ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book deals with methods of obtaining subsurface material for microbial analysis by drilling and mining techniques, respectively. It describes the importance of rapid analysis of microbiological samples and the associated storage-related phenomenon. The book discusses the importance of the spatial heterogeneity of microbes in the subsurface, scales of heterogeneity, and geostatistical methods that can be used to enhance sampling schemes. It gives an overall description of the microbial diversity found in the subsurface with an emphasis on chemoheterotrophic microbes. The book presents analytical methods to determine activities of bacterial functional groups, and also describes results of subsurface investigations. It also deals with the transport of microorganisms from the surface to depth and from location to location, within the subsurface, including the presentation of models of bacterial transport.
