Life Beneath the Antarctic Ice

Research reveals that beneath the icy surface of Antarctica, there exists a hidden biosphere teeming with life. Subglacial lakes, such as Lake Vostok, which lies under two miles of ice, host diverse microbial ecosystems that thrive in complete darkness and extreme cold. The unique conditions—such as high pressure, heat flux from the Earth, and an insulating layer of ice—allow liquid water to remain stable despite frigid surface temperatures. Studies show that these microorganisms derive energy from minerals rather than sunlight, utilizing chemical bonds of elements like methane and sulfur to sustain their existence.