Life in Lava Tubes

Cuộc sống trong các ống dung nham

Standing in one of Hawaii’s caves, you might think it’s empty. It’s dark, and it’s quiet. Not many plants or animals call this place home. But there’s a lot of life. Most of it you just might not notice.

There might be patches of gold, silver, tan, or pink on the cave walls. Shine a light on them, and water droplets make the patches appear to shimmer. These shining splotches of color consist of microbes.

Scientists have been studying these microbes. One reason is that some might be similar to life that once lived on Mars—and maybe still does.

Đứng trong một trong những hang động của Hawaii, bạn có thể nghĩ rằng nó trống rỗng. Nó tối tăm và yên tĩnh. Không có nhiều thực vật hoặc động vật gọi nơi này là nhà. Nhưng có rất nhiều sự sống. Hầu hết bạn có thể không nhận thấy.

Có thể có những mảng vàng, bạc, nâu sẫm hoặc hồng trên các bức tường hang động. Chiếu đèn vào chúng, và những giọt nước làm cho các mảng trông lấp lánh. Những mảng màu phát sáng này bao gồm các vi khuẩn.

Các nhà khoa học đã nghiên cứu những vi khuẩn này. Một lý do là một số có thể giống với sự sống từng tồn tại trên sao Hỏa—và có thể vẫn còn tồn tại.

Under the Surface

Many of Hawaii’s caves are lava tubes. They were formed by volcanic activity. After an eruption, hot lava can flow like a river. Over time, air cools the surface, hardening it into black basalt. But underneath, molten lava may still flow. As it drains away below the basalt, it leaves behind an empty tube, or cave.

Dưới bề mặt

Nhiều hang động ở Hawaii là các ống dung nham. Chúng được hình thành do hoạt động núi lửa. Sau một vụ phun trào, dung nham nóng có thể chảy như một dòng sông. Theo thời gian, không khí làm mát bề mặt, làm cứng nó thành bazan đen. Nhưng bên dưới, dung nham nóng chảy vẫn có thể chảy. Khi nó chảy xuống bên dưới bazan, nó để lại một ống rỗng hoặc hang động.

Lava tubes exist on Mars, too. So scientists wonder: Do rock-loving microbes also exist there? By studying Hawaiian caves, researchers hope to unlock what life might be like on other worlds.

“It’s a good place to start,” Rebecca Prescott, an astrobiologist at the University of Mississippi, told TIME for Kids. She’s part of a team of scientists who have been looking at microbes in Hawaiian caves. They’ve found some species that hadn’t been seen before.

Các ống dung nham cũng tồn tại trên sao Hỏa. Vì vậy, các nhà khoa học tự hỏi: Liệu các vi khuẩn ưa đá cũng tồn tại ở đó không? Bằng cách nghiên cứu các hang động ở Hawaii, các nhà nghiên cứu hy vọng sẽ khám phá ra cuộc sống có thể như thế nào ở các thế giới khác.

"Đây là nơi tốt để bắt đầu", Rebecca Prescott, một nhà sinh vật học vũ trụ tại Đại học Mississippi, nói với TIME for Kids. Cô là một phần của nhóm các nhà khoa học đã nghiên cứu vi khuẩn trong các hang động ở Hawaii. Họ đã tìm thấy một số loài chưa từng thấy trước đây.

Microbial Cities

Cave microbes have their own ways of surviving their environment. Some get energy from “eating” the rocks (see “Martian Gardens”). Many of these species are ancient, allowing scientists to understand how microbes lived billions of years ago. “When you walk into a lava cave,” Prescott says, “it’s like you’re walking back in time.”

Scientists are now learning how groups of microbes communicate. Microbes grow in communities that form a slimy film on cave walls. The organisms within a community can “talk” to one another by sending out chemical signals. This may help them tackle tasks together, such as building these slimy cities.

Thành phố vi sinh vật

Vi khuẩn hang động có cách riêng để tồn tại trong môi trường của chúng. Một số lấy năng lượng từ việc “ăn” đá (xem “Vườn sao Hỏa”). Nhiều loài trong số này là loài cổ xưa, cho phép các nhà khoa học hiểu được cách vi khuẩn sống cách đây hàng tỷ năm. “Khi bạn bước vào hang dung nham,” Prescott nói, “giống như bạn đang đi ngược thời gian vậy.”

Các nhà khoa học hiện đang tìm hiểu cách các nhóm vi khuẩn giao tiếp. Vi khuẩn phát triển trong các cộng đồng tạo thành một lớp màng nhầy trên các bức tường hang động. Các sinh vật trong một cộng đồng có thể "nói chuyện" với nhau bằng cách gửi tín hiệu hóa học. Điều này có thể giúp chúng giải quyết các nhiệm vụ cùng nhau, chẳng hạn như xây dựng những thành phố nhầy nhụa này.

