I recently heard that living organisms have been discovered in lava
(or perhaps it was magna), and scientists now believe that the earth's core
has always contained living matter. Is this true? Can anything live in
such hot matter? If so, what? I would love to learn more about this, as the
implications are fascinating.
Sheri Saperstein
Dear Sheri,
I have not seen any reports that life has been found in magma; it
seems like that would be impossible with the very high temperatures
involved. I do know that life has been found near undersea "hot smokers",
small vents where sulphur-rich hot brines escape. And, life colonizes
cooled lava flows both undersea and on the ground. I would be pleased to
look at any references you may know of that document magma life, and if
I find out anything else, I'll send you another email.
Chuck Wood
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