# GFZ researchers find living microbial communities in Atacama Desert soil at 20–30 cm depth

- Published: 2026-11-13 21:39 UTC
- Section: Life & Health › Biology & biochemistry
- Tags: Atacama Desert, subsurface ecosystem, soil microorganisms, molecular DNA analysis, GFZ, life on Mars, Acidimicrobiia, Geodermatophilaceae, carbon and nitrogen cycle
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-a86cbefc98b98dfca4d3f1be_gfz_researchers_find/

**Soil from the Atacama Desert in Chile contained a previously unknown subsurface ecosystem of microorganisms, found with new DNA methods. It may inform the search for life on Mars.**

![GFZ researchers find living microbial communities in Atacama Desert soil at 20–30 cm depth](https://realtech.media/media/2026/11/645cf581b8fd8c32.jpg)
*sozcu.com.tr*

Researchers from the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) and international colleagues have detected communities of living microorganisms in the soil of the Atacama Desert in Chile, one of the driest regions on Earth, according to sozcu.com.tr. [1] The team examined soil samples and described a previously unknown subsurface ecosystem. [1] Until now, life in the deeper parts of this desert was considered nearly impossible. [1]

## Samples and method

Samples were taken from the soil surface and from a depth of 20 to 30 centimetres and analysed with newly developed molecular DNA methods. [1] The analyses identified which groups of microorganisms live in these layers, including those that stay viable under the most demanding conditions of the desert. [1] Parts of the Atacama had long been regarded as unsuitable for life because of extreme ultraviolet radiation, almost no precipitation and high salinity. [1] According to the report, the study shows that the resilience of subsurface life had been underestimated.

The identified groups include Acidimicrobiia, Geodermatophilaceae, Frankiales and Burkholderiaceae. [1] These organisms not only tolerate harsh conditions but also contribute to ecological processes such as the breakdown of minerals and the cycling of carbon and nitrogen. [1]

## Relevance for Mars

The extremely dry climate and geological structure of the Atacama resemble some environmental conditions on Mars. [1] For this reason, the researchers consider the microbial life found beneath the desert an important example for understanding under which conditions life can persist on planets such as Mars. [1] The report adds that the finding may help the search for life on Mars. [1]

The material does not state the number of samples, the sites where they were collected or the publication details, so the scale of the work cannot be judged from it.

## Sources

1. [sozcu.com.tr](https://www.sozcu.com.tr/colun-ortasinda-inanilmaz-bir-sey-kesfedildi-p380878)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-a86cbefc98b98dfca4d3f1be_gfz_researchers_find/