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Microorganisms in deep-sea hydrothermal plumes

Nature volume 320, pages 744–746 (1986)Cite this article

Abstract

The study of hydrothermal vents at oceanic spreading centres has led to a re-evaluation of some basic tenets concerning energy flux through oceanic ecosystems and the sources and sinks for dissolved ions in sea water. Hydrothermal vents vary considerably, from relatively low-temperature (<25 °C) fluid discharges to the spectacular high-temperature (∼350 °C) black smokers1–3. The high-temperature vents give rise to buoyant plumes which can be detected hundreds of kilometres away from ridge crests4,5. In the immediate vicinity of hydrothermal vents, chemoautotrophic bacteria are present in vent fluids6–8, attached to rock surfaces9,10, and as endosymbionts in certain macro fauna11. Deep-sea hydrothermal plumes have not, as yet, been examined for the presence of bacteria. We now report the presence of elevated bacterial biomass in a hydrothermal plume originating from the Juan de Fuca Ridge, and discuss the potential geochemical significance of these microorganisms

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hawaii Institute of Geophysics and Department of Oceanography, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA

    Christopher D. Winn & David M. Karl

  2. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pacific Marine and Environmental Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, Washington, 98115-0070, USA

    Gary J. Massoth

Authors
  1. Christopher D. Winn
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  2. David M. Karl
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  3. Gary J. Massoth
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Winn, C., Karl, D. & Massoth, G. Microorganisms in deep-sea hydrothermal plumes. Nature 320, 744–746 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1038/320744a0

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