干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

Deep-sea hydrothermal systems are of significant interest as a new scientific frontier in a number of fields. This report analyzes data obtained in ocean-drilling surveys at submarine hydrothermal vents on the Suiyo Seamount in the Izu-Bonin Arc, Pacific Ocean. These surveys obtained direct data regarding subjacent extreme environments under extreme conditions of 308degreesC and greater than 14 MPa. Evaluation of the vertical distribution and stereochemistry of amino acids in such a vigorous hydrothermal system leads to a model of deep-sea subterranean chemistry and biology that describes a lack of evidence of abiotically synthesized amino acids. Large enantiomeric excesses of L-form amino acids supported the existence of a vigorous subjacent microbial oasis in a hydrothermal system. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.