Scientists have postulated the existence of a widespread community of microorganisms living at high temperatures kilometers below the Earth's surface, supported by geological energy sources. The purpose of this Research Coordination Network is to foster a growing, dynamic, and predominantly young community of scientists studying life that exists in the dark, deep marine biosphere. The ramifications of this subsurface hidden biosphere are numerous and may lead to paradigm shifts in the biosciences and geosciences. To date, deep biosphere studies have focused on microbes in relatively shallow marine sediments or in terrestrial mines, wells, and drill-core samples. However, these data do not permit a true global census of subsurface life. The largest potential subsurface biome is also the least accessible: the deep ocean subsurface. This biome also has importance for global-scale biogeochemical processes, including the carbon, energy, and nutrient cycles. Depending on geothermal gradients and physico-chemical limits of life, the subsurface biosphere may extend to a depth of 5-10 km, or more, and occupy a volume several orders of magnitude greater than the continental biosphere.

The RCN will develop coordinate science activities in the community of deep-biosphere researchers. It will also promote education among several disciplines that contribute to the research through interlaboratory exchanges for students in this field. The RCN will meet these goals through meetings, workshops, student exchanges, and a web site. Additional activities for outreach include newsletters, web sites for information on tools and techniques, and special sessions at scientific meetings. The RCN will establish a research institute named DEBI (Dark Energy Biosphere Institute) that will foster the growth of research into the deep biosphere.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Environmental Biology (DEB)
Application #
0840985
Program Officer
Simon Malcomber
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2009-06-01
Budget End
2014-05-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$499,418
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Southern California
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90089