Archaeal and bacterial glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers in sediments from the Eastern Lau Spreading Center, South Pacific Ocean

► GDGTs were measured in surface sediments and sediment cores from the Eastern Lau Spreading Center. ► Greater concentrations of isoGDGTs than brGDGTs indicate that archaea made larger contributions than bacteria. ► The abundance of brGDGTs is higher in samples taken in the vicinity of hydrothermal vents. ► Temperature estimates based on TEX86 reflect local surface water temperatures.