Hydrothermal systems integrate geologic processes at a planet’s
surface with those from the deep subsurface, yielding an
incredible array of geochemical compositions. Studies of extremophiles
inhabiting such environments have provided key insights that have substantially
informed our understanding of the habitability of Earth and other
planetary bodies. While considerable evidence exists that describes
the diversity and distribution of microorganisms in hydrothermal
environments, little is so far known of the extent and
nature of the highly reduced, subsurface hydrothermal biosphere.
This is a key knowledge gap considering that such environments
are likely to be more pertinent analogs for subsurface hydrothermal
environments on other planets (e.g. Europa, Enceladus and
Mars). Emerging evidence from our research group indicates
the presence of an endemic subsurface biosphere in certain
areas of YNP. Here we propose to determine the extent and
nature of the YNP subsurface biosphere using novel, non-‐‑invasive
techniques that will 1) use known geochemical proxies to
link microbial composition and abundance data to a spring
continuum of subsurface/surface fluid mixing and identify a subset
of springs with the greatest evidence for subsurface-‐‑like
characteristics, 2) use depth profiling experiments to provide
further evidence for microbial population transitions from surface
to deeper environments ,and 3) determine the physiologic potential
of ‘subsurface-‐‑like ’organisms using whole community genomics techniques.
The results of this proposed work will serve to generate
new hypotheses regarding the potential physiological adaptations
that allow habitation of the deep hydrothermal biosphere, and
which will be used in future NASA proposal efforts.
Contact Info
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Eric Boyd
Microbiology and Immunology
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT 59717
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