Fluids from the oceanic crust support microbial activities within the deep biosphere.

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Engelen, B., Ziegelmüller, K., Wolf, L., Köpke, B., Gittel, A., Treude, Tina , Nakagawa, S., Inagaki, F., Lever, M. A., Steinsbu, B. O. and Cypionka, H. (2008) Fluids from the oceanic crust support microbial activities within the deep biosphere. Geomicrobiology Journal, 25 (1). pp. 56-66. DOI 10.1080/01490450701829006.

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Abstract

The importance of crustal fluid chemical composition in driving the marine deep subseafloor biosphere was examined in northeast Pacific ridge-flank sediments. At IODP Site U1301, sulfate from crustal fluids diffuses into overlying sediments, forming a transition zone where sulfate meets in situ-produced methane. Enhanced cell counts and metabolic activity suggest that sulfate stimulates microbial respiration, specifically anaerobic methane oxidation coupled to sulfate reduction. Cell counts and activity are also elevated in basement-near layers. Owing to the worldwide expansion of the crustal aquifer, we postulate that crustal fluids may fuel the marine deep subseafloor biosphere on a global scale.

Document Type: Article
Keywords: Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, JOIDES Resolution, Expedition 301, deep biosphere, subsurface microbiology, oceanic crust, Juan de Fuca hydrogeology, hydrothermal fluids, microbial activity, AOM, sulfate reduction, methanogenesis, rates, MPN, exoenzymes
Refereed: Yes
Open Access Journal?: No
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Date Deposited: 30 Apr 2009 08:53
Last Modified: 28 Sep 2017 07:54
URI: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/6714

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