Microbes colonize new lava at an Iceland volcano — English Level A1

A volcano makes hot lava that covers the ground.
The lava cools and soon becomes hard black rock.
Microbes reach the new rock within just a few hours.
Scientists collect and study samples very soon after cooling.
They also take rainwater and tiny air particle samples.
Many different microbes appear during the first months.
A cold winter kills some microbes and reduces diversity.
After winter the small microbial community becomes more stable.

Difficult words

microbe — A very small living organism, often invisible

Microbes

sample — A small piece taken to study or test

samples

diversity — Many different types in a group or place

community — A group of living things in one place

stable — Not changing much over time; steady

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Microbes colonize new lava at an Iceland volcano^{CEFR A1}

Difficult words

Discussion questions

Related articles

Yale reveals molecular structure of cholera flagella

Why some gas-rich volcanoes erupt gently

New method builds synthetic phage genomes

Sorbitol can become fructose and affect the liver

Scientists find many new gut microbes in Africa

Microbes colonize new lava at an Iceland volcano CEFR A1

Difficult words

Discussion questions

Related articles

Yale reveals molecular structure of cholera flagella

Why some gas-rich volcanoes erupt gently

New method builds synthetic phage genomes

Sorbitol can become fructose and affect the liver

Scientists find many new gut microbes in Africa

Microbes colonize new lava at an Iceland volcano^{CEFR A1}