Biogeology is the study of the interactions between the Earth'sbiosphere and thelithosphere.[1]
Biogeology examinesbiotic,hydrologic, andterrestrial systems in relation to each other, to help understand the Earth's climate, oceans, and other effects on geologic systems.[2]
For example,bacteria are responsible for the formation of someminerals such aspyrite, and can concentrate economically importantmetals such astin anduranium. Bacteria are also responsible for thechemical composition of theatmosphere, which affectsweathering rates ofrocks.
Prior to the lateDevonian period, there was little plant life beyondlichens, andbryophytes. At this time largevascular plants evolved, growing up to 30 meters (98 ft 5.1 in) in height. These large plants changed the atmosphere, and altered the composition of thesoil by increasing the amount oforganiccarbon. This helped prevent the soil being washed away througherosion.
| Overviews | |
|---|---|
| History of geology | |
| Composition and structure | |
| Historical geology | |
| Dynamic Earth | |
| Water | |
| Geodesy | |
| Geophysics | |
| Applications | |
| Occupations | |
