We are conducting a microbial inventory of the thermal features of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The overall objective of the project is to survey the microbial phylogenetic and physiological diversity of one hundred sites within Yellowstone National Park. Additionally, we are conducting detailed geochemical analyses of stream water in an effort to better understand the factors that determine the rmophilic community structure and population dynamics and distributions within the park.

This project is being conducted in collaboration with Anna-Louise Reysenbach at Portland state University, Ann Rodman with the National Park Service, and D.Kirk Nordstrom, Lisa Morgan, and Pat Shanks of the USGS Boulder and Denver).