New findings reveal thriving life under Arctic ice

Researchers have long been trying to determine whether there is life beyond Earth and, if so, in what conditions it can thrive. However, much remains to be discovered on Earth. One of the breakthroughs in this field is reported in the journal Nature Communications. Scientists discussed the discovery beneath the Arctic ice in its pages.

Deep in the oceans and seas worldwide, conditions make it impossible for many species to survive. However, this does not mean that even areas tough to inhabit are free of organisms. Researchers have repeatedly proven that creatures can be identified that have adapted to such extreme conditions even at depths of several miles.

According to research led by Clara J. M. Hoppe and her team from the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany, life can develop even deep beneath the Arctic ice. Their study reveals that "Photosynthesis in the ocean is possible under much lower light conditions, and can therefore take place at much greater depths, than previously assumed."

Researchers examined microalgae that live under the snow and ice cover of the Arctic Ocean. They proved that life could develop under the ice cover at the North Pole despite the exceptionally low level of light. Even when the sun barely rises above the horizon and almost complete darkness prevails, plants still perform photosynthesis – even under very low light conditions.

Experts explain that photosynthesis converts sunlight into biologically usable energy, creating the foundation for life on Earth. Until now, it was believed that since the amount of light under the Arctic Ocean ice is significantly below the critical minimum, photosynthesis could not occur there. However, it turns out that plants can accumulate biomass even with light levels close to the minimum.

"It is very impressive to see how efficiently the algae can utilize such low amounts of light. This shows once again how well organisms are adapted to their environment," Hoppe explains. She also notes that the snow-covered ice in the Arctic allows only a few photons of incoming light to pass through.

Scientists report that they had to freeze specially developed measurement instruments to study such minimal light levels during the Arctic winter. Due to the changing thickness of the ice and snow, it was challenging to account for irregularities under the ice, but ultimately, the number of photons appearing under the ice was determined with high precision.

Hoppe's team's research is essential for the entire planet because it shows what plants around the Earth are capable of – not just in the Arctic. This discovery allows scientists to suspect that many organisms in other regions may have developed the ability to perform photosynthesis under very challenging conditions.