Subsurface microbiology and the pressing societal need to support future exploration
Subsurface microbiology is at a crossroads, evolving from asking 'who's home' to seeking clarity on microbes' functionality and the key processes that constrain subsurface life. Importantly, the processes subsurface microorganisms mediate are central to societal needs to mitigate climate change and address waste storage, as proposed solutions to both involve subsurface habitats. However, subsurface sampling opportunities and funding remain limited and, in some cases, have diminished. This perspective article is aimed at scientists who have or might develop an interest in the geomicrobiology of the subsurface, for funding agencies worldwide, and for scientists and engineers engaged in the extractive and waste disposal industries. It briefly reviews subsurface science's history and current status and proposes some actions for moving forward. In particular, we see the continued need for engaging early-career microbiologists in drilling projects, increasing access through industry partnerships, microbiology-led drilling projects, and creating interdisciplinary drilling projects by including microbiologists during the drilling project planning.
Authors
- Thomas L. Kieft (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4350-9416)
- Cody S. Sheik (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0413-1924)
- Andrew D. Steen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4297-4332)
- John R. Spear (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4664-7438)
- Magdalena R. Osburn (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9180-559X)
- Brandy M. Toner (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3681-3455)
- David T. Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2656-8951)
- Brandi Kiel Reese (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9949-9013)
- Frederick S. Colwell (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7109-5874)
- Kat A Cantner
Institutions
- Northwestern University (US)
- University of Southern California (US)
- Statewide California Earthquake Center (US)
- University of Minnesota (US)
- Planetary Science Institute (US)
- Biotechnology Institute (US)
- Oregon State University (US)
- Colorado School of Mines (US)
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (US)
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab (US)
- Twin Cities Orthopedics (US)
- University of Minnesota, Duluth (US)
- Twin Cities Spine Center (US)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US)
- University of South Alabama (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- FEMS Microbiology Ecology
- Published
- 2025-12-05
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1093/femsec/fiaf121
- Primary Topic
- Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Science Foundation
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration