The aim of this first book is to introduce the readers of the series to why Cuatro Ci?negas Basin (CCB) is so unique, starting with the reason why astrobiologists became interested in this oasis in the first place; namely, the high diversity and abundance of stromatolites and microbial mats in continental waters to be found in the desert oasis. As NASA has long since discovered, the basin may offer the best analog of early Earth. In essence, CCB is a time machine that can take us far back and forth in time.
In the respective chapters, the contributing authors explain the extraordinary microbial diversity of Cuatro Ci?negas Basin from various perspectives. In order to do so, they explain their journey as well as the different tools used to unravel the basins mysteries, such as: Why are there so many species in a place without food? How has life there survived the enormity of tectonic shifts through the ages, maintaining its ancient marine heritage?
Chapter 1 - Why Cuatro Ci?negas Basin (CCB) is so special, a walk through the ages: Valeria Souza (UNAM, MX).- Chapter 2 - The Global Climate Change footprint at Cuatro Ci?negas, Mexico: the increment of Extreme Climatic Event frequencies and its relation with water management: Cristina Montiel-Gonz?lez, Francisco Bautista, Oscar S?nchez-Meneses and Felipe Garc?a-Oliva (UNAM, MX).- Chapter 3 - Microbial saga: from the ancient past to the present: Valeria Souza, Luis Eguiarte (UNAM, MX), Gabriela Olmedo (CINVESTAV, MX), Michael Travisano (University of Minnesota, USA) and Janet Siefert (Rice University, USA).- Chapter 4 - Hyper-diversity of Virus in CCB: Blanca Taboada, Pavel Isa, Ana Lorena Guti?rrez, Rosa Maria del ?ngel (UNAM, MX), Juan Ludert (CINVESTAV, MX), Ana Cecilia Espinosa, Luis E Eguiarte., Susana L?pez, Valeria Souza and Carlos Arias ;(UNAM, MX).- Chapter 5 -lÓÇ
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