We are part of a proposal currently under review at NSF to work in part of the Aeolian Islands of Italy. Vulcano is an island in an active volcanic area, which has a young, active volcano on it (Vulcanello). Surface exposed, surf, and submarine hydrothermal systems rich in sulfur are present and support hyperthermophilic microbial species. We are interested in the dynamics and response of microbial communities to geochemical changes brought on by time-dependent processes (diel cycling, tidal, and irregular changes in volcanic outgasing) and anthropogenic influences (Vulcano is a tourist destination, a sister site near Panarea is not). This work will (hopefully) be in collaboration with Dr. Jocelyn DiRuggiero (U. of Maryland), Dr. Jan Amend (Washington U, St. Loius), and Dr. Joel Heidelberg (TIGR).
