Weathering patterns interpreted as bioalteration
have been found from basaltic samples as old as 145 Ma and in every
major ocean (Fisk et al. 1998). However, the first identification of cells were from
dredged samples near the Antarctic Discordance (Thorseth et al
2003). Soon after similar weathering patterns and microbial
signatures were found on the Ontong Java Plateau near 300 m
sub-sediment at
about 70 degrees C. (Muehlenbachs et al. 2003).
These two locations are highlighted on the map below.
Basalt: Introduction
Basalt: Energy Source
Basalt: Long Term Signal
Basalt: Sustainability
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