Are there any microbes deep inside Earth subterranean caves relevant to the investigation of life on Mars?
Yes. In fact, microbes have been found in nearly every dark, deep place we’ve looked on Earth. Microbes known as extremophiles have been found to survive even the most extreme conditions of heat, cold, pressure, and radiation on the planet. For example, such organisms may be found thriving in the near-boiling water of seafloor vents, others withstanding the intense pressures of deep ocean trenches, and, of course, some thriving on the unusual chemistry of subterranean caves. These tiny earthlings are relevant to our search for possible life in the solar system because we know planets such as Mars have harsh exterior environments. While the planetary surface may be inhospitable, subsurface layers may be able to support hardier organisms like extremophiles. In fact, many scientists believe that if life is found on Mars, it may be similar to extemophilic life here on Earth.
