Аннотация:Alkaline lakes are incredibly dynamic, unique, and fascinating biogeochemical environments.This thematic issue will leverage the authors' multidisciplinary insights to portray alkaline lakes' biogeochemical, mineralogical, and geological importance for both science and society.The articles will individually explore the unique conditions leading to the formation of alkaline lakes, the distinctively productive microbial ecosystems that inhabit them, their distinguishing chemistry and mineralogy, their role as societally important economic resources, and their potential to have originated life on Earth as well as Mars.This approachable overview of the geochemical, biological, and societal aspects of alkaline lakes will establish their vital importance to the broad readership of Elements and stimulate continued explorations of these mesmerizing geological systems.
