Biogeochemistry and Microbiology of Pelagic Sub-seafloor Sediments in the Pacific Ocean

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In collaboration with an international consortium we are proponents on an IODP proposal to address microbial activities and distributions in low activity sediments (IODP 662-Full). The project concerns the determination of prokaryotic biomass, activity, and biogeochemistry of the low-activity end-member of the deep sub-surface biosphere along transects from younger E. Pacific Rise sediments to sediments overlying older crust and underlying the south Pacific gyre, Using samples obtained from previous ODP/DSDP Legs (principally OOP Leg 201) and the opportunity to sail on a scheduled IODP Site Survey onboard the R/V Roger Revelle in the South Pacific gyre (Dec 2006- Jan.2007), we propose to propose to examine the metabolic activities, biomass of prokaryotic communities, and supporting geochemistry in the extremely oligotrophic sub-surface sediments of the South Pacific. The IODP Site Survey aboard the R/V Revelle offers the unique opportunity to obtain sediments for microbiological and biogeochemical determinations, in situ sediment oxygen determinations using benthic landers, coupled with geophysical and physical property data to be obtained during the site survey. We are are applying for support to cover a doctoral student (36 months), six months of technical support, and an acoustic release system for the benthic landers.