Life in the Subsurface the Geomicrobiology of the Deep Biosphere (Jens Kallmeyer)

Описание: ´´Contrary to other ecosystems like oceans, rainforests, deserts etc. the subsurface biosphere is hidden and not directly visible. Although it does play a major role in global biogeochemical cycles and influences utilization and exploitation of underground resources, it does not receive the same public attention as other environments despite being of equal societal importance. For example, remineralization of buried organic matter is an important part of the global carbon cycle. Also, gas of biogenic origin occurs in economically producible quantities in some sedimentary basins. The same type of gas, occurring at shallower depths in all sedimentary basins, can enter the hydrosphere or atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Pristine and therefore valuable (so called “sweet”) crude oils can be converted into viscous fluids that are difficult to produce, due to selective biodegradation by microorganisms in underground reservoirs – here the deep biosphere is downgrading a natural energy resource. Geotechnological installations like geothermal plants or underground carbon storage systems are impacted by microbial activity, and in several areas of the world groundwater is affected by geogenic pollution, for example arsenic in parts of Southeast Asia. To meet the needs of a growing human population, subsurface exploration and exploitation will have to increase, it is therefore of utmost importance to have good knowledge about the processes and players that control this system and how they react on anthropogenic disturbances. Although deep biosphere research already started about 100 years ago, technological advances over the last three decades allow for a much more detailed study of the organisms and their metabolic capabilities. Although much progress has been made, the deep biosphere still challenges many of our concepts of the limits of life. This talk will give you a brief overview of the historical development of this research area, its current main topics and the challenges that have to be met in order to address scientific questions and societal needs.´´