Abiotic hydrogen (H <sub>2</sub> ) sources and sinks near the Mid-Ocean Ridge (MOR) with implications for the subseafloor biosphere
Stacey L. Worman, Lincoln F. Pratson, Jeffrey A. Karson, William H. Schlesinger
Abstract
Significance This paper estimates natural hydrogen production by various geological processes and its ultimate fate in young oceanic crust near the Mid-Ocean Ridge (MOR). Hydrogen is an important source of energy for microbes living beneath the seafloor. Knowing how much is available to support these biological communities is therefore key to understanding the size and significance of this biome, one of the potential first environments for life on Earth and a potential environment for life on other planets.
Topics & Concepts
BiosphereEarth scienceRidgeBiomeAbiotic componentAstrobiologyGeologyEnvironmental scienceOceanographyEcologyPaleontologyEcosystemBiologyMethane Hydrates and Related PhenomenaGeology and Paleoclimatology ResearchAtmospheric and Environmental Gas Dynamics