Fjord Sediments Research Articles

Recent ice‐contact delta formation in front of Pio XI glacier controls sedimentary processes in Eyre Fjord, Patagonia

AbstractPio XI Glacier (49°S) is the largest and one of the very few advancing glaciers in Patagonia. Satellite data indicate that the main glacier terminus transitioned from calving to land‐based around 2010, effectively resulting in the formation of an ice‐contact delta at the head of Eyre Fjord. Here, we investigate how this ice‐contact delta formation affected sediment transport processes in Eyre Fjord. Sediment cores and seismic profiles collected along the fjord provide evidence for a relatively abrupt increase in the number and magnitude of turbidity currents, coeval with the formation of the ice‐contact delta. This observation is supported by modern summer hydrographic observations and bathymetric data. We posit that the ice‐contact delta formation resulted in sediment input being concentrated at specific subaerial locations across the fjord head, which favoured the development of plume‐triggered turbidity currents. This suggests that a sudden increase in turbidite thickness in fjord sediment records could represent ice‐contact delta development at fjord heads.

Source, bioavailability, and toxicity of metals in modern fjord sediments, west Spitsbergen, and their influence on sediment-associated biota

Metal contamination in the Arctic region has increased over the years despite its remote and isolated location. Thus, to evaluate the bioavailable fractions of various metals and their effects on sediment-associated biota, the surface sediments from the fjords were analyzed for bulk concentration of metals and their speciation in different fractions. Metals concentrations were higher in the inner fjord region and decreased towards the outer fjord, supported by the terrigenous influence (TI%) calculated. Cr and Pb showed higher excess values attributed to their additional source other than the catchment rocks. So, to assess the metal-related ecological risk, the bulk concentration of metals was compared with Arctic sediment quality guidelines (ASQGs). Cr, Cd, and Pb concentrations were high, indicating potential adverse biological effects in the study. To avoid the risk of overestimation, metal speciation was conducted, showing that overall metal concentrations were higher in the residual fraction; however, higher concentrations of Mn in labile phases pose a moderate risk to the sediment-associated biota. Additionally, the population density of foraminifera in the sediments was calculated to assess the influence of bioavailable metal on benthic foraminifera. It was found that the presence of metals in bioavailable fractions affected the abundance of the foraminifera. However, no morphological abnormalities were observed in the species.

Svalbard Fjord Sediments as a Hotspot of Functional Diversity and a Reservoir of Antibiotic Resistance

Svalbard Fjord Sediments as a Hotspot of Functional Diversity and a Reservoir of Antibiotic Resistance

High rates of marine organic carbon burial on the southwest Greenland margin induced by Neoglacial advances

Marine sediments in glacially-carved fjords at high latitudes feature high organic carbon (OC) burial rates, but there are fewer data on the role of glacial activity on high-latitude OC burial rates outside of fjords. Here, we investigate the relationship between sediment OC burial rates in the deep troughs and basins of the southwest Greenland shelf and Holocene glacial dynamics. Since the onset of prominent Neoglacial advances ~2500 years ago, the nature of the OC buried in the deep troughs and basins of the shelf was influenced by the glacier-driven increase in sediment accumulation rates (SAR), reactive iron (oxyhydr)oxide concentrations and fine-grain sediment, while OC burial rates were primarily enhanced by increasing SAR. Peak OC burial rates (~18.5 ± 5.7 g m−2 a−1) in the deep troughs and basins of the shelf during the past ~1300 years are comparable to those of many high-latitude fjords, and the inferred total annual OC burial in these trough and basin areas is equivalent to ~5% of the annual CO2 uptake by the Labrador Sea deep convection.

Antibiotic resistance of heterotrophic bacteria from the sediments of adjoining high Arctic fjords, Svalbard.

Antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are now considered major global threats. The Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden are the interlinked fjords in the Arctic that are currently experiencing the effects of climate change and receiving input of pollutants from distant and regional sources. The present study focused on understanding the prevalence of antibiotic resistance of retrievable heterotrophic bacteria from the sediments of adjacent Arctic fjords Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden. A total of 237 bacterial isolates were tested against 16 different antibiotics. The higher resistance observed towards Extended Spectrum β-lactam antibiotic (ESBL) includes ceftazidime (45.56%) followed by trimethoprim (27%) and sulphamethizole (24.05%). The extent of resistance was meagre against tetracycline (2.53%) and gentamycin (2.95%). The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis identified that Proteobacteria (56%) were the dominant antibiotic resistant phyla, followed by Firmicutes (35%), Actinobacteria (8%) and Bacteroidetes. The dominant resistant bacterial isolates are Bacillus cereus (10%), followed by Alcaligenes faecalis (6.47%), Cytobacillus firmus (5.75%) Salinibacterium sp. (5%) and Marinobacter antarcticus (5%). Our study reveals the prevalence of antibiotic resistance showed significant differences in both the inner and outer fjords of Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden (p < 0.05). This may be the input of antibiotic resistance bacteria released into the fjords from the preserved permafrost due to the melting of glaciers, horizontal gene transfer, and human influence in the Arctic region act as a selection pressure for the development and dissemination of more antibiotic resistant bacteria in Arctic fjords.

Burial of Organic Carbon in Swedish Fjord Sediments: Highlighting the Importance of Sediment Accumulation Rate in Relation to Fjord Redox Conditions

AbstractFjords are net carbon sinks with high organic carbon (OC) burial rates; however, the key drivers of OC burial in these systems are not well constrained. To study the role of water column redox condition and OC composition on OC preservation in fjord sediments, we determined OC accumulation rates (OCAR), OC source, and OC degradation in three Swedish fjords with variable redox conditions (long‐term oxic, seasonally hypoxic, and long‐term anoxic). Average OCARs were variable between and within the fjords studied (2–122 g OC m−2 yr−1), but highest rates were at the mouth for each fjord. Based on a δ13C mixing model, Swedish fjords bury predominantly marine‐derived OC (∼83% of the total OC burial) likely because of relatively gentle slopes, low riverine discharge, and high marine inflow. Using a multi‐biomarker approach (lignin, photosynthetic pigments, and total hydrolyzable amino acids) we found, terrestrially‐ and marine‐derived OC were moderately degraded under the various redox conditions sampled, suggesting water column redox and OC source are not primary drivers of OC burial in these fjords. Rather, high sediment accumulation rates, common to fjords globally, lead to low oxygen exposure times, thus promoting efficient burial of OC regardless of its chemical composition.

Exploring bacterial diversity in Arctic fjord sediments: a 16S rRNA-based metabarcoding portrait.

The frosty polar environment houses diverse habitats mostly driven by psychrophilic and psychrotolerant microbes. Along with traditional cultivation methods, next-generation sequencing technologies have become common for exploring microbial communities from various extreme environments. Investigations on glaciers, ice sheets, ponds, lakes, etc. have revealed the existence of numerous microorganisms while details of microbial communities in the Arctic fjords remain incomplete. The current study focuses on understanding the bacterial diversity in two Arctic fjord sediments employing the 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding and its comparison with previous studies from various Arctic habitats. The study revealed that Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum from both the fjord samples followed by Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi and Chlamydiae. A significant proportion of unclassified reads derived from bacteria was also detected. Psychrobacter, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Photobacterium, Flavobacterium, Gramella and Shewanella were the major genera in both the fjord sediments. The above findings were confirmed by the comparative analysis of fjord metadata with the previously reported (secondary metadata) Arctic samples. This study demonstrated the potential of 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding in resolving bacterial composition and diversity thereby providing new in situ insights into Arctic fjord systems.

