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      Metabolic Activity of Subsurface Life in Deep-Sea Sediments

      Science
      American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

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          Abstract

          Global maps of sulfate and methane in marine sediments reveal two provinces of subsurface metabolic activity: a sulfate-rich open-ocean province, and an ocean-margin province where sulfate is limited to shallow sediments. Methane is produced in both regions but is abundant only in sulfate-depleted sediments. Metabolic activity is greatest in narrow zones of sulfate-reducing methane oxidation along ocean margins. The metabolic rates of subseafloor life are orders of magnitude lower than those of life on Earth's surface. Most microorganisms in subseafloor sediments are either inactive or adapted for extraordinarily low metabolic activity.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          Science
          American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
          00368075
          10959203
          March 15 2002
          : 295
          : 5562
          : 2067-2070
          Article
          10.1126/science.1064878
          11896277
          ffc18aa0-2f3d-4a83-87e6-40040b993182
          © 2002
          History

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