Prospecting of extreme microbial ecosystems associated to minerals (microbialites, microbial mats and endoevaporites) in Puna, Wetlands and Salars of Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. Andean Microbial Ecosystems

Puna wetlands and salars are unique extreme environments since they are located in high altitude saline deserts, largely influenced by volcanic activity. UV radiation, arsenic content, high salinity, and low dissolved oxygen content, together with extreme daily temperature fluctuations and oligotrophic conditions comprise an environment that recreates the early Earth and even extraterrestrial conditions.

普纳高原湿地与盐盘（salars）属于独特的极端环境，因其地处高海拔盐漠地带且主要受火山活动影响。紫外线（UV）辐射、砷含量、高盐度、低溶解氧含量，叠加极端昼夜温差与寡营养条件，共同构成了可复刻早期地球乃至地外环境的特殊生境。