IYPE Lectures November 2008
Exploring the deep subseafloor biosphere by Prof. Judith A. McKenzie. This lecture is part of the GSI lecture series organised to celebrate International Year of Planet Earth.

Drilling of the seafloor beneath even the deepest ocean has recently led to the discovery of a rich and extensive biota of microbes. This has extended the range of our planet’s biodiversity – just how much we don’t as yet know. Apart from potential biotechnology applications, this fascinating discovery has important implications for the development of the sedimentary architecture and natural resources of continental margins, e.g., the growth of carbonate mud mounds as prominent features on the Irish continental margin.

Judith A. McKenzie is a multidisciplinary scientist whose research has examined past climate and environmental changes, both recent and in the Earth’s early history. She has been actively involved in international ocean drilling campaigns since the late 1970’s. As Professor of Earth System Science at ETH Zurich, she has promoted the study of the Deep Biosphere within the current Integrated Ocean Drilling Program.

Venues:

  • Wednesday 12th November, 6pm, Burke Theatre, Arts Block, Trinity College, Dublin

  • Thursday 13th November, 6pm, LG9, Library Block, Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick