Image: Evidence of Microscopic Life at the South Pole
Text: Microorganisms in the snow, South Pole Station
Caption: Background image shows the dome at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.
Inset shows a scanning electron micrograph of bacteria from South Pole snow.
In a finding that may extend the known limits of life on Earth, researchers supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) discovered evidence that microbes may be able to survive the heavy doses of ultraviolet radiation and the extreme cold and darkness of the South Pole. The team took samples at the edge of the clean-air sector at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to prevent contamination of the samples by bacteria from human habitation. The containers of bacteria were flown, still frozen, within 24 hours to the Albert P. Crary Science and Engineering Center at NSF's McMurdo Station for analysis. In examining the snowmelt, the researchers found coccoid and rod-shaped bacteria, some of which appeared to be dividing.
Background image:
Date Taken: November 14, 2001
Credit: Photograph by: Melanie Conner/ National Science Foundation
Source: U.S. Antarctic Program Photo Library
Website:
http://photolibrary.usap.gov/Portscripts/PortWeb.dll?query&field1=Filename&op1=matches&value=SNOWDRIFTDOME.JPG&catalog=Antarctica&template=ShowMidThumbs
NSF funded: YES
NSF permission to use: YES
Inset image:
Credit: Edward J. Carpenter
Website: http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/press/00/pr0048.htm
NSF funded: YES
NSF permission to use: YES
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