Tectonic settings influence the geochemical and microbial diversity of Peru hot springs

Abstract Tectonic processes control hot spring temperature and geochemistry, yet how this in turn shapes microbial community composition is poorly understood. Here, we present geochemical 16 S rRNA gene sequencing data from 14 springs contrasting styles of subduction along a convergent margin the Peruvian Andes. We find that tectonic influence on geochemistry composition. Hot flat-slab back-arc regions system had similar pH but differed microbiology, with significant relationships between composition, geologic setting. Flat-slab were chemically heterogeneous, modest surface temperatures (up to 45 °C), dominated by members metabolically diverse phylum Proteobacteria. Whereas, geochemically more homogenous, exhibited high concentrations dissolved metals gases, higher 81 host thermophilic archaeal bacterial lineages.