Large contributions of petrogenic and aged soil-derived organic carbon to Arctic fjord sediments in Svalbard

Svalbard fjords are recognized as hotspots for organic carbon (OC) burial and storage due to their high sedimentation rates, which effectively trap terrestrial sediments and inhibit extensive OC remineralization. In this study, we investigated surface sediments (n = 48) from eight Svalbard fjords, along with bedrock (n = 17), soil (n = 28), and plant (n = 12) samples, to identify the sources of sedimentary OC in these fjords using geochemical parameters. All examined surface sediments from the fjords showed a depletion in 14Corg (− 666.9 ± 240.3‰), indicating that recently fixed terrestrial and marine biomass alone cannot account for the entire sedimentary OC pool. Conventional bulk indicators such as Norg/TOC ratio and δ13Corg were insufficient for fully determining the sources of sedimentary OC. Therefore, we employed a four-end-member approach, using Δ14Corg, δ13Corg, and lignin phenols to assess the relative contributions of petrogenic, soil-derived, plant-derived, and marine OC to the sedimentary OC pool. The analyzed fjord sediments consisted, on average, of 59.0 ± 28.1% petrogenic OC, 16.8 ± 12.1% soil-derived OC, 2.5 ± 2.2% plant-derived OC, and 21.8 ± 18.5% marine OC. This approach highlights the substantial contributions of petrogenic and aged soil-derived OC to present-day sedimentary OC in Svalbard fjords. Considering predicted global warming, accelerated inputs of petrogenic and soil-derived OC into fjords due to rapid glacier retreat may significantly impact the active carbon cycle and potentially contribute to CO2 emissions to the atmosphere, depending on burial efficiency.

Dinoflagellate cysts and benthic foraminifera from surface sediments of Svalbard fjords and shelves as paleoenvironmental indicators

Due to the Arctic amplification effect, the Svalbard archipelago is an important area for studying ongoing environmental changes. However, its marine ecosystem is extremely complex. In this study, we analyze modern assemblages of dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts) and benthic foraminifera from surface sediment samples around Svalbard. We use multivariate statistical analyses to examine relationships between environmental conditions (summer and winter sea surface temperature and salinity, sea-ice cover, etc.) and both microfossil groups to evaluate their use as proxies for reconstructions of the marine environment in the region. Our results show that the most important factor controlling the environment around Svalbard is the Atlantic Water which mostly impacts the western coast, but its influence reaches as far as the eastern coast of Nordaustlandet. However, on a local scale, such factors as the sea-ice cover, the presence of tidewater glaciers, or even the morphology and hydrology of fjords become increasingly important. We found that two dinocyst species, cysts of Polarella glacialis and Echinidinium karaense, can be considered regional winter drift ice indicators. The relationships between environmental parameters and benthic foraminiferal assemblages are much more difficult to interpret. Although statistical analysis shows a correlation of benthic foraminiferal species with various environmental parameters, this correlation might be somewhat coincidental and caused by other factors not analyzed in this study. Nevertheless, the use of two complementary microfossil groups as (paleo)environmental indicators can provide a more comprehensive picture of the environmental conditions.

Fossil organic carbon utilization in marine Arctic fjord sediments by subsurface micro-organisms

Rock-derived or petrogenic organic carbon has traditionally been regarded as being non-bioavailable and bypassing the active carbon cycle when eroded. However, it has become apparent that this organic carbon might not be so inert, especially in fjord systems where petrogenic organic carbon influxes can be high, making its degradation another potential source of greenhouse gas emissions. The extent to which subsurface micro-organisms use this organic carbon is not well constrained, despite its potential impacts on global carbon cycling. Here, we performed compound-specific radiocarbon analyses on intact polar lipid–fatty acids of live micro-organisms from marine sediments in Hornsund Fjord, Svalbard. By this means, we estimate that local bacterial communities utilize between 5 ± 2% and 55 ± 6% (average of 25 ± 16%) of petrogenic organic carbon for their biosynthesis, providing evidence for the important role of petrogenic organic carbon as a substrate after sediment redeposition. We hypothesize that the lack of sufficient recently synthesized organic carbon from primary production forces micro-organisms into utilization of petrogenic organic carbon as an alternative energy source. The input of petrogenic organic carbon to marine sediments and subsequent utilization by subsurface micro-organisms represents a natural source of fossil greenhouse gas emissions over geological timescales.

