Earthquakes might do more than just shake the ground—they could also provide vital energy for life deep beneath the Earth’s surface. A groundbreaking study by researchers from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has revealed how the sudden movements of the Earth’s crust can generate chemical energy that sustains subterranean microorganisms.
Hidden away from sunlight, about 95% of Earth’s prokaryotic organisms reside deep underground, accounting for nearly 19% of all biomass on our planet. These life forms cannot rely on photosynthesis for energy, leaving scientists puzzled about how they survive.
The research team simulated faulting activities several kilometers below the Earth’s surface. They discovered that when rocks fracture during earthquakes, fresh surfaces with new chemical bonds are created. When these newly broken rocks come into contact with water, they produce significant amounts of hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide. This reaction leads to cycles of iron oxidation and reduction, releasing electrons in the process.
These electrons flow between essential elements like carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen, forming an invisible “subterranean power grid.” This network provides readily available energy for microorganisms dwelling in the depths.
“Our findings reveal an important energy source for deep-Earth ecosystems,” the researchers stated. “Understanding these processes not only sheds light on how life thrives underground but also aids in the search for potential subterranean life on other planets.”
Based on their study, the team suggests that future missions exploring planets like Mars or moons such as Europa should pay special attention to fault zones. The presence of oxidized and reduced substances near these areas could be crucial indicators of potential subterranean life beyond Earth.
