Microbial colonization of various habitable niches during alteration of oceanic crust

Abstract

Tunnel structures in volcanic glass are a world wide phenomenon and known to harbor microorganisms of the deep sub-seafloor biosphere. As alteration and weathering of the ocean crusts proceeds, volcanic glass is altered and devitrified. Palagonitization of volcanic glass results in the secondary phases palagonite, phillipsite and smectite. The alteration and palagonitization result in destruction of microbial habitats. Colonization of new habitable niches is thus forced upon the microorganisms by external forces.