Overview

An important subsurface microbial community is one based on chemolithoautotrophic oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide or elemental sulfur. Consequently, the main metabolic waste product resulting from this microbial activity is sulfuric acid, and this acid attacks the geologic matrix supporting the microorganisms. In cave and karst settings, this process can be part of sulfuric acid speleogenesis, a mechanism in which limestone dissolves due to sulfuric acid instead of carbonic acid. One of our current research objectives is understanding the role, if any, microbes play in this speleogenesis process.

Examining microbial populations in sulfidic habitats, such as hot springs, can be difficult to do. In contrast, caves are direct access points into the subsurface, where microorganisms can be characterized and in situ experimentation can occur.  This project examines the geomicrobiology and biogeochemistry of a cave system that has sulfide-rich springs and active microbial communities.

This project is currently funded by the NSF/NASA Life in Extreme Environments (LExEn) program, and research in the caves is done in accordance with the Wyoming Bureau of Land Management (Cody office).

                                  RELATED LINKS

• Field Site - geology and regional setting
  

• Cave Description
  

• Microbial Mat Diversity - including Macroinvertebrates
  

• Images from Lower Kane Cave
  

• Abstracts

Taking environmental measurements in cave stream with mats. 

Conducting serial dilutions in the cave 
for Most Probable Number estimate of 
microbial diversity.