Rising Stars in Geomicrobiology: Microbial Life in Subsurface, Seep and Hydrothermal Ecosystems

Microbial life in hydrothermal vents, cold seeps and various subsurface environments is ultimately sustained by deeply sourced fluids. These fluids circulate carbon substrates and energy sources, while undergoing strong selection for extremophiles by high temperatures and unique chemical conditions. Basalt-hosted hydrothermal vents provide the classic example for microbial ecosystems of extremophiles, yet they represent just one instance of microbial life being maintained and catalyzed by deeply circulating fluids delivering essential substrates and energy sources.

In this Research Topic, we aim to highlight the wider range of this concept, and include the microbiota of deep mines and aquifers which also rely on energy-rich geofluids and substrates. By adopting this broader perspective, we hope to cast light on a wider range of extreme microbial populations, physiologies, and genomic adaptations. Additionally, we encourage junior researchers exploring new microbial ecosystems beyond the traditional categories of vents, seeps, and subsurface habitats.

This Research Topic welcomes contributions that may encompass sequence-based, physiological and biogeochemical studies of extreme and unusual microbiota in various hydrothermal vents, hot and cold seeps, deep mines and deep aquifers. While these microbial ecosystems may differ in community composition and function, they all depend on substrates and energy sources from deeply circulating or deeply sourced fluids that transport carbon and nutrients from subsurface to surface.

Keywords: Geofluids, Geomicrobiology, hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, deep subsurface, Deeply sourced fluids, Deep mines, Deep aquifers, Deep circulating fluids

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.