16S rRNA and 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis of marine sediment microorganisms

Marine sediments harbor an immense abundance and diversity of microbes. However, the diversity, distribution and potential activity of microorganisms in deep-sea sediments remains relatively poorly explored, particularly with respect to physicochemical parameters. To investigate trends in benthic microbial community composition and potential activity across a wide range of environmental conditions, we analyzed 16S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes and porewater chemistry at 11 sites across a 300 km transect from the San Francisco coast to the northeast Pacific abyssal plain. Our sample sites spanned 100-4500 m water depth and 0-200 cm sediment depth.