The most comprehensive update in the last two decades on methodologies for the study of deep-sea sediments, this handbook includes information on all living components of the benthos. It covers benthic viruses and prokaryotes (both Bacteria and Archaea), protozoa, foraminifera, meiofauna, macrofauna, and megafauna. After organismal components are discussed in terms of abundance, biomass, and biodiversity, they are integrated according to environmental variables. Each chapter covers sampling procedures, step-by-step laboratory protocols, instrument settings, calculation formulas, and conversion coefficients. Pictures, schemes, and diagrams provide visual support for working scientists.