Key Points
1. Biochemical energy in the subsurface biomes is enough to produce the strongest Earthquakes.
2. The estimates of maximal depth where life can exist should be at least 75 km.
3. Ultra-deep subsurface micro-organisms might produce Earthquakes.
added by CC
Abstract
This paper explores the possibility of existence of ultra-deep biosphere (deeper than 10 km under the surface) and the biogenic earthquake hypothesis -- the idea that subsurface microorganisms might be directly related to earthquake activity.
The importance of electroautotrophic type of metabolism is underlined, and the role of telluric currents in this process is explored in some detail, as well as the role of subsurface and atmospheric microorganisms in the global electric circuit.
It seems that the existing estimates of the adaptability of biological organisms are inconsistent with empirical evidence, and theoretical concepts predict key biochemical processes to fail long before the onset of the temperatures and pressures, at which microorganisms are actually observed. This implies that life might exist much deeper beneath the surface than previously assumed.
At the same time the estimates of energy radiated during the strongest earthquakes are consistent with the biochemical energy available to the subsurface biosphere.
Some additional evidence is examined. It is proposed that the ultra-deep biosphere might represent an important factor in resolving the debate on the nature of hydrocarbons. At the same time the deep subsurface microorganisms might play a significant evolutionary role, not only providing seismically induced genetic variation and a "seed bank" for quick recovery after a mass extinction, but also by modulating longer climatic cycles through planetary-wide bio-geo-electrochemistry.
Plain Language Summary
The depths of the Earth's crust and layers beneath it are hostile to living organ-
isms due to high temperatures and pressures. Previous estimates have been suggesting that life (even tiny microorganisms) cannot exist in the Earth's crust deeper than about 10 km. Yet recent findings have shown that the limits of heat and pressure that microor-ganisms can withstand have been underestimated. It is logical to assume that life can exist at greater depths { up to 75 km at least.
The energies produced by microbes under the surface (combined) is enough to produce an earthquake (shaking of the ground). Perhaps it is this previously unrecognized deep microbial collective that is causing the earthquakes.
At the same time the estimates of energy radiated during the strongest earthquakes are consistent with the biochemical energy available to the subsurface biosphere.
Some additional evidence is examined. It is proposed that the ultra-deep biosphere might represent an important factor in resolving the debate on the nature of hydrocarbons. At the same time the deep subsurface microorganisms might play a significant evolutionary role, not only providing seismically induced genetic variation and a "seed bank" for quick recovery after a mass extinction, but also by modulating longer climatic cycles through planetary-wide bio-geo-electrochemistry.
Plain Language Summary
The depths of the Earth's crust and layers beneath it are hostile to living organ-
isms due to high temperatures and pressures. Previous estimates have been suggesting that life (even tiny microorganisms) cannot exist in the Earth's crust deeper than about 10 km. Yet recent findings have shown that the limits of heat and pressure that microor-ganisms can withstand have been underestimated. It is logical to assume that life can exist at greater depths { up to 75 km at least.
The energies produced by microbes under the surface (combined) is enough to produce an earthquake (shaking of the ground). Perhaps it is this previously unrecognized deep microbial collective that is causing the earthquakes.
Earthquakes might release the nutrients and other necessary chemical elements from the surrounding rocks, as well as cause exchange of genes between microbial cells, which might drive their evolution.
Most of the earthquakes occur at the edges of the Paci c Ocean at large trenches
in the Earth's crust. These trenches allow microorganisms to get deeper into the crust, where they might produce an earthquake. It might also explain the presence of hydro-carbons (oil and gas) deep beneath the surface { they might be produced by the same microorganisms
Most of the earthquakes occur at the edges of the Paci c Ocean at large trenches
in the Earth's crust. These trenches allow microorganisms to get deeper into the crust, where they might produce an earthquake. It might also explain the presence of hydro-carbons (oil and gas) deep beneath the surface { they might be produced by the same microorganisms
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