Various ice ecosystems in alpine and polar regions - An overview

Until recently, the vast ice and snow areas of alpine and polar regions were addressed as inhospitable and devoid of life. However, with increasing knowledge that these habitats can harbor a variety of viable microorganisms with a capability of sustaining carbon production, a reassessment of the biological value of cold environments is needed. With the investigation of the ecology and physiology of this microbial assemblages thriving in snow, ice and cold waters, a valuable contribution can be made to the discussion about potential analogues to other planets in our solar system.