Caves are also a unique window into Geobiology
Ramanathan and Sushmitha Baskar have been guest researchers at CGB since August 2008. In their native India they have combined their joint specialisations of geology (Ramanathan) and environmental biology (Sushmithat) to found the new discipline of Cave System Geomicrobiology.
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In caves one finds material that is often pristine and un-touched. It is sub-surface and unweathered and thus can provide us with a unique glimpse into a world where Ramanathan Baskar tells us that the global spheres overlap: the atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and geosphere!
According to Baskar, India is a land of caves. Most of the over 80 caves are unexplored – providing unique research possibilities. Just as with the other unique unstudied environments being researched at CGB, the geobiological interactions in caves may provide important insights into fundamental biological questions such as the original of life, primordial environments, biosignatures for life on other planets, new species, potential bio-prospecting resources …
During their stay the Baskars have been honing their molecular biology techniques. They have been working closely with the microbiologists and geochemists at CGB and have (and are in the process of) published results together. Sushmitha says that it has been an incredibly productive period for them. They have also attended a number of workshops and conferences. They and their young son will return to India this spring.
