Intriguing discoveries from mine fissure water organisms

Abstract

MINE WATER How does life begin and evolve? Is there life else where in the universe? What is the future of life on earth and beyond? These questions have for many decades, even centuries, been fundamental to man’s natural curiosity over his immediate and not so immediate surroundings. They are also the three great unknowns being pursued officially by the Astrobiology Institute of America’s National Space Agency (NASA). Research now being done on underground water caught in deep anaerobic pockets in South Africa’s gold mines - scientifically called fissure water - may provide more than one answer. In fact, intriguing discoveries have already been made - already redefining our conventional understanding of life. Because these mines are the deepest excavations in the world, they provide easy access to rock formations and groundwater far below the earth’s surface. Although the research started a mere seven years ago, some of the Unique organisms found in deep underground water pockets in South Africa’s gold mines are redefining life as we know it.

Authors

Categories