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Deep-sea smokers: windows to a subsurface biosphere?
1School of Oceanography, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.
Geochimica Et Cosmochimica Acta
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Scientists propose a deep-sea subsurface biosphere exists, potentially thriving at temperatures exceeding 115°C. This expands our understanding of life
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Geochemistry
- Geophysics
Background:
- Hyperthermophilic microbial life discovered in deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
- Previously accepted upper temperature limit for life was ~115°C.
- Speculation existed for life up to 150°C.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the possibility of a subsurface biosphere.
- To re-examine hyperthermophilic microorganisms in deep-sea smoker environments.
- To present evidence for a subsurface biosphere based on new data.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microbial sampling from Endeavour Segment smokers.
- Geochemical analysis of Endeavour smoker fluids.
- Interdisciplinary review of microbial and geochemical data.
Main Results:
- Geochemical data suggests subsurface organic material.
- Microbial sampling from Endeavour Segment smokers analyzed.
- Literature review on hyperthermophilic microorganisms conducted.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports the existence of a deep-sea subsurface biosphere.
- This biosphere may exist at temperatures higher than previously thought.
- Findings align with geophysical understanding of organic stability in hydrothermal conditions.