Ingunn Hindenes Thorseth
Professor
Centre for Geobiology
Department of Earth Science
Geobiology
Title: Professor
Phone: +47 55 58 34 28
E-mail: Ingunn.Thorseth@geo.uib.no
Visiting address: Realfagbygget, Allegt. 41
My principal research interests are low-temperature geochemical processes and geomicrobiology. My research has focused on microbial life in glassy seafloor and subseafloor oceanic basalt, which I study through the use of various textural, chemical and biomolecular biosignatures. Weathering of sandstones and granitic rocks, with special emphasis on weathering effects and biomineralisation of lichens, has been another main research topic. During the last years my main research activity has been related to the discovery and exploration of deep-sea hydrothermal vents and mineral deposits at the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridges, and the associated deep-sea sediments. My research interests related to these environments are the role of microbial activity and biominealisation for the formation of various low-temperature mineral deposits (iron-hydroxides, barite), and relations between microbial activity, biogeochemistry and early sediment diagenesis. Another research topic the last years has been alteration (serpentinization) of ultramafic rocks and associated abiotic formation of hydrogen and organic compounds potentially sustaining associated microbial communities.