Study of geothermal manifestation across Scoresby Sund (Greenland)
Geothermal manifestations in Greenland's subsurface are rare and primarily found in the Scoresby Sund area, on the east coast of the island. The origin of these geothermal springs is thought to be associated with the Icelandic mantle plume, specifically with heat from the mantle moving laterally toward Greenland and warming the lithosphere. Igneous extrusive rocks are present in Scoresby Sund, where they drive low-temperature thermal springs, comparable to those currently found in Iceland. The area exhibits a range of geothermal temperatures from 0?C to 60?C, with numerous hot springs located near the coast. The relationship between subsurface microbial communities and the biogeochemical cycle remains poorly understood. In August 2022, we conducted a scientific expedition across the Scoresby Sund area, collecting fluid, sediment, and biofilm samples from four different sites reflecting geothermal activity across the region. Our study aims to describe the composition and functions of microbial communities and to explore their potential correlation with the geochemical parameters of this geothermally active region.