Diversity of complex polysaccharide degrading bacteria from the sediments of interlinked high Arctic fjords, Svalbard

Polysaccharides comprise a major component of marine organic matter and are mostly produced by phytoplankton through primary production. The present study reports the polysaccharide degrading ability of cold-adapted heterotrophs from interlinked high Arctic fjords in the Svalbard archipelago. One hundred and ninety-five polysaccharide degrading bacteria isolated from inner and outer fjord sediments, 148 bacterial isolates showed complex polysaccharide degrading enzyme activity. Pectinase was the most predominant polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, followed by agarase, alginate lyase, chitinase, and laminarinase. Xylanase and carboxy methyl cellulase were showed in a relatively lesser activity. Heterotrophic bacterial isolates from the inner and outer shelf regions showed variation in their complex polysaccharide utilization ability. In Kongsfjorden, pectinase producing bacteria were more prevalent in the outer fjord, while chitinase producing bacteria dominated the inner fjord. In Krossfjorden, chitinase producing bacteria were frequently encountered in the outer fjord, whereas pectinase, laminarinase, and alginate lyase producing bacteria dominated the inner fjord. The results of the study indicated that a significant difference in polysaccharide-degrading bacterial phylotypes between the inner and outer fjords (p<0.05). Major polysaccharide-degrading bacteria belonged to phylum Proteobacteria, followed by Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. The dominant polysaccharide-degrading genera are Marinobacter, Bacillus, Salinibacterium, Alcaligenes, and Planococcus. The findings reveal the availability of a wide range of polysaccharide substrates in fjord sediments and the significant functional role of the heterotrophic bacterial community in the remineralization process of fjord environments.

Benthic Foraminiferal Mn/Ca as Low‐Oxygen Proxy in Fjord Sediments

AbstractFjord systems are typically affected by low‐oxygen conditions, which are increasing in extent and severity, forced by ongoing global changes. Fjord sedimentary records can provide high temporal resolution archives to aid our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and impacts of current deoxygenation. However, such archives can only be interpreted with well‐calibrated proxies. Bottom‐water oxygen conditions determine redox regime and availability of redox‐sensitive trace elements such as manganese, which in turn may be recorded by manganese‐to‐calcium ratios (Mn/Ca) in biogenic calcium carbonates (e.g., benthic foraminifera tests). However, biological influences on Mn incorporation (e.g., species‐specific Mn fractionation, ontogeny, living and calcification depths) are still poorly constrained. We analyzed Mn/Ca of living benthic foraminifera (Bulimina marginata, Nonionellina labradorica), sampled at low‐ to well‐oxygenated conditions over a seasonal gradient in Gullmar Fjord, Swedish West coast (71–217 μmol/L oxygen (O2)), by laser‐ablation ICP‐MS. High pore‐water Mn availability in the fjord supported Mn incorporation by foraminifera. B. marginata recorded contrasting Mn redox regimes sensitively and demonstrated potential as proxy for low‐oxygen conditions. Synchrotron‐based scanning X‐ray fluorescence nanoimaging of Mn distributions across B. marginata tests displayed Mn/Ca shifts by chambers, reflecting bottom‐water oxygenation history and/or ontogeny‐driven life strategy preferences. In contrast, Mn/Ca signals of N. labradorica were extremely high and insensitive to environmental variability. We explore potential biologically controlled mechanisms that could potentially explain this species‐specific response. Our data suggest that with the selection of sensitive candidate species, the Mn/Ca proxy has potential to be further developed for quantitative oxygen reconstructions in the low‐oxygen range.

