GEOPHYSICAL MONOGRAPH SERIES, VOL. 144, PP. 153-165, 2004
Geochemical energy sources that support the subsurface biosphere
Department of Geological Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Department of Geological Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Predictions of bioavailable energy can be made through calculation of geochemical disequilibria. The geochemical model of
McCollom and Shock  of mid-ocean ridge black smoker systems was tested against microbiological measurements collected in these environments.
This model was modified in this paper to include hydrogen oxidation, as there was evidence that hydrogen—oxidizing microorganisms
inhabit black smoker environments. The sharp distinction between high temperature, anoxic environments and low temperature,
oxic environments in the model of McCollom and Shock  disappeared in the new model; both reductive and oxidative metabolic strategies provided energy in low- and high-temperature
environments. Future directions for model modification are explored, in light of potential subseafloor biotopes.
Citation: Shock, E. L., and