Cold Seep Research at MBARI S. Goffredi and V. Orphan

1. ColdSeepResearch atMBARI S. Goffredi and V. Orphan

2. Scientists at MBARI are involved in many different projects, including…. Ecology - both Midwater and Benthic Benthic Biology Biological Oceanography Microbiology (Picoplankton Studies) Molecular Biology Protozoan Biology Toxicology Studies Phytoplankton Studies Biogeochemistry (Upper Ocean and Benthic) Coastal Upwelling Research

3. The Benthic Ecology group studies areas known as cold seeps, 122° 30' 122° 20' 122° 10' 122° 00' 121° 50' Monterey Bay ' 0 0 3 7 ° ° 7 3 0 0 S a n t a C r u z Cold Seeps ' M o ' n 0 5 3 6 ° t ° 6 n 3 5 0 o e ' y Mt. Crushmore n r Invert Cliff a C e Tubeworm City o y l l i r Clam Flat b a B Clam Field C a y ' 0 4 3 6 ° ° 6 3 4 0 ' n Axial Valley M o o y M o n t e r e y n n t a e C r e y ' 0 3 3 ° 6 6 ° 3 3 0 ' 5 0 5 10 km 122° 30' 122° 20' 122° 10' 122° 00' 121° 50' within Monterey Bay….

4. What is a cold seep? Places where energy-rich fluids are out of the ocean floor due to the geology of the underlying sediments or due to the physiological functioning of the subsurface microbial community. seeping

5. What is a cold seep? Places where energy-rich fluids are out of the ocean floor due to the geology of the underlying sediments or due to the physiological functioning of the subsurface microbial community. seeping In the late 1970’s scientists discovered novel deep-sea ecosystems fueled primarily by hydrogen sulfide oxidation (chemosynthetic), rather than by plant photosynthesis. In Monterey Bay, sulfide-rich systems,teeming with chemosynthetically supported life were first discovered in the 1980's near 3200 meters depth. Since then, scientists have focused on a number of shallower cold seep areas in Monterey Bay where dense invertebrate communities have been found.

6. Cold Seeps in Monterey Bay Most life on earth is fueled directly or indirectly by sunlight. There are, however, small ecosystems, such as the seeps in Monterey Bay, that depend on bacteria whose life functions are fueled not by the sun but by simple inorganic chemicals, like hydrogen sulfide.

7. Cold Seeps in Monterey Bay Most life on earth is fueled directly or indirectly by sunlight. There are, however, small ecosystems, such as the seeps in Monterey Bay, that depend on bacteria whose life functions are fueled not by the sun but by simple inorganic chemicals, like hydrogen sulfide. The dominant members of the animal community in these areas are often those living in association with bacterial symbionts, and encompass a wide range of phyla, including worms and clams.

8. Chemistry Animals Bacterial Mats What types of questions are MBARI researchers asking about these environments? ? ? ? ? Free living bacteria

9. MBARI scientists study the chemistry of the deep sea world Here, the ROV deploys a device used to capture seawater Scientists can collect this water and analyze it for chemical compounds back in the laboratory.

10. How do we study the bottom of the ocean? Remotely operated vehicles -ROV’s allow us to send our brain (and hands) to the sea floor Here, scientists are collecting sediment samples using the ROV manipulator

11. Once the sediment cores have been brought to the surface by the ROV, scientists process the cores for chemical and microbiological analyses. Here, an MBARI researcher cuts the core into sections inside a no-oxygen atmosphere “glove box”

12. Sediment Core from a methane-rich Monterey cold seep Methane (µM) 1000 1200 200 400 600 800 0 0 CH SO 4 4 4 8 Depth into the sediment (cm) 12 16 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Sulfate (mM) This is a chemistry “profile” from the core Bacteria feed on methane and sulfate

13. As Sulfate (SO4) is consumed by bacteria, Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is produced Methane (µM) 1000 1200 200 400 600 800 0 0 CH SO 4 4 4 8 Depth into the sediment (cm) 12 16 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Sulfate (mM) See How H2S

14. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SEAWATER SEDIMENT

15. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria CH4 METHANE

16. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria CH4 METHANE 1) Localized CH4 in sediments is utilized by anaerobic bacteria

17. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria CH4 METHANE 1) Localized CH4 in sediments is utilized by anaerobic bacteria

18. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria CH4 METHANE 1) Localized CH4 in sediments is utilized by anaerobic bacteria

19. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT As energy-rich seawater sulfate diffuses into sediments, it is consumed by anaerobic bacteria along with methane Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria CH4 METHANE

20. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT As energy-rich seawater sulfate diffuses into sediments, it is consumed by anaerobic bacteria along with methane Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria CH4 METHANE

21. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT As energy-rich seawater sulfate diffuses into sediments, it is consumed by anaerobic bacteria along with methane SO4 Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria CH4 METHANE

22. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT SO4 Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria As CH4 and SO4 are consumed, large amounts of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide are produced CH4 METHANE

23. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT SO4 Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria As CH4 and SO4 are consumed, large amounts of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide are produced CH4 METHANE

24. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT SO4 Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria As CH4 and SO4 are consumed, large amounts of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide are produced CH4 METHANE CO2

25. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT H2S HYDROGEN SULFIDE SO4 Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria As CH4 and SO4 are consumed, large amounts of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide are produced CH4 METHANE CO2

26. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT H2S HYDROGEN SULFIDE SO4 Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria As CH4 and SO4 are consumed, large amounts of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide are produced CH4 METHANE CO2

27. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT H2S HYDROGEN SULFIDE SO4 Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria As CH4 and SO4 are consumed, large amounts of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide are produced CH4 METHANE CO2

28. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT H2S HYDROGEN SULFIDE SO4 Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria As CH4 and SO4 are consumed, large amounts of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide are produced CH4 METHANE CO2

29. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CHEMOSYNTHETIC CLAM COMMUNITIES SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT H2S HYDROGEN SULFIDE SO4 Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria EXCUSE ME! H2S CH4 METHANE CO2

30. How do bacteria influence the physical and chemical environment at seep sites? CLAM SYMBIONTS CAN THEN USE THE SULFIDE PRODUCED BY THE BACTERIA (plus oxygen) TO LIVE O2 OXYGEN SO4 SULFATE SEAWATER SEDIMENT H2S HYDROGEN SULFIDE SO4 Methane-oxidizing & Sulfate Reducing Bacteria EXCUSE ME! H2S CH4 METHANE CO2

31. How do other organisms take advantage of bacterially produced sulfide?... It’s called “chemosynthesis” The process in which carbohydrates are manufactured from carbon dioxide and water using chemical nutrients as the energy source, rather than the sunlight used for energy in photosynthesis.

32. How do other organisms take advantage of bacterially produced sulfide?... It’s called “chemosynthesis” The process in which carbohydrates are manufactured from carbon dioxide and water using chemical nutrients as the energy source, rather than the sunlight used for energy in photosynthesis. During Photosynthesis - green plants produce organic carbon compounds from carbon dioxide and water, using sunlight as energy. These compounds can then enter the food chain.

33. How do other organisms take advantage of bacterially produced sulfide?... It’s called “chemosynthesis” The process in which carbohydrates are manufactured from carbon dioxide and water using chemical nutrients as the energy source, rather than the sunlight used for energy in photosynthesis. During Photosynthesis - green plants produce organic carbon compounds from carbon dioxide and water, using sunlight as energy. These compounds can then enter the food chain. During Chemosynthesis - hydrogen sulfide is the energy source and it is either taken up by free-living bacteria or absorbed by the host invertebrates, and transported to the symbionts. The bacteria use the energy from sulfide to fuel the same cycle that plants use, again resulting in organic carbon compounds

34. How do other organisms take advantage of bacterially produced sulfide?... It’s called “chemosynthesis” The process in which carbohydrates are manufactured from carbon dioxide and water using chemical nutrients as the energy source, rather than the sunlight used for energy in photosynthesis. During Photosynthesis - green plants produce organic carbon compounds from carbon dioxide and water, using sunlight as energy. These compounds can then enter the food chain. During Chemosynthesis - hydrogen sulfide is the energy source and it is either taken up by free-living bacteria or absorbed by the host invertebrates, and transported to the symbionts. The bacteria use the energy from sulfide to fuel the same cycle that plants use, again resulting in organic carbon compounds What kinds of organisms in Monterey Bay use chemosynthesis for survival?...