Distribution of dinoflagellate cyst assemblages in surface sediments of Magellan fjords and channels (Patagonia, Chile) with a focus on harmful species: An overview on environmental scenario

Several dinoflagellate species form benthic resting cysts in their life cycle. In order to study the composition, abundance and distribution of cyst assemblages, with a focus on harmful species, thirty-one surface sediment samples from the Magellan fjords and channels system were analysed. In situ (temperature, salinity, inorganic nutrients, dissolved oxygen, organic matter, and chlorophyll-a) and five-year (salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll-a) measurement data were analysed to obtain an overview on environmental scenario. A total of 56 cyst morphotypes were recorded, some of which were identified for the first time for the Chilean coast (Dactylodinium cf. arachnoides, Impagidinium cf. velorum, Archaeperidinium sp., Protoperidinium haizhouense, Protoperidinium sinuosum, Protoperidinium tricingulatum, and Dubridinium cf. ulsterum). In vitro germination of cysts allowed the vegetative form of the species of the order Suessiales to be determined. Total cyst concentrations were highly variable, ranging from 145 to 5453 cysts mL−1 of wet sediment (mean 1246 ± 1061 cysts mL−1), with the lowest cyst values in the area adjacent to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Pentapharsodinium dalei and Protoperidinium conicoides generally dominated (%) the cyst assemblages. The harmful species Alexandrium catenella and Alexandrium ostenfeldii were not abundant and sparsely distributed, while Protoceratium reticulatum was widespread and highly abundant with Gonyaulax spinifera in Inutil Bay (Magellan Strait). Cluster and nMDS analyses performed with cyst concentrations of the 56 taxa in the 31 stations formed seven cyst assemblage clusters, reflecting high environmental variability. Canonical correspondence analyses performed with cyst concentrations and in situ and long-term environmental data showed different ecological signals, demonstrating that in situ parameters must be used carefully when studying cysts in surface sediments.

Volcanic, tectonic and climate controls on lacustrine sedimentary supplies over the last millenia in NE Chilean Patagonia (Lake Esponja, Aysen, 45°S)

The environmental variability of Northern Chilean Patagonia during the last millennia is evaluated using a multi-proxy analysis of sediment cores from Lake Esponja (45°S 72°W) to decipher if the sediment deposition is controlled by volcanic eruptions, landslides induced by earthquake or heavy rainfall. The lake is located in a glacio-tectonic valley in Patagonia. The organic-rich clayey silt sediment with low biogenic silica content was analysed for grain size, magnetic susceptibility, organic matter, biogenic silica content and diatom assemblages, mineralogy (X-ray diffraction), organic (IRMS C and N analyses) and inorganic (XRF core-scanner) geochemistry and glass shard major composition (Microprobe, SEM). The combination of 210Pb, 137Cs, 14C and tephrochronology indicates an averaged accumulation rate of 0.4 mm/year, leading to a record of ~3.5 kyr within 154 cm. The sedimentary geochemistry records changes in volcanic supplies, diatom productivity and detrital inputs. The sediments were interrupted by millimetric to centimetric layers corresponding to tephra deposition related to explosive eruptions of nearby volcanoes Macá, Melimoyu and Hudson. Concerning the diatoms, the dominant planktonic species (80–150 cm) are replaced by benthic species in a transition interval (55–80 cm) and then by Surirella spp. in the upper core. This last genus indicates a closure of the basin ~2 ka ago, probably related to an uplift linked to a rejuvenation of the Mañihuales fault. This local change could reflect regional tectonic instability. Indeed, a partial earthquake rupture occurred around ~AD100 along the southern part of the Valdivia segment, recorded as a mass transport deposit in Aysén fjord sedimentation. The fine detrital input varies over time with more variable Si/Al values in the lower part of the LEs14 core than in the upper 80 cm. The higher values may reflect wetter conditions, leading to an higher lake level and more turbid conditions in agreement with changes in diatom assemblages.

