Cyanobacterial diversity of two hyper-thermal springs, Ringigad and Soldhar in Tapoban geothermal field, Uttarakhand Himalaya

摘要

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is characterized by the presence of some extreme environments, such as thermal springs and glaciers, and thus provides an opportunity to study the extremophilic microbial diversity. A thermal gradient had developed in the thermal springs along the run-off channel down the gradient, which was maintained throughout the year. Under the influence of this thermal gradient, an assemblage of microorganisms takes place according to their thermal tolerance. This results in the development of a colourful microbial mat along the run-off channel.