Life at Rock Surfaces

Life at Rock Surfaces PDF

Author: Burkhard Büdel

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2021-06-08

Total Pages: 258

ISBN-13: 3110646463

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Rock surfaces provide a challenging habitat for a broad diversity of micro- or small-sized organisms. They interact with each other forming complex communities as well with their substrate causing biodeterioration of rock. Extreme fluctuation in light, temperature and hydration are the main factors that determine the rock surface habitats. The habitat includes epilithic organisms which thrive on the surface without penetrating the rock, endolithic organisms which live just beneath the surface using a thin layer of the rock surface for protection against adverse conditions of the environment (e.g. light protection, storage of water) and chasmo-endolithic organisms which use fractures of the rock surface for a more habitable environment. The book will provide an overview of the various organismal groups, from prokaryotes to vascular plants and arthropods, as well as survey organism-mediated interactions with the rock surface. The latter include biogenic weathering (biogeochemistry, state-of-the art imaging methods), photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation at and inside the rock surface.

Gas Wettability of Reservoir Rock Surfaces with Porous Media

Gas Wettability of Reservoir Rock Surfaces with Porous Media PDF

Author: Guancheng Jiang

Publisher: Gulf Professional Publishing

Published: 2018-06-13

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 012815151X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Gas Wettability of Reservoir Rock Surfaces with Porous Media compiles critical information on this complex topic, thus helping engineers more successfully face technical field challenges in oil and gas recovery. Combining both theoretical and practical knowledge, this concise reference bridges basic concepts with factors affecting gas wettability, also covering polymer-type gas wetting reversal agents in technical detail and discussing gas wettability’s influence on capillary force, oil-water distribution, and gas wettability’s application in petroleum engineering operations from both domestic and international projects. This book delivers the critical concepts, methods, mechanisms and practical technology needed for today’s complex oil and gas assets. Helps readers further develop and improve basic theory on petrophysics and reservoir engineering Covers various aspects, like the developmental history of gas wettability and the concept and evaluation of gas wettability of oil and gas reservoir rock surfaces Creates a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application, with content covering new theories, methodologies and the technologies used in drilling, completion and reservoir engineering

Geomicrobes: Life in Terrestrial Deep Subsurface

Geomicrobes: Life in Terrestrial Deep Subsurface PDF

Author: Malin Bomberg

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Published: 2017-07-17

Total Pages: 143

ISBN-13: 2889451798

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

The deep subsurface is, in addition to space, one of the last unknown frontiers to human kind. A significant part of life on Earth resides in the deep subsurface, hiding great potential of microbial life of which we know only little. The conditions in the deep terrestrial subsurface are thought to resemble those of early Earth, which makes this environment an analog for studying early life in addition to possible extraterrestrial life in ultra-extreme conditions. Early microorganisms played a great role in shaping the conditions on the young Earth. Even today deep subsurface microorganisms interact with their geological environment transforming the conditions in the groundwater and on rock surfaces. Essential elements for life are richly present but in difficultly accessible form. The elements driving the microbial deep life is still not completely identified. Most of the microorganisms detected by novel molecular techniques still lack cultured representatives. Nevertheless, using modern sequencing techniques and bioinformatics the functional roles of these microorganisms are being revealed. We are starting to see the differences and similarities between the life in the deep subsurface and surface domains. We may even begin to see the function of evolution by comparing deep life to life closer to the surface of Earth. Deep life consists of organisms from all known domains of life. This Research Topic reveals some of the rich diversity and functional properties of the great biomass residing in the deep dark subsurface.

Biodeterioration of Stone Surfaces

Biodeterioration of Stone Surfaces PDF

Author: Larry St.Clair

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-11-02

Total Pages: 300

ISBN-13: 1402028458

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This is a timely volume in view of the considerable interest currently shown in the preservation of our cultural heritage, and the extensive and growing literature on the subject. Unfortunately, the latter is to be found in a wide variety of published sources, some aimed at a very specific readership and therefore not all that accessible to those who need this resource. The present volume draws together a spectrum of biodeterioration work from across the world to provide an overview of the materials examined and the methodologies employed to elucidate the nature of the problems, as well as an extensive and current bibliographical resource on lichen biodeterioration. Biodeterioration of historical and culturally important stone substrata is a complex problem to be addressed. Easy, risk-free solutions are simply not available to be dealt with by other than a wide range of expertise. Successful resolution of this issue will inevitably require a multidisciplinary effort, where biologists work in close cooperation with ecologists, geologists, geochemists, crystallographers, cultural property conservators, archaeologists, anthropologists, and historians in order to recommend the most effective management scheme. The advantage of this approach is obvious: multidisciplinary management teams with good leadership can ask more appropriate questions while developing much more thoughtful and informed decisions.

