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News Release 12-216

"Dark Energy": Life Beneath the Seafloor Discussed at Upcoming American Geophysical Union Conference

Scientists present recent findings on the subsurface biosphere

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showing the seaa floor.

Scientists have found that rocks beneath the seafloor are teeming with microbial life.

Credit: Nicolle Rager-Fuller/National Science Foundation


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Photo of an underwater pipe with marine animal.

"Dark energy" is found in ocean depths: life abounds above and below the seafloor.

Credit: WHOI


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Photos of rocks made of basalt on and under the ocean bottom.

Rocks made of basalt on and under the ocean bottom harbor abundant deep-sea bacteria.

Credit: NOAA/WHOI


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Photo of the drillship JOIDES Resolution.

The drillship JOIDES Resolution, used to take samples of life far beneath the sea-floor.

Credit: IODP/USIO, Jennifer Magnusson


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Photo of a recovery tool for sea-floor equipment rising through the ship's moonpool.

A recovery tool for sea-floor equipment rises through the ship's moonpool.

Credit: IODP/USIO


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Photo of several crew members prepping an instrument that will remain under the sea-floor.

JOIDES Resolution crew members prep an instrument that will remain under the sea-floor.

Credit: IODP/USIO


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