1000 SPRINGS

The primary goal of the research project is to collate the physical, chemical, and microbial biodiversity information from 1,000 geothermal ecosystems from the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ). While geothermal ecosystems are understood to be hotspots for unique and diverse microbial populations, we currently know very little about what microbial populations are resident in these environments... The research will provide a means to assess the conservation, cultural, recreational and resource development value of the microbial component of geothermal ecosystems, and will underpin future microbial ecology research, conservation and biodiscovery... Archiving microbial diversity and genetic potential: DNA from 1,000 geothermal ecosystems will be archived for long-term access at GNS Science and the University of Waikato; and

Primary location: Rotorua New Zealand