It has spent the best part of three millennia locked under a 20m block of ice and is six times saltier than sea.
And at 13°C below zero, Lake Vida in East Antarctica is one of the coldest aquatic environments on the planet.
Yet despite posing some of the most hostile conditions on Earth, the lake is teeming with life.
Scientists drilling into the lake have found abundant and diverse bacteria - potentially giving insight into how life might exist on other planets, the journal Nature reports.
» News articles may contain quotes, these are copyright to the respective publication which will be stated, along with a link to the source article where available.
» If you feel your copyright has been violated please contact us and the article will be removed or amended at your request.
Articles Recently Viewed
252,991
Donations
» Please support the site by making a donation. No matter how big or small, your contribution helps to support the cause.
1%
13%
86%
Tweet Article
Post to Facebook
Print Article