Globally Spread Microbial Habitat in the Lithosphere:Deep Subsurface Biosphere

Abstract

Information regarding the deep subsurface biosphere has recently been accumulated.Major inhabitants of the deep biosphere are thought to be prokaryotic microorganisms, bacteria and archaea.Although some may be dormant, a certain fraction of the microbial population is considered to actively metabolize organic and inorganic materials.Thus, they influence the geochemical processes in the deep subsurface.Trophic bases of the deep subsurface biosphere, which are most likely H₂-driven, should be unique and different from those of the surface biospheres.