Jeddah, January 10, 2025 – King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), in collaboration with leading scientists from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), has completed a groundbreaking study on the microbiomes present in glacier-fed streams. These streams, which originate from glaciers atop some of the Earth’s highest mountains, harbor a rich and unique ecosystem of microorganisms that live symbiotically with their environment. This unprecedented, in-depth research aims to provide invaluable insights into the microbial life within these extreme and often isolated ecosystems.
The study, conducted over the course of five years, involved the collection and analysis of samples from 170 glacier-fed streams across diverse and remote regions of the world, including New Zealand, the Himalayas, the Russian Caucasus, the Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains, the European Alps, the Scandinavian Alps, Greenland, Alaska, the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda, and the Andes in Ecuador and Chile. By studying these streams, which are considered some of the most extreme natural freshwater ecosystems due to their near-freezing temperatures and low nutrient levels, the researchers were able to uncover the hidden microbial life that thrives in these conditions.
The findings, published in the esteemed scientific journal Nature, represent the first global reference for microbiomes in glacier-fed streams, providing critical data for understanding the biodiversity of these vital water sources. These streams, which also serve as the origin for many of the world’s largest rivers, are considered essential “water reservoirs” for the planet, yet their ecosystems are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. As glaciers retreat and the environment shifts, the delicate balance of these ecosystems faces unprecedented risks, making this research even more significant.
Dr. Ramona Marasco, a KAUST researcher involved in the study, stressed the importance of establishing a baseline for the microbiomes in glacier-fed streams. She explained that understanding these microbial communities is crucial for tracking the rate of ecological changes caused by the accelerating impact of climate change. The study’s results were bolstered by KAUST’s cutting-edge genetic sequencing efforts, which allowed the researchers to paint a comprehensive picture of the microorganisms that inhabit these endangered ecosystems.
The research team’s work culminated in the creation of the first-ever global atlas of microorganisms in glacier-fed streams, offering a detailed mapping of microbial life across mountain ranges. One of the most striking findings was the discovery that these streams host a unique microbiome that is distinctly different from other cryospheric systems, such as glaciers, frozen soils, and ice-covered lakes. Approximately half of the bacterial species found in these streams are endemic to specific mountain ranges, a phenomenon attributed to the geographical isolation of these mountains, which act much like islands, along with the powerful natural selection pressures exerted by the harsh environmental conditions of the glacier-fed streams.
This groundbreaking research has provided a deeper understanding of the ecological significance of glacier-fed streams and their microbiomes, offering crucial insights into their role in the broader environmental context. As climate change continues to affect these fragile ecosystems, the study’s findings will help scientists monitor the health of these streams and anticipate the consequences of environmental shifts, ultimately guiding future conservation efforts aimed at protecting these vital freshwater resources.