The earth's subsurface contains abundant and active microbial biomass, living in water, occupying pore space, and colonizing mineral and rock surfaces. Caves ar

Over the last two decades, exploration of the deep subsurface biosphere has developed into a major research area. New findings constantly challenge our concepts

Over the last two decades, exploration of the deep subsurface biosphere has developed into a major research area. New findings constantly challenge our concepts

Microorganisms are a major part of the Earth's biological diversity. Although a lot of research has been done on microbial diversity, most of it is fragmented.

Caves are dark, underground hollow spaces with relatively constant temperature, high humidity, and limited nutrients. Many caves are associated with karst topog