Abstract
Diverse and active populations of microorganisms have been observed in most subterranean and sub-seafloor environments investigated (Bachofen 1997), including granitic rock aquifers at depths ranging down to 1240 m (Pedersen 1997a). Documentation of in situ activity of microbial populations in deep granitic rock groundwaters suggests that the microbes present are active at low, but significant levels (Ekendahl and Pedersen 1994, Pedersen and Ekendahl 1990, 1992a–b). Igneous rocks are too hot when formed to host life of any kind. Therefore, observed life in crystalline bedrock must have entered after cooling and fracturing of the rock mass.
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Pedersen, K. (2000). The Hydrogen Driven Intra-Terrestrial Biosphere and Its Influence on the Hydrochemical Conditions in Crystalline Bedrock Aquifers. In: Stober, I., Bucher, K. (eds) Hydrogeology of Crystalline Rocks. Water Science and Technology Library, vol 34. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-1816-5_11
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-1816-5_11
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