LAUSR

Methane hydrates host unique microbial ecosystems in the deep subsurface on Earth and potentially on other planetary bodies. The source of the methane in these hydrates is largely microbial, yet methanogenic archaea comprise a tiny fraction of the microbial community. Bacteria - namely members of the JS-1 class of Atribacterota - have repeatedly been found to dominate the microbial community in deep hydrate sediments from continental margins. Microbes in hydrate sediments harbor adaptations to survive salt stress, such as synthesis and transport of osmolytes. Burning questions remain about this highly flammable subject, particularly regarding the role of microbes in the formation and stability of methane hydrates. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.