Geochemistry
and Microbiology of
Hot Springs in Kamchatka, Russia
Weidong Zhao1,2, Christopher S. Romanek2,4, Gary Mills2,4, Juergen Wiegel3 and Chanlun Zhang1,2
1. Department of Marine Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
30602, USA;
2. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South
Carolina 29802, USA;
3. Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
30602, USA;
4. Department of Geology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30605,
USA
Abstract
Kamchatka is one of the most active regions of volcanism in the world
because it is located in the transitional zone where the Eurasian plate,
North American plate and Pacific plates meet. As a result, Kamchatka has
numerous hydrothermal systems, which constantly release geothermal gases
and fluids out to the earth surface. Geothermal gases such as N2
and CO2 may prevail in the outflows but H2, CH4
and H2S occur frequently. Hot spring waters in Kamchatka may
have multiple origins including meteoric and magmatic water. The temperature
of these hot springs ranges from ~20oC to greater than 90oC.
Water chemistry also varies dramatically with pH ranging from 3.1 to 9.8.
Hydrothermal fluids are sodium chloride water dominant and may contain
various dissolved constituents including K+, H3BO3,
H4SiO4, Ca2+, and SO42-.
Volcanic ore-formation prevails in the high thermal activity regions in
Kamchatka and precipitates may be dominated by silica crusts, sulfur and
Hg-Sb-As-FeS deposits. Oils are also generated in the region and dominated
by n-alkanes.
More than
24 novel thermophilic microorganisms have been isolated from hot springs
in Kamchatka. Most of these isolates are heterotrophs; however, autotrophs
may be equally abundant depending on the spring conditions. Collectively,
these organisms may play important roles in biogeochemical cycling of
carbon, sulfur, and iron in the hydrothermal system. Culture-independent
approaches and quantitative methods are now employed to enhance our understanding
of the ecology and biogeochemical functions of microorganisms in Kamchatka
hot springs.
Key-words: Hot springs; geochemistry; microbiology; Kamchatka
SREL Reprint #2993
Zhao, W., C. S. Romanek, G. Mills, J. Wiegel and C. L. Zhang. 2005. Geochemistry and Microbiology of Hot Springs in Kamchatka, Russia. Geological Journal of China Universities 11(2):217-223.
