Subsurface Lithoautotrophic Microbial Ecosystem

Subsurface Lithoautotrophic Microbial Ecosystem

Subsurface Lithoautotrophic Microbial Ecosystems, or "SLIMEs" (also abbreviated "SLMEs" or "SLiMEs"), are defined by Edward O. Wilson as "unique assemblages of bacteria and fungi that occupy pores in the interlocking mineral grains of igneous rock beneath Earth's surface." [Edward O. Wilson, "The Future of Life" (New York: Random House 2002), 7.]

References

External links

* [http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/270/5235/450 Article from Sciencemag.org about SLIMEs in Deep Basalt Aquifers]
* [http://spiedl.aip.org/getabs/servlet/GetabsServlet?prog=normal&id=PSISDG003111000001000358000001&idtype=cvips&gifs=yes Subsurface lithoautotrophic microbial ecosystems (SLMEs) in igneous rocks: prospects for detection]
* [http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=17113846 Hydrogen-driven subsurface lithoautotrophic microbial ecosystems (SLiMEs): do they exist and why should we care?]


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