In a groundbreaking study, scientists shed light on the incredible resilience and adaptability of life thriving under extreme conditions in an underwater Santorini volcano.
The research, conducted by scientists from Canada, Germany, and Greece, provides crucial insights into how microorganisms survive and evolve in the depths of the ocean, offering a glimpse into the origin of geological structures and the creation of ecosystems.
“We uncovered the presence of diverse microbiota in this system with unique adaptation strategies, including resistant forms to withstand heat stresses, such as endospores,” the researchers said.
The study, published on Frontiers, focused on the sea-floor of Kolumbo, Santorini’s largest submerged volcano, located 505 meters below sea level. Here, a unique and active volcanic environment presented the ideal opportunity for researchers to explore how life has adapted to withstand scorching heat temperatures exceeding 120 °C.
Remarkably, the scientists uncovered a diverse range of microorganisms with exceptional adaptation strategies, including the presence of resistant forms like endospores, capable of enduring heat stresses. These microorganisms, regarded as the first living things on Earth, play a vital role in shaping geological structures and influencing the evolution of ecosystems.
Volcanoes in the Aegean Sea, particularly the Hellenic Volcanic Arc in Methana, Milos, Santorini, Nisiros, and Kos, are known for their unique hydrothermal vents. However, it is the submarine volcanoes with these vents that offer the most intriguing, extreme, and challenging habitats to study. The active Santorini-Kolumbo volcanic system represents a promising opportunity for scientists to delve deeper into the mysterious world of sub-seafloor life.
The researchers are hopeful that further exploration of the Hellenic Arc Volcanic Field will unlock essential information about the factors influencing life in the deep sub-seafloor of active volcanic systems. Moreover, this discovery may pave the way for new insights into the process of evolution and the boundaries of life as we know it.