Research into the deep biosphere requires an understanding of both the microbial community at a given site and the geochemical and hydrological factors that support that microbial community. To highlight the interplay between geochemistry and microbiology in these deep environments, we characterized the hydrogeologic and geochemical systems of a 2.7 Ga banded iron formation within the Canadian Shield in the Soudan Underground Mine State Park in Minnesota, USA, a site known to host a lithotrophic microbial community. Calcium-sodium-chloride brines, characteristic of deep groundwaters throughout the Canadian Shield, were found in the site with total dissolved solids as high as 116,000 ppm in one borehole. Comparison of the Soudan waters to those found at other sites in the Canadian Shield or other sites of deep biosphere research indicate that they are notable for their high magnesium concentrations relative to total salinity. Additionally, the most saline Soudan waters have distinct 2H
But itâs been an extra sweet week at Canelakeâs Candies.
The iconic candy shop, in operation since 1905, has something new to add to its long history. Canelakeâs, on Tuesday, opened an expansion into the adjacent building, broadening its selection of merchandise and preserving its history â and that of the Virginia area â for generations to come.
The Canelake family spent more than a year renovating 416 Chestnut St., to increase retail space and establish a candy (and Iron Range) museum, said co-owner Pamela Canelake Matson.
Walls are adored with enlarged photographs depicting the shopâs transformations through the decades: An image of the 1900sâ storefront, complete with wooden sidewalks and bananas displayed in the window; second-generation candy makers, brothers John and Leo Canelake, posing in front of the shop in the 1960s; longtime candy dipper, Liona Forst, dipping chocolates at a table now used as a display in the expansion.