geobiology

Geobiology is an interdisciplinary field studying interactions between the biosphere and geosphere, focusing on how living organisms influence Earth's geology and, conversely, how geological conditions shape biological communities. It integrates microbiology, geology, geochemistry, ecology, and environmental science to understand the coevolution of life and the planet.

Central concepts include the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and metals; microbe-mineral interactions such as biomineralization and mineral weathering; biosignatures that indicate past or present life; and the role of microorganisms in shaping rocks, soils, and sedimentary environments.

Methods span molecular biology, metagenomics, mineralogical and isotopic analyses, spectroscopy, imaging, and in situ sensors, often combining field observations with laboratory experiments and modeling. Studies may focus on extreme environments like deep subsurface, hot springs, deserts, or polar regions, as well as more typical soils and aquatic systems.

Subfields include geomicrobiology, soil geobiology, marine geobiology, and astrobiology-oriented geobiology, among others. Geobiology informs environmental management, bioremediation, and mineral resource exploration, and contributes to paleoenvironmental reconstructions and climate research.

The field has grown since the late 20th century as a convergence of biological and geological sciences, fostering interdisciplinary teams to reveal how life and Earth influence one another across time and space.