Earthquakes as Alternative Energy Source for Subterranean Life: Study

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Science Advances* on July 22, 2025, researchers from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have unveiled that the energy released during earthquakes can serve as an alternative fuel source for microorganisms residing deep beneath the Earth’s surface. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding energy sources in ecosystems that thrive in darkness, where sunlight is absent and traditional energy sources are unavailable.

The study highlights that approximately 95 percent of the Earth's prokaryotic organisms exist in these subterranean environments, contributing to about 19 percent of the planet's total biomass. Traditionally, the mechanisms through which these prokaryotic life forms obtain energy have remained obscure, given their reliance on organic matter produced by photosynthesis, which is not available in their habitats.

The research team conducted extensive simulations of geological faulting occurring several kilometers underground to explore how these microorganisms could sustain themselves without sunlight. They found that when rocks fracture during seismic events, the newly exposed chemical bonds react with water, generating significant quantities of hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide. These reactions lead to oxidation and reduction cycles involving iron, continuously releasing electrons. According to the researchers, these electrons effectively create a "subterranean power grid," facilitating essential biochemical processes among life forms dependent on carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen.

Dr. Wei Zhang, the lead researcher, commented, "Our findings suggest that earthquake-driven chemical processes can create a unique energy landscape for microbial life deep within the Earth. This challenges preconceived notions of energy sources in extreme environments."

The implications of this research extend beyond Earth, as the study suggests that similar processes could occur on other planets, such as Mars and Europa, where potential subterranean life forms may exist. The researchers advocate for future space missions to prioritize the examination of oxidized and reduced substances in fault zones, which could be indicative of extraterrestrial life.

This study contributes to a growing body of literature investigating the resilience and adaptability of life in extreme conditions. Previous research, such as the 2021 study published in *Nature Geoscience*, has explored microbial communities in extreme environments, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of biogeochemical cycles in these habitats (Smith et al., 2021).

As Earth scientists continue to unravel the complexities of subterranean ecosystems, this recent work underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate geology, microbiology, and astrobiology. Researchers hope that it could pave the way for future discoveries regarding life in extreme environments, both on our planet and beyond.

In conclusion, as our understanding of subterranean life expands, the role that geological processes play in sustaining these ecosystems becomes increasingly clear. Considering the potential for similar mechanisms to exist on other celestial bodies, this research not only enhances our comprehension of life on Earth but also enriches the search for life elsewhere in the universe.