35. Large bacterial mats use sulfide for energy Scientists study these bacterial mats in order to determine the taxonomy, morphology, environmental setting, and ultrastructure of these fascinating organisms.

36. Scientists at MBARI study these bacteria using a variety of microscopic techniques, including…. Fluorescence microscopy Scanning electron microscopy Light microscopy

37. Large communities of clams and worms also use sulfide for energy MBARI scientists are studying these animals to better understand the physiology, ecology, and energetics of these animal communities.

38. These clams and worms don’t have stomachs or mouths!! …How do they survive? It’s called “symbiosis” Living together of organisms of different species. The term usually applies to a dependent relationship that is beneficial to both members (also called mutualism). Symbiosis may occur between plants, animals and/or bacteria

39. These clams and worms don’t have stomachs or mouths!! …How do they survive? It’s called “symbiosis” Living together of organisms of different species. The term usually applies to a dependent relationship that is beneficial to both members (also called mutualism). Symbiosis may occur between plants, animals and/or bacteria At seep sites, it is common for bacteria and animals to form symbiotic associations. Young animals acquire their bacterial symbionts either from their parents or from swallowing them in sea water.

40. These clams and worms don’t have stomachs or mouths!! …How do they survive? It’s called “symbiosis” Living together of organisms of different species. The term usually applies to a dependent relationship that is beneficial to both members (also called mutualism). Symbiosis may occur between plants, animals and/or bacteria At seep sites, it is common for bacteria and animals to form symbiotic associations. Young animals acquire their bacterial symbionts either from their parents or from swallowing them in sea water.

41. These clams and worms don’t have stomachs or mouths!! …How do they survive? It’s called “symbiosis” Living together of organisms of different species. The term usually applies to a dependent relationship that is beneficial to both members (also called mutualism). Symbiosis may occur between plants, animals and/or bacteria At seep sites, it is common for bacteria and animals to form symbiotic associations. Young animals acquire their bacterial symbionts either from their parents or from swallowing them in sea water. Gulp!

42. These clams and worms don’t have stomachs or mouths!! …How do they survive? It’s called “symbiosis” Living together of organisms of different species. The term usually applies to a dependent relationship that is beneficial to both members (also called mutualism). Symbiosis may occur between plants, animals and/or bacteria Once inside, the bacteria and animal host become partners. The bacteria multiply within the host, eventually integrating completely. The animal benefits from food produced by the bacteria and the symbiont benefits from the shelter and stable environment provided by the host.

43. Seep clams are no ordinary clams!!

44. Seep clams are no ordinary clams!! Ordinary clam Clam chowder - yum -

45. Seep clams are no ordinary clams!! Ordinary clam Extraordinary clam Clam chowder - yum - Rotten eggs - yuck -

46. carbon dioxide oxygen bacterial symbionts water sediment sulfide Adductor muscles Mantle Gills (symbionts) Siphons Foot Unlike other animals, these clams must take up carbon dioxide (through their enlarged gills) and sulfide (through their foot) in order meet the needs of their symbionts.

47. In addition to strictly ‘seep’ animals, a variety of other animals benefit from foraging within seep sites. These include…. Sea urchins Crabs Sea cucumbers King crabs Brittle stars

48. MBARI researchers continue to study Monterey Bay using an interdisciplinary approach, combining biology, with chemistry, geology, and engineering, in hopes of gaining a better understanding of our world’s oceans