Martian Gardens

Microbes might be important team members on future Mars missions. A one-way trip to the Red Planet could take eight months. Astronauts might need to grow their own food, but not many plants can grow in the planet’s rocky red dirt. Microbes might help.

Here on Earth, some microbes break down toxic chemicals in dirt. Others can “eat” rocks, releasing nutrients to make soil more friendly to plants. Scientists think that microbes can do the same on Mars, helping turn the rocky dirt into rich soils for future Martian gardens to grow.

Vườn Sao Hỏa

Vi khuẩn có thể là thành viên quan trọng trong nhóm trong các sứ mệnh Sao Hỏa trong tương lai. Một chuyến đi một chiều đến Hành tinh Đỏ có thể mất tám tháng. Các phi hành gia có thể cần phải tự trồng thực phẩm, nhưng không nhiều loại cây có thể phát triển trên đất đỏ đầy đá của hành tinh này. Vi khuẩn có thể giúp ích.

Ở đây trên Trái Đất, một số vi khuẩn phân hủy các hóa chất độc hại trong đất. Một số khác có thể "ăn" đá, giải phóng chất dinh dưỡng để làm cho đất thân thiện hơn với cây trồng. Các nhà khoa học cho rằng vi khuẩn cũng có thể làm như vậy trên sao Hỏa, giúp biến đất đá thành đất màu mỡ để các khu vườn trên sao Hỏa trong tương lai phát triển.

