Astrogeology

Lipid Biomarkers Reveal Dominance Of Aerobic Methanotrophy In A Continental Serpentinizing System

By Keith Cowing
Status Report
Frontiers in Microbiology
April 3, 2026
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Lipid Biomarkers Reveal Dominance Of Aerobic Methanotrophy In A Continental Serpentinizing System
Schematic diagram showing the relative depths of the CROMO well array, Quarry Valley and Core Shed Wells, with reference to the lithostratigraphic levels from CSW1-1 cores. Depth of the well, in meters, is shown below each well in the cartoon. In the field, water levels differed slightly. Stars suggest zones of inferred lateral flow of water from formation in CSW1-4 and QV1-3 . Redrawn after Cardace et al. (2013). — Frontiers in Microbiology

Sources and sinks of methane within an advanced serpentinization-influenced system were investigated at the Coast Range Ophiolite Microbial Observatory (CROMO) in Lower Lake, California. Subsurface water-rock reactions at CROMO contribute to unique, high pH groundwaters and substantial methane emissions.

We performed lipid analysis on biomass and measured radiocarbon and stable carbon isotopic composition of groundwater to trace the origins and fate of methane. Specific groups of microorganisms involved in methane cycling were identified through analysis of membrane lipid components.

Aerobic methanotrophs dominated the samples, with evidence of heterotrophic bacteria but no detection of anaerobic methanotrophy or methanogens. Following these data, microbial activity may be a significant sink but not a major source of methane at this site.

Astrobiology, biochemistry, geobiochemistry,

Keith Cowing

Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA Space Station Payload manager/space biologist, Away Teams, Journalist, Lapsed climber, Synaesthete, Na’Vi-Jedi-Freman-Buddhist-mix, ASL, Devon Island and Everest Base Camp veteran, (he/him) 🖖🏻

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