Deccan Traps at Koyna region Targeted loci environmental
Microbial diversity and function within deep Earth crust play critical roles in biogeochemical cycling of elements including C, N, S, etc., and are of great importance in understanding the biosphere. Compared to sedimentary system and oceanic subsurface, our understanding on microbial diversity and metabolism within deep terrestrial continental crusts remained less explored. The oligotrophic nature of deep terrestrial subsurface environments selects for microorganisms that thrive on minimal energy gradients provided by available redox couples in highly reducing, low-oxidant environments. A subset of these environments that are removed from surface carbon input have been collectively termed subsurface lithoautotrophic microbial ecosystems, or SLiME. A lack of available surface-derived DOC likely necessitates a general capacity for autotrophy that is fueled by lithogenic energy sources, such as abiogenic H2 and CH4. Recent scientific deep drilling upto a depth of 3000 meters below surface in Koyna-Warna region of Deccan traps offers an extraordinary opportunity to investigate deep life within Archean crustal system underlying Late Cretaceous Deccan traps. PI Kazy Sufia Khannam, National Institute of Technology Durgapur