User:Rachelso2020/Dallol

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Dallol Hydrothermal System

Overview

Pools and terraces of the Dallol hydrothermal system.[1]

By Rachel So

The Dallol hydrothermal system is located in the northern part of the Danakil Depression in the Afar Triangle of northeastern Ethiopia.[1][2] Its hydrothermal pools form a unique hyperthermal (25-110°C), hypersaline (33% to > 50% salinity), and hyperacidic (pH < -1.5 to 6.0) polyextreme environment that pushes the limits of life.[3] In addition, the pools contain high concentrations of chlorides, dissolved iron (both Fe2+ and Fe3+), sulfates, and fluorides giving them a colorful appearance.[1] Dallol receives less than 200 mm of rainfall a year and holds the record as the hottest location on the planet (mean annual temperature of 34.5°C).[4][5].


Introduce environment. Give key information relevant to the microbial ecology of the environment.

Detailed Environmental Description

Describe the physical and geochemical environment that you are reporting on. How well is has this been studied? Is it current or is most of the work from the 80s? What are the geochemical characteristics? Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

Overview of Microbial Ecology as it is known

Discuss the alpha and beta diversity of the system. Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

Expansion topic 1-3

How you expand upon the basics will depend on your environment. Pick a couple or three of interesting subtopics and describe them in detail. Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

Analog for Extraterrestrial Environments


Key Microbial Players

In all of your systems there will be at least a couple of key microbial players. Describe these in detail. Where do they fall on the tree of life? Are they cultured? What do they do in general and as it relates to your target environment?

Conclusion

References



Authored for Earth 373 Microbial Ecology, taught by Magdalena Osburn, 2020, NU Earth Page.