Postglacial fluctuations of western outlet glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Icefield reconstructed from fjord sediments (Chile, 50°S)

Postglacial fluctuations of Southern Patagonian Icefield (SPI) glaciers are well constrained on the leeward side of the Andes, but they remain mostly unknown on the windward side of the icefield, where most glaciers are marine-terminating. Here, we reconstruct the postglacial fluctuations of the HPS19, Penguin, and Europa glaciers along the hyperhumid western side of the SPI using a multi-proxy sedimentological and geochemical analysis of a 12.2 m long sediment core from Wide Channel (50°S). Results show that the glaciers retreated into Penguin and Europa fjords by 11.2 cal kyr BP and that they were relatively stable and marine-terminating between 11.2 and 5.8 cal kyr BP. Thereafter, they fluctuated rapidly, with four marked episodes of glacier shrinkage at 5.8–4.8, 3.9–2.4, 1.0–0.2 cal kyr BP, and during the 20th century. Although the HPS19, Penguin, and Europa glaciers were calving into Penguin and Europa fjords during most of the Holocene, our data suggest that they retreated to land-based positions between 5.8 and 4.8 cal kyr BP. The comparison of our sediment record with geological archives from both sides of the Patagonian icefields (46°–56°S) suggests synchronous glacier variability on multi-centennial timescales during the Neoglacial period, which is particularly clear after 2.5 cal kyr BP. We conclude that western SPI outlet glaciers remained relatively stable during the first half of the Holocene but fluctuated considerably during the Neoglacial period, and that they retreated to locations further inland than today during the first retreat of the Neoglacial period between 5.8 and 4.8 cal kyr BP.

Global fjords as transitory reservoirs of labile organic carbon modulated by organo-mineral interactions.

The global carbon cycle is strongly modulated by organic carbon (OC) sequestration and decomposition. Whereas OC sequestration is relatively well constrained, there are few quantitative estimates of its susceptibility to decomposition. Fjords are hot spots of sedimentation and OC sequestration in marine sediments. Here, we adopt fjords as model systems to investigate the reactivity of sedimentary OC by assessing the distribution of the activation energy required to break OC bonds. Our results reveal that OC in fjord sediments is more thermally labile than that in global sediments, which is governed by its unique provenance and organo-mineral interactions. We estimate that 61±16% of the sedimentary OC in fjords is degradable. Once this OC is remobilized and remineralized during glacial maxima, the resulting metabolic CO2 could counterbalance up to 50ppm of the atmospheric CO2 decrease during glacial times, making fjords critical actors in dampening glacial-interglacial climate fluctuations through negative carbon cycling loops.

Benthic Dissolved Silicon and Iron Cycling at Glaciated Patagonian Fjord Heads.

Glacier meltwater supplies silicon (Si) and iron (Fe) sourced from weathered bedrock to downstream ecosystems. However, the extent to which these nutrients reach the ocean is regulated by the nature of the benthic cycling of dissolved Si and Fe within fjord systems, given the rapid deposition of reactive particulate fractions at fjord heads. Here, we examine the benthic cycling of the two nutrients at four Patagonian fjord heads through geochemical analyses of sediment pore waters, including Si and Fe isotopes (δ30Si and δ56Fe), and reaction-transport modeling for Si. A high diffusive flux of dissolved Fe from the fjord sediments (up to 0.02mmolm-2day-1) compared to open ocean sediments (typically <0.001mmolm-2day-1) is supported by both reductive and non-reductive dissolution of glacially-sourced reactive Fe phases, as reflected by the range of pore water δ56Fe (-2.7 to +0.8‰). In contrast, the diffusive flux of dissolved Si from the fjord sediments (0.02-0.05mmolm-2day-1) is relatively low (typical ocean values are >0.1mmolm-2day-1). High pore water δ30Si (up to +3.3‰) observed near the Fe(II)-Fe(III) redox boundary is likely associated with the removal of dissolved Si by Fe(III) mineral phases, which, together with high sedimentation rates, contribute to the low diffusive flux of Si at the sampled sites. Our results suggest that early diagenesis promotes the release of dissolved Fe, yet suppresses the release of dissolved Si at glaciated fjord heads, which has significant implications for understanding the downstream transport of these nutrients along fjord systems.

Understanding the Role of Terrestrial and Marine Carbon in the Mid-Latitude Fjords of Scotland.

