Targeting hydrothermal vents along the Aeolian Islands (Sicily, Italy)
The Aeolian archipelago consists of seven subaerial volcanoes and several submarine seamounts located in the southeastern region of the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the north-east coast of Sicily (Italy). This volcanic arc reflects ongoing geological processes, making it one of the most active volcanic areas of the Mediterranean. The resulting intense volcanic and hydrothermal activity has been addressed by several studies, aiming at exploring either the system geochemistry or the local biosphere. However, the relationship between the energy and carbon sources provided by the geothermal and hydrothermal springs and the microbial diversity is still poorly resolved. In June 2024 we carried out a scientific expedition across the islands of Vulcano, Panarea, Stromboli and Lipari, collecting fluid, sediment, and biofilm samples from 14 different sites reflective of hydrothermal activity across the islands. Our studies aim at describing microbial communities composition and functions, and at understanding their eventual correlation with the geochemical parameters of this tectonically active region.