Vocabulary List

Lava (Noun) /ˈlɑːvə/: Hot molten rock that erupts from a volcano.
Vietnamese: Dung nham
Example: The lava flowed down the mountainside, destroying everything in its path.
Cave (Noun) /keɪv/: A large hollow space in the ground or in a mountain.
Vietnamese: Hang động
Example: We explored the cave and discovered stunning rock formations.
Patch (Noun) /pætʃ/: A small area that is different from the surrounding area.
Vietnamese: Mảng, đốm
Example: The forest had patches of colorful flowers among the green foliage.
Tan (Verb) /tæn/: a pale yellowish-brown colour.
Vietnamese: Màu nâu sẫm
Example: The ice began to tan under the warmth of the sun.
Shine a light on something (Verb phrase) /ʃaɪn ə laɪt ɒn ˈsʌmθɪŋ/: To direct light onto something.
Vietnamese: Chiếu đèn vào / chiếu ánh sáng vào / làm sáng tỏ
Example: The report shines a light on the need for better healthcare.
Water droplet (Noun phrase) /ˈwɔːtər ˈdrɒplɪt/: A small drop of water.
Vietnamese: Giọt nước
Example: Tiny water droplets covered the surface of the leaves.
Shimmer (Verb) /ˈʃɪmər/: To shine with a soft, wavering light.
Vietnamese: Lung linh, lấp lánh
Example: The lake shimmered in the moonlight.
Shining splotch (Noun phrase) /ˈʃaɪnɪŋ ˈsplɒtʃ/: A bright and uneven patch of light.
Vietnamese: Vết / mảng phát sáng
Example: A shining splotch appeared on the cave wall.
Microbes (Noun) /ˈmaɪkroʊbz/: Tiny living organisms, often bacteria or fungi.
Vietnamese: Vi khuẩn, vi sinh vật
Example: Microbes are essential for breaking down organic matter.
Microbial (Adjective) /maɪˈkroʊbiəl/: Related to microbes.
Vietnamese: Thuộc vi sinh vật
Example: Scientists studied the microbial activity in the soil.
Mars (Noun) /mɑːrz/: The fourth planet from the Sun in our solar system.
Vietnamese: Sao Hỏa
Example: Mars is often called the "Red Planet" because of its reddish appearance.
Martian (Adjective) /ˈmɑːrʃən/: Relating to Mars or its hypothetical inhabitants.
Vietnamese: Thuộc sao Hỏa
Example: The rover sent back Martian soil samples for analysis.
Volcanic activity (Noun phrase) /vɒlˈkænɪk ækˈtɪvɪti/: The processes involving the eruption of lava and gases.
Vietnamese: Hoạt động núi lửa
Example: The region is known for its frequent volcanic activity.
Eruption (Noun) /ɪˈrʌpʃən/: A sudden explosion of lava, ash, or gases from a volcano.
Vietnamese: Sự phun trào
Example: The eruption of the volcano forced residents to evacuate.
Harden (Verb) /ˈhɑːrdən/: To become solid or firm.
Vietnamese: Cứng lại
Example: The lava began to harden as it cooled.
Basalt (Noun) /bəˈsɔːlt/: A type of dark volcanic rock.
Vietnamese: Đá bazan
Example: The cliffs were made of black basalt.
Molten (Adjective) /ˈmoʊltən/: Melted by heat.
Vietnamese: Nóng chảy
Example: The molten metal was poured into molds to form tools.
Drain away (Verb phrase) /dreɪn əˈweɪ/: To flow out or be removed.
Vietnamese: Thoát đi
Example: The water drained away through cracks in the rock.
Exist (Verb) /ɪɡˈzɪst/: To be real or present.
Vietnamese: Tồn tại
Example: Microbes can exist in extreme environments.
Rock-loving (Adjective) /rɒk ˈlʌvɪŋ/: Thriving in rocky environments.
Vietnamese: Ưa đá (vi khuẩn)
Example: Scientists discovered rock-loving microbes in the cave.
Unlock (Verb) /ʌnˈlɑːk/: To make accessible or reveal.
Vietnamese: Mở ra / khám phá
Example: Research on microbes may unlock secrets about life on Mars.
Astrobiologist (Noun) /ˌæstroʊˌbaɪˈɑːlədʒɪst/: A scientist who studies life in the universe.
Vietnamese: Nhà sinh học vũ trụ
Example: The astrobiologist examined the Martian soil for signs of life.
Species (Noun) /ˈspiːʃiːz/: A group of similar organisms capable of interbreeding.
Vietnamese: Loài
Example: Many species of plants can adapt to extreme climates.
Ancient (Adjective) /ˈeɪnʃənt/: Very old or from a long time ago.
Vietnamese: Cổ đại
Example: The cave contains ancient drawings from early humans.
Back in time (Phrase) /bæk ɪn taɪm/: To a previous period.
Vietnamese: Ngược thời gian
Example: The fossils took scientists back in time to the age of dinosaurs.
Slimy film (Noun phrase) /ˈslaɪmi fɪlm/: A thin, slippery layer of substance.
Vietnamese: Lớp màng nhầy
Example: A slimy film covered the rocks in the cave.
Organisms (Noun) /ˈɔːrɡənɪzəmz/: Living things such as plants, animals, or microbes.
Vietnamese: Sinh vật
Example: Organisms in the soil contribute to its fertility.
Chemical signal (Noun phrase) /ˈkemɪkəl ˈsɪɡnəl/: A message sent using chemical substances.
Vietnamese: Tín hiệu hóa học
Example: Bacteria use chemical signals to communicate.
Tackle tasks (Verb phrase) /ˈtækəl tæsks/: To handle or deal with jobs or problems.
Vietnamese: Giải quyết nhiệm vụ
Example: The rover is designed to tackle tasks on the Martian surface.
One-way trip (Noun phrase) /ˈwʌn weɪ ˈtrɪp/: A journey that doesn’t include a return.
Vietnamese: Chuyến đi một chiều
Example: The astronauts prepared for a one-way trip to Mars.
Dirt (Noun) /dɜːrt/: Loose soil or earth.
Vietnamese: Đất
Example: The dirt in the cave was analyzed for microbial life.
Break down (Verb phrase) /breɪk daʊn/: To decompose or separate into simpler substances.
Vietnamese: Phân hủy
Example: Microbes help to break down organic material in the soil.
Toxic chemicals (Noun phrase) /ˈtɑːksɪk ˈkemɪkəlz/: Harmful or poisonous substances.
Vietnamese: Hóa chất độc hại
Example: Toxic chemicals in the soil pose a danger to plants.
Release (Verb) /rɪˈliːs/: To set free or emit.
Vietnamese: Giải phóng
Example: Plants release oxygen during photosynthesis.
Nutrients (Noun) /ˈnuːtriənts/: Substances that provide nourishment for growth.
Vietnamese: Chất dinh dưỡng
Example: The soil is rich in nutrients necessary for plant growth.
Rich soil (Noun phrase) /rɪtʃ sɔɪl/: Fertile earth with high nutrient content.
Vietnamese: Đất màu mỡ
Example: Farmers prefer rich soil for growing crops.

REVIEW VOCABULARY

Task 1: Completion

Word Bank: shining splotch, water droplet, microbes, shimmer, microbial, lava, tan, shine a light on something, cave, patch

The ________ flowed from the volcano, destroying the surrounding vegetation.
Scientists discovered a ________ containing ancient fossils.
The rover collected a ________ of Martian soil for analysis.
When exposed to heat, the chocolate began to ________.
The new documentary aims to ________ the dangers of climate change.
Tiny ________ covered the surface of the glass after the storm.
The lake started to ________ under the moonlight.
A ________ on the cave wall was caused by the reflection of sunlight.
________ are essential for breaking down organic material in the environment.
The researchers studied the ________ interactions in extreme environments.

Task 2: Word Form

Rewrite the sentences using the correct form of the given words.

The ________ (microbe) in the soil help maintain its fertility.
The ________ (volcano) eruption caused widespread destruction.
Scientists were amazed by the ________ (shimmer) glow of the mineral.
A thick layer of ________ (slime) covered the surface of the pond.
The ________ (chemistry) signals emitted by bacteria can influence plant growth.