The sediments within fjords are critical components of the mid- to high-latitude coastal carbon (C) cycle, trapping and storing more organic carbon (OC) per unit area than other marine sedimentary environments. Located at the land-ocean transition, fjord sediments receive OC from both marine and terrestrial environments; globally, it has been estimated that 55%-62% of the OC held within modern fjord sediments originates from terrestrial environments. However, the mid-latitude fjords of the Northern Hemisphere have largely been omitted from these global compilations. Here we investigate the mechanism driving the distribution of OC originating from different sources within the sediments of 38 Scottish fjords. From an array of fjord characteristics, the tidal range and outer sill depth were identified as the main drivers governing the proportions of marine and terrestrial OC in the sediments. Utilizing this relationship, we estimate that on average 52%±10% of the OC held within the sediments of all Scotland's fjords is terrestrial in origin. These findings show that the Scottish fjords hold equivalent quantities of terrestrial OC as other global fjord systems. However, the analysis also highlights that the sediments within 29% of Scottish fjords are dominated by marine derived OC, which is driven by local fjord geomorphology and oceanography.

Metabolic responses of thermophilic endospores to sudden heat-induced perturbation in marine sediment samples.

Microbially mediated processes in a given habitat tend to be catalyzed by abundant populations that are ecologically adapted to exploit specific environmental characteristics. Typically, metabolic activities of rare populations are limited but may be stimulated in response to acute environmental stressors. Community responses to sudden changes in temperature and pressure can include suppression and activation of different populations, but these dynamics remain poorly understood. The permanently cold ocean floor hosts countless low-abundance microbes including endospores of thermophilic bacteria. Incubating sediments at high temperature resuscitates viable spores, causing the proliferation of bacterial populations. This presents a tractable system for investigating changes in a microbiome's community structure in response to dramatic environmental perturbations. Incubating permanently cold Arctic fjord sediments at 50°C for 216 h with and without volatile fatty acid amendment provoked major changes in community structure. Germination of thermophilic spores from the sediment rare biosphere was tracked using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, radiotracer-based sulfate reduction rate measurements, and high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Comparing community similarity at different intervals of the incubations showed distinct temporal shifts in microbial populations, depending on organic substrate amendment. Metabolite patterns indicated that amino acids and other sediment-derived organics were decomposed by fermentative Clostridia within the first 12–48 h. This fueled early and late phases of exponential increases in sulfate reduction, highlighting the cross-feeding of volatile fatty acids as electron donors for different sulfate-reducing Desulfotomaculia populations. The succession of germinated endospores triggered by sudden exposure to high temperature and controlled by nutrient availability offers a model for understanding the ecological response of dormant microbial communities following major environmental perturbations.

Geographic patterns of soft-bottoms benthic communities in Chilean Patagonian fjords (47°S-54°S) - influence of environmental stress on diversity patterns and stable isotope signatures

The benthic community in the Chilean Patagonia is as rich and highly diverse as the spatial variation of its habitats and food sources. Environmental stress from glacier melt and river discharge are known drivers of benthic community dynamics. Here, we analyze longitudinal patterns of soft-bottom benthic communities across transects of glacier-marine environments and how these habitats may respond to changes in the environmental conditions. To assess the relationships between environmental heterogeneity (marine and glacial habitats) and benthic biodiversity, this paper reviews biological (mega- and macroinfauna) and sedimentological dataset from multiple oceanographic campaigns in Chilean Patagonian fjords. Furthermore, we analyze isotopic compositions of epibenthic and macroinfaunal organisms (δ13C/δ15N and C/N) to determine particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate organic nitrogen (PON) availability and organismal stoichiometric budgets within each benthic community. Our results showed that glaciomarine and glaciofluvial environmental stress negatively affected nutrient reservoirs and organic matter (OM) availability, and hence produced changes in benthic diversity and trophic structure throughout the fjords. These conditions shaped the benthic community where small-bodied polychaetes and opportunistic species dominated. Additionally, we found a strong relationship between OM and nutrient availability with faunal isotopic composition, but a decoupling in C/N ratios between fauna and sediment OM, suggesting preferential organic carbon use under limited nitrogen in fjord sediments.