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Area of Science:

  • Geomicrobiology
  • Oceanography
  • Ecology

Background:

  • The oceanic subsurface harbors diverse microbial ecosystems.
  • Understanding subseafloor microbial ecology is challenged by the scale of relevant processes.
  • Habitat characteristics influence microbial activity, diversity, and global biogeochemical cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe subseafloor microbial provinces.
  • To refine criteria for defining and delineating distinct subseafloor microbial habitats.
  • To aid in the exploration of these habitats.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis.
  • Development of criteria for defining subseafloor microbial provinces.
  • Comparative analysis of geologically and geographically coherent regions.

Main Results:

  • Proposed a framework for defining subseafloor microbial provinces.
  • Outlined criteria for habitat delineation.
  • Highlighted the importance of habitat characteristics for microbial ecosystems.

Conclusions:

  • A unified framework is needed to advance subseafloor microbial ecology.
  • Improved understanding will enable quantification of geomicrobial processes.
  • Accurate assimilation into biogeochemical models is facilitated by defined habitats.