About CGB

In just a few years, Geobiology has developed into a rapidly expanding field in international science, with new research groups being established at many universities. Researchers at UiB have been among the pioneers in this new field.

CGB was established in 2007 because it seemed timely to integrate several separate research groups at the university into a common research focus. However, frontier research such as this requires novel techniques, experimental approaches and natural laboratories in inaccessible and extreme environments and therefore necessitates a long lead-time. The Research Council of Norway’s Centre of Excellence programme provides research centres with a 10-year perspective that is needed for the success of such frontier-research endeavours.

Deep Seafloor, Deep Biosphere, Deep Time and the Roots of Life are key concepts behind the research activity at the Centre for Geobiology (CGB).

Deep Seafloor because it is here in the deep sea at geological features such as oceanic ridges that new and ancient geology combines with deep inter-crustal water circulation and unbelievably deep and complex microbiological processes.

Deep Biosphere because scientists are discovering that microbial life extends deep into the earth’s crust and that the total biomass of this deep microbial life may in fact exceed that of life above the earth – blue whales and elephants included!

Deep Time because current research into rocks that are nearly as ancient as earth itself are revealing signatures that suggest that rock-water-microbe interactions may be instrumental into the development of our planet.

These signatures have to do with the Roots of Life on Earth, and may give us clues as to how to search for life on other planets. By better understanding these roots we can come to understand the impact this huge microbial biomass has on global processes such as ocean circulation, climate and mineral re-cycling.