Microbial Processes and Products Fueled by Hydrocarbons at Submarine Seeps

Abstract

Two kinds of records preserve the imprints of microbial processes in submarine seep environments. One record tracks transient changes in pore fluid chemistry and is based on the fact that microbial activities leave indelible marks on the pore fluids, which serve as the transport media of microbial metabolic products. The other record, consisting of the goelogic products of seeps such as massive carbonates and carbonate-cemented sandstones, is permanent and provides long-lasting archives which can be used to infer the geochemical and microbiological history of seeps. Both types of records encompassing pore fluids and sediments of extant seeps are reviewed here.