Biodiversity on the Rocks: Macrofauna Inhabiting Authigenic Carbonate at Costa Rica Methane Seeps
Scripps Institution of Oceanography · Oregon State University · +1 more institution
Abstract
Carbonate communities: The activity of anaerobic methane oxidizing microbes facilitates precipitation of vast quantities of authigenic carbonate at methane seeps. Here we demonstrate the significant role of carbonate rocks in promoting diversity by providing unique habitat and food resources for macrofaunal assemblages at seeps on the Costa Rica margin (400-1850 m). The attendant fauna is surprisingly similar to that in rocky intertidal shores, with numerous grazing gastropods (limpets and snails) as dominant taxa. However, the community feeds upon seep-associated microbes. Macrofaunal density, composition, and diversity on carbonates vary as a function of seepage activity, biogenic habitat and location. The…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 131.11
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 89
Authors
8Topics & keywords
- Authigenic
- Cold seep
- Carbonate
- Geology
- Fauna
- Ecology
- Petroleum seep
- Macrobenthos