Lunar and Planetary Surface Conditions

Lunar and Planetary Surface Conditions PDF

Author: Nicholas A. Weil

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2013-10-22

Total Pages: 235

ISBN-13: 148322161X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Lunar and Planetary Surface Conditions considers the inferential knowledge concerning the surfaces of the Moon and the planetary companions in the Solar System. The information presented in this four-chapter book is based on remote observations and measurements from the vantage point of Earth and on the results obtained from accelerated space program of the United States and U.S.S.R. Chapter 1 presents the prevalent hypotheses on the origin and age of the Solar System, followed by a brief description of the methods and feasibility of information acquisition concerning lunar and planetary data, either from fixed terrestrial observatories or from instrumented or manned space probes. Chapter 2 reviews all conditions pertaining to the surface aspects of the closest celestial neighbor, the Moon. Sections in this chapter deal sequentially with the atmosphere, temperature conditions, subsurface stratification, field intensities (gravitational, electric, and magnetic), and lastly with the biological conditions existing on the lunar surface. This chapter also provides information on the density of the lunar atmosphere under quiescent or high-flux transient conditions, on the topography of the lunar surface, and on the probable proportion of crater-covered areas in the highlands and on the Maria. Chapter 3 is a detailed treatment of the surface conditions on the terrestrial planets, comprising Mercury, Venus, and Mars, while Chapter 4 deals with similar information relating to the so-called Jovian planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) and Pluto. This book will prove useful to lunar and planetary mission planners, both those concerned with the purely scientific aspects of surfaces and immediate subsurfaces, and those involved in the development of roving exploration vehicles.

Life in Extreme Environments

Life in Extreme Environments PDF

Author: Ricardo Amils Pibernat

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2007-07-21

Total Pages: 440

ISBN-13: 1402062850

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This book provides an intriguing look at how life can adapt to many different extreme environments. It addresses the limits for life development and examines different strategies used by organisms to adapt to different extreme environments.

Microbial Life of the Deep Biosphere

Microbial Life of the Deep Biosphere PDF

Author: Jens Kallmeyer

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter

Published: 2014-04-01

Total Pages: 329

ISBN-13: 3110370670

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Over the last two decades, exploration of the deep subsurface biosphere has developed into a major research area. New findings constantly challenge our concepts of global biogeochemical cycles and the ultimate limits to life. In order to explain our observations from deep subsurface ecosystems it is necessary to develop truly interdisciplinary approaches, ranging from microbiology and geochemistry to physics and modeling. This book aims to bring together a wide variety of topics, covering the broad range of issues that are associated with deep biosphere exploration. Not only does the book present case studies of selected projects, but also treats questions arising from our current knowledge. Despite nearly two decades of research, there are still many boundaries to exploration caused by technical limitations and one section of the book is devoted to these technical challenges and the latest developments in this field. This volume will be of high interest to biologists, chemists and earth scientists all working on the deep biosphere.

Evolution's Witness

Evolution's Witness PDF

Author: Ivan R. Schwab

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2012-01-05

Total Pages: 323

ISBN-13: 0195369742

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

"The evolution of the eye spans 3.75 billion years from single cell organisms with eyespots to Metazoa with superb camera style eyes. At least ten different ocular models have evolved independently into myriad optical and physiological masterpieces. The story of the eye reveals evolution's greatest triumph and sweetest gift. This book describes its journey"--Provided by publisher.

Algal Biology and Biotechnology

Algal Biology and Biotechnology PDF

Author: D. P. Singh

Publisher: I. K. International Pvt Ltd

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 267

ISBN-13: 9380026196

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

In the recent past, many advances have been made in the field of biology and biotechnology of algae, especially microalgae. This book includes chapters on taxonomy, diversity and physiology of blue-green algae as these organisms are most important from biotechnological point of view. Use of algae as biofertilizer, source of natural colours, bioactive compounds, phytochemicals with pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications, food and feed has been discussed. Environmental pollution is the major problem all over the world. The potential of algae in combating water pollution is also highlighted. Depleting fossil fuel is another concern and it is felt that there is a need for alternative renewable resources. Algae as a potential source of biofuel are also discussed in this book