Deep-sea piezosphere and piezophiles: geomicrobiology and biogeochemistry.

The deep-sea piezosphere accounts for approximately 75% of the total ocean volume and hosts active and diverse biological communities. Evidence obtained thus far suggests that the microbial biomass present in the piezosphere is significant. Continued international interest in exploring the deep ocean provides impetus to increase our understanding of the deep-sea piezosphere and of the influence of piezophilic microbial communities on the global ocean environment and on biogeochemical cycling occurring in the deep sea. Here, we review the diversity, metabolic characteristics, geomicrobiology and biogeochemistry of the deep-sea piezophiles.