In early 2026, a team of scientists studying the Dadès Valley in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains identified fossilized structures resembling ripples and folds in ancient rock formations. These structures, dating back 180 million years, are believed to be microbial mats that thrived in total darkness, according to a study published in the journal Geology.
The discovery was made by researchers from the University of Hassan II Casablanca and the University of Lausanne. They found evidence of microbial activity in what was once a deep, oxygen-poor basin during the Jurassic period. The microbes likely survived by chemosynthesis, using chemical energy from hydrothermal vents rather than sunlight.
Lead author Dr. Amina El Khayati stated, 'This shows that life can adapt to extreme conditions, even in complete darkness. It expands our understanding of where life might exist on other planets.' The fossils are preserved in fine-grained sedimentary rocks, providing a rare window into ancient ecosystems.
The findings have implications for astrobiology, suggesting that similar microbial life could exist beneath the surface of Mars or on icy moons like Europa. The research was funded by the Moroccan National Center for Scientific Research and the Swiss National Science Foundation.
