Algae in Sea Ice (IMAGE) Helmholtz Association Caption The high salt concentration permits the contents of brine channels to remain in a liquid state even at lower temperatures, and they serve as a habitat for microorganisms. Credit Photo: Gerhard Dieckmann /Alfred Wegener Institute Usage Restrictions Appropriate caption and credit required License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.