Week 2: Geomicrobiology 1 - Introduction Flashcards
What is geomicrobiology?
Microbial influence on the environment through their roles as agents of geological change
What is the definition of geomicrobiology?
A study of the role that microbes have played and are playing in processes of fundamental importance to geology
–> relevant to human health and wellbeing
Relevance to pollutant response(s) and bioremediation
How are microbes relevant to pollution?
process of bioremediation
Does the earth have a microbial habitat?
YES, in relation to geologically-important features
What is the portion of the planet which supports life?
biosphere
What areas does the biosphere relate to?
uppermost part of the crust and the lower part of the atmosphere
lithosphere and hydrosphere and lower portion of the atmosphere
What is the lithosphere?
Includes the land surface, i.e. exposed sediment, soil and rock to a limited depth.
What is the hydrosphere?
the portion of the crust covered by water
Where are microbes detected in the lithosphere?
Although most life exists at the surface of the lithosphere, significant populations of microbes have now been detected in various sedimentary rocks at >100s of meters
Where are microbes detected in the hydrosphere?
Unlike lithosphere, life in the hydrosphere occurs at all water depths:
the Marianas Trench - 11000m
in marine sediments, microbes at 500mbsf
Where are the microbes detected in the atmosphere?
Microbes recovered up to ~80 km
However, atmosphere not capable of sustaining life but important as a:
Means of distribution
Source of oxygen for aerobes
Source of nitrogen for N2-fixers
Screen for UV-radiation (ozone layer)
How does the atmosphere relate to microbes?
- Means of distribution
- Source of oxygen for aerobes
- Source of nitrogen for N2-fixers
- Screen for UV-radiation (ozone layer)
