On the frontiers of life

Environments on Earth can oftentimes be filled with harsh chemicals. Today we explored how some extremophiles are adapted to high salt concentration (halophiles) and high acidity (acidophiles).

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We began our discussion on atomic structure and electromagnetic radiation, which we will continue discussing while learning about radiation-resistant and radiotrophic extremophiles next session.

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Using Google Earth for our interactive lessons, we explored how salt basins may arise and their analogous nature to sites on Mars. We also discussed how and why volcanic hydrothermal areas often lead to highly salty and / or acidic pools. Finally, the Cogitanians virtually visited the most extreme place on Earth - Dallol hydrothermal area in Ethiopia. This combination of extreme heat, salt and acidity contains a large diversity of archaea and bacteria. Using visual analysis of the surroundings, each student hypothesized what metallic resources are likely available to these extremophiles.