Articles | Volume 14, issue 24
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-5705-2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-5705-2017
Research article
 | 
20 Dec 2017
Research article |  | 20 Dec 2017

Hydrothermal activity lowers trophic diversity in Antarctic hydrothermal sediments

James B. Bell, William D. K. Reid, David A. Pearce, Adrian G. Glover, Christopher J. Sweeting, Jason Newton, and Clare Woulds

Abstract. Hydrothermal sediments are those in which hydrothermal fluid is discharged through sediments and are one of the least studied deep-sea ecosystems. We present a combination of microbial and biochemical data to assess trophodynamics between and within hydrothermal and background areas of the Bransfield Strait (1050–1647 m of depth). Microbial composition, biomass, and fatty acid signatures varied widely between and within hydrothermally active and background sites, providing evidence of diverse metabolic activity. Several species had different feeding strategies and trophic positions between hydrothermally active and inactive areas, and the stable isotope values of consumers were not consistent with feeding morphology. Niche area and the diversity of microbial fatty acids was lowest at the most hydrothermally active site, reflecting trends in species diversity. Faunal uptake of chemosynthetically produced organics was relatively limited but was detected at both hydrothermal and non-hydrothermal sites, potentially suggesting that hydrothermal activity can affect trophodynamics over a much wider area than previously thought.

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Short summary
Sedimented hydrothermal vents are among the least studied deep-sea ecosystems. We compared food webs between hydrothermally active and off-vent areas of the Bransfield Strait, Antarctica. Invertebrates showed diverse feeding strategies and occupied different positions in food webs between vent and non-vent sites. Feeding and microbial diversity was lowest at vent sites. Chemosynthetic organic matter was a minimal food source at both vents and non-vents.
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