Stable isotopic tracing of Sulfur and Iron biogeochemical cycles in seafloor hydrothermal systems
Being involved in biogeochemical cycles, microorganisms impact on both biosphere and geosphere. Some prokaryotes may have a role in geological processes such as rock or mineral dissolution, magnetite and pyrite formation, weathering, sedimentary diagenesis or transformation of primary to secondary mineral.
Hydrothermal biotopes host thermophilic and hyperthermophilic microorganisms belonging to both Archaeal and Bacterial domains.