Mysterious blue volcanic goo reveals hidden microbial life deep beneath the sea

Deep Volcanic Goo Could Resemble Life Beyond Earth (Image: SO292/2 Expedition Science Party)

Scientists have discovered traces of life in strange blue mud. The goo came from a deep-sea volcano near the Mariana Trench. It lies nearly 3,000 metres beneath the Pacific Ocean surface. The finding may reveal how early life once began on Earth.

What was discovered?

Researchers found vivid blue serpentinite and brucite-rich mud layers. These materials came from a submarine mud volcano erupting alkaline fluids. The mud had a pH value close to 12. Such extreme chemistry challenges the survival of any living organisms.

Who made the discovery and where?

The discovery was made by German and Japanese research scientists. They explored the area using the research vessel Sonne SO292/2. Samples were taken near the Mariana Trench’s western Pacific region. Their analysis was published in Communications Earth & Environment journal recently.

What evidence suggests life exists there?

Scientists found lipid molecules that are usually found in microbial cell membranes. These chemical traces show that living microbes are doing well in toxic mud. They are surviving despite not having many nutrients, high pressure and very alkaline conditions. These microbes could give us some clues about the early beginnings of life on Earth.

Why is this discovery important?

This study gives us a clearer idea of how tough life can be, even in extreme environments. It backs up the idea that life can begin even without sunlight. The reactions between seawater and mantle rocks give energy to microbes, which is something that may also happen on icy moons.

What comes next for researchers?

In the future, missions will gather even more samples from those deep-sea vents. The goal is to sequence the DNA of microbes for a much better view of their biology. What we find could change how we think about where life came from and how well it adapts.