Subglacial erosion has the potential to sustain microbial processes in Subglacial Lake Whillans, Antarctica

Abstract Subglacial Lake Whillans lies below around 800 m of Antarctic ice and is isolated from fresh sources photosynthetic organic matter to sustain life. The diverse microbial ecosystems within the lake underlying sediments are therefore dependent on a combination relict, overridden, marine-derived mineral-derived energy. Here, we conduct experiments replicate subglacial erosion involving both gentle high-energy crushing subsequent addition anoxic water. We find that substantial quantities reduced species, including hydrogen, methane, acetate ammonium oxidised species such as hydrogen peroxide, sulfate carbon dioxide released. propose concomitant presence alongside high concentrations mineral surface radicals, suggests splitting water freshly abraded surfaces increases redox pairs rock-water reactions could provide mechanism augment energy available ecosystems.