The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Seamount Elevation Drives Microbial Niche Partitioning in Deep-Sea Sediments
ID:756 Oral Presentation

2027-01-15 10:50 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 43 - Biogeochemistry of the South China Sea: The Ten-year expedition of RV Tan Kan Kee

Abstract
Seamounts are recognized as biological hotspots in the ocean, hosting diverse microorganisms, and exert complex influences on the organisms living in surrounding seawaters. However, the influence of seamount elevation on niche partition of sediment microbes remains poorly understood since limited samplings. Here we collected surface sediments from three slopes covering full elevations of two seamounts. Elevation determined the significant divergence of microbial community structures along vertical gradients, and frequent interactions was a potential strategy in the adaption of environmental stress. Random forest and adjusted T-test consistently showed that the genes associated to motility, biofilm formation, complex polysaccharides utilization, and stress adaption in lower slope were more abundant than those in upper slope, indicated that microorganisms from lower slopes exhibit superior environmental stress tolerance. Instead, upper-slope microorganisms were highly enriching in genes related to simple carbon utilization and nitrogen cycle. Collectively, these findings clarify the role of seamount elevation in shaping sediment microbes, offering insights to inform seamount ecosystem protection and management.
 
Speaker
Wei Xie Sun Yat-sen University

Author
Wei Xie Sun Yat-sen University

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027