Volume VII: Nature — Chapter 4: Subglacial Ecosystems
"Beneath 3 ша of ice exists a world that has not seen light for 5 million cycles. And there is life within it. It remembers pre-glacial Théxar." — Glaciobiologist Ven-Deep, +3,900 y.
Related sections: → see [Ch.23, "Cryosphere"]
4.1 Discovery
The first subglacial lake was discovered in +2,800 y. beneath the southern polar shield. By 4,028 y., 4 major lakes are known.
4.2 Lake System
| Lake | Area | Depth | Water T | Pressure | Isolation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ven-Deep | 12,400 km² | 420 ша | −3.2°X | 280 тяж | >5 million cycles |
| Khal-Sub | 8,200 km² | 280 ша | −2.8°X | 240 тяж | >2 million cycles |
4.3 Ecosystem
100% endemics. H₂S + Fe²⁺ chemosynthesis. Microorganisms isolated for millions of cycles represent "living fossils."
End of Chapter 4, Volume VII.