The project aims at investigating the microbial distribution and diversity in the Antarctic ice sheet to elucidate microbial adaptation/resistance to extreme conditions along with the effect of the anthropogenic impact. In order to monitor the microbial diversity within the vicinity of the Concordia Station this tree-years proposal foresees the analysis of snow/ice samples collected at the following locations: i) outer region of Concordia research area and ii) relative “pristine”-like area (in relative distance) to the Concordia research area.

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Moreover, as the Earth’s frozen polar regions are considered analogues of near-surface environments of Mars and of the Jupiter’s icy moon Europa, the results of this proposal will be relevant for astrobiology research programs aimed at searching life beyond Earth.