chile’s Atacama Desert. The Atacama Desert is the driest hot desert in the world and is often used in astrobiology studies because of its Mars-like conditions.

Atacama Desert as an Extreme Habitat

The Atacama Desert lies in northern Chile and includes regions such as the Yungay Valley. Its hyper-arid climate, high solar radiation and low organic content make it one of the most studied terrestrial analogues for Mars.

Subsurface Life and Microbial Ecology

Microbial life in the Atacama has been recorded below the surface, where soil moisture and temperature conditions can differ from the upper layer. Earlier studies had identified microbial life mainly within the top 30 centimetres of soil, while later findings extended the known depth to at least 4 metres in some locations.

Nematodes in Desert Soils

An international study led by researchers from the University of Cologne found diverse communities of nematodes beneath the Atacama soil. The study collected 112 soil samples from six regions and identified at least 36 genera from 21 families of these microscopic worms.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Atacama Desert is located in Chile and is classified as the driest hot desert on Earth.
• Actinobacteria are a major group of bacteria often found in soil and extreme environments.
• Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that occur in marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats.
• PNAS Nexus is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes research across multiple disciplines.

Astrobiology Relevance

Astrobiology studies the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the universe. The Atacama Desert is used in this field because its dry soil, salt deposits and radiation levels resemble some conditions expected on Mars.