(SGER): Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling Project: A Unique Opportunity for Studying the Deep Subsurface Microbiology

Miami University, Oxford OH

Investigators

Abstract

Investigation into the geomicrobiology of deep continental rocks is still at its infancy, partly due to the high cost of the deep continental drilling. This project takes full advantage of the recently initiated Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling project to obtain rock cores from depth up to 5000 m in a geologically complex tectonic setting, plate subduction zone. Previous geological studies have revealed ultra high-pressure metamorphic rocks and minerals in this region, along with abundant fluids and gas in fractures and fault zones. We propose to study abundance and diversity of microbes in metamorphic rocks and their impact on geological and geochemical processes. We will develop procedures of sample processing, including detection of contamination, sample preservation, and extraction of microbes from crystalline rocks. Chemical and microbial tracers will be used to evaluate contamination of rock cores by surface microbes. Pristine subsurface rocks will be used to determine microbial biomass by the phospholipid fatty acid method. Attempts will be made to extract DNA from uncontaminated rock cores, followed by sequencing and identification. Culturability of microbes in rock cores will be assessed.