Insights into the genomics of deep subsurface vs. near surface Thermococcus isolates

Gleaning access to microorganisms deep below the ocean floor is usually limited to deep-seadrilling: however, after the sudden release of a megaplume into the water column, such as at Gorda Ridgein 1996, access to these microbes was possible. Thermococcus isolates have been identified and isolatedfrom this megaplume. These Thermococcus isolates were found to be genetically distinct from theirrelatives, indicating that they have a distinct biogeography and evolutionary history. This project will usegenome sequencing to explore the genetic features specific to deep subsurface Thermococcus lineagesfrom the Gorda Ridge as compared to other "shallow" subsurface isolates.