Biogeochemical sulphur cycle in an extreme environment-life beneath a high article glacier, Nunavut, Canada

摘要

Unique springs discharge from the surface of a high article glacier, releasing H_2S, and depositing native sulphur, gypsum, and calcite. A rare CaCO_3 polymorph, vaterite, is also observed. Physical and chemical conditions of the spring water and surrounding environment, as well as mineralogical and isotopic signatures, argue for biologically mediated redox reactions controlling sulfur. Cell sounts and DNA analyses, confirm bacteria are present in the spring system.