Vertical stratification of the air microbiome in the lower troposphere

Abstract

Significance Large-scale meteorological and biological data demonstrate the vertical stratification of airborne biomass. The previously described diel cycle of airborne microorganisms is shown to disappear at height. Atmospheric turbulence and stratification are shown to be defining factors for the scale and boundaries, dynamics, and natural variability of airborne biomass, resulting in the biological organization of the planetary air ecosystem. The atmosphere above the mixing layer height is proposed to act as a sink for microorganisms. With atmospheric processes being temperature dependent, rising global temperatures will result in major disruptions of the currently observed airborne microbial community structures. Increased abundances of radio-tolerant bacteria at height will allow investigation of these microorganisms’ life cycle in the planetary atmosphere.