Distinct methane-dependent biogeochemical states in Arctic seafloor gas hydrate mounds.

ABSTRACT: Archaea mediating anaerobic methane oxidation are key in preventing methane produced in marine sediments from reaching the hydrosphere; however, a complete understanding of how microbial communities in natural settings respond to changes in the flux of methane remains largely uncharacterized. We investigate microbial communities in gas hydrate-bearing seafloor mounds at Storfjordrenna, offshore Svalbard in the high Arctic, where we identify distinct methane concentration profiles that include steady-state, recently-increasing subsurface diffusive flux, and active gas seepage. Populations of anaerobic methanotrophs and sulfate-reducing bacteria were highest at the seep site, while decreased community diversity was associated with a recent increase in methane influx. Despite high methane flu

SUBMITTER: Klasek SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8563959 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature