Deep Seafloor, Deep Biosphere, Deep Time & the Roots of Life
The recent recognition of a potentially immense microbial biosphere associated with the deep-ocean, volcanic spreading centre system has fundamentally shifted perceptions of how planets and life may co-evolve.
The Centre for GEOBIOLOGY will undertake integrated interdisciplinary studies focused on the geo-biosphere that will generate new, fundamental knowledge about the interaction between the geo-biosphere and the origins of life.
Its primary research focus will be the extreme environments found in the deep seafloor, the deep biosphere and ancient crust formed in deep time.
Its goal is to be a central hub for international research and research training in this new scientific frontier. New methodologies could also be developed that may be used to search for signs of early life on Earth and life on other planets.