Task 3: Synonym Matching

Match each word or phrase with its closest synonym.

Word	Synonym
Lava	Handle jobs
Cave	Old
Tan	Sticky layer
Shimmer	Nourishment
Ancient	Hollow space
Slimy film	Yellowish brown
Nutrients	Glimmer
Tackle tasks	Molten rock
Toxic chemicals	Fertile earth
Rich soil	Harmful substances

Task 4: Gap-Filling

Word Bank: lava, microbes, chemical, volcanic activity, toxic chemicals, one-way trip

Mars, often referred to as the Red Planet, has been a topic of great interest for scientists. The surface of the planet is covered with ________, giving it its characteristic reddish color. Studies suggest the presence of ________, which thrive in extreme conditions. The existence of ________ signals in Martian soil has sparked curiosity about life beyond Earth. In addition to its fascinating geology, including evidence of ________ ________, Mars presents challenges such as ________ ________ in its atmosphere. Despite the risks, many researchers and astronauts are prepared for a ________ ________ to uncover the planet’s secrets.

Task 5: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences.

1. What does the word "lava" refer to?
  - A) A type of soil
  - B) Molten rock expelled during a volcanic eruption
  - C) A chemical used in agriculture
  - D) A type of cave formation
2. What does it mean to "shine a light on something"?
  - A) To illuminate something
  - B) To explain something
  - C) To heat something up
  - D) To explore an unknown area
3. Which word describes microorganisms such as bacteria?
  - A) Basalt
  - B) Microbial
  - C) Volcanic
  - D) Toxic
4. "Mars" refers to:
  - A) A type of rock
  - B) A planet in the solar system
  - C) A species of microorganisms
  - D) An eruption
5. What is a "microbe"?
  - A) A small organism such as bacteria
  - B) A piece of volcanic rock
  - C) A chemical compound
  - D) A glowing patch
6. "Basalt" is:
  - A) A hardened volcanic rock
  - B) A shiny microbial film
  - C) A type of nutrient-rich soil
  - D) A toxic chemical
7. What happens when something is "hardened"?
  - A) It becomes molten
  - B) It becomes solid or firm
  - C) It breaks down into pieces
  - D) It releases nutrients
8. "Astrobiologists" are scientists who:
  - A) Study microbes on Earth
  - B) Investigate life in the universe
  - C) Research volcanic eruptions
  - D) Work with toxic chemicals
9. What does "ancient" describe?
  - A) Something very old
  - B) Something very shiny
  - C) Something very toxic
  - D) Something very small
10. "Rich soil" is beneficial because it:
  - A) Contains toxic chemicals
  - B) Releases harmful substances
  - C) Has many nutrients for plants
  - D) Drains away water quickly

Answer Keys

Completion

The lava flowed from the volcano, destroying the surrounding vegetation.
Scientists discovered a cave containing ancient fossils.
The rover collected a patch of Martian soil for analysis.
When exposed to heat, the chocolate began to tan.
The new documentary aims to shine a light on the dangers of climate change.
Tiny water droplets covered the surface of the glass after the storm.
The lake started to shimmer under the moonlight.
A shining splotch on the cave wall was caused by the reflection of sunlight.
Microbes are essential for breaking down organic material in the environment.
The researchers studied the microbial interactions in extreme environments.

Word Form Task

The microbes in the soil help maintain its fertility.
The volcanic eruption caused widespread destruction.
Scientists were amazed by the shimmering glow of the mineral.
A thick layer of slimy film covered the surface of the pond.
The chemical signals emitted by bacteria can influence plant growth.

Synonym Matching

Lava - Molten rock
Cave - Hollow space
Tan - Yellowish brown
Shimmer - Glimmer
Ancient - Old
Slimy film - Sticky layer
Nutrients - Nourishment
Tackle tasks - Handle jobs
Toxic chemicals - Harmful substances
Rich soil - Fertile earth

Gap-Filling

Mars, often referred to as the Red Planet, has been a topic of great interest for scientists. The surface of the planet is covered with lava, giving it its characteristic reddish color. Studies suggest the presence of microbes, which thrive in extreme conditions. The existence of chemical signals in Martian soil has sparked curiosity about life beyond Earth. In addition to its fascinating geology, including evidence of volcanic activity, Mars presents challenges such as toxic chemicals in its atmosphere. Despite the risks, many researchers and astronauts are prepared for a one-way trip to uncover the planet’s secrets.

Task 5: Multiple Choice

B) Molten rock expelled during a volcanic eruption
A) To illuminate something
B) Microbial
B) A planet in the solar system
A) A small organism such as bacteria
A) A hardened volcanic rock
B) It becomes solid or firm
B) Investigate life in the universe
A) Something very old
C) Has many nutrients for plants