Re: paleonet Geobiology

[Bill Chaisson <chaisson@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>For some, it seems as though geobiology is linked to astrobiology somehow.

This would appear to be how geochemists think of "geobiology".

>Others (e.g., Carl Brett who teaches a course in geobiology at 
>Cincinnati) think of it as a junior synonym for historical geology, 
>with perhaps a bit more chemistry thrown in.

This would appear to be how geologists who look at rocks think of 'geobiology'.

>  Still others (e.g., Caltech), think of it as "the use of 
>information preserved in and by the biosphere to attack problems of 
>importance for understanding the geological evolution of the Earth."

In other words, like astrobiology, but with more emphasis on 
conjectured events on "early Earth" (i.e. how did all the systems as 
we know them get up and running?)

>There's even a 'Geobiology of Life' Program out there, described as 
>"the result of forty years of combined research in microbiology, 
>forestry, and herbal nutrition, along with diverse experience 
>through the studies of metaphysics, the Far East and American Indian 
>shamanism.

Uh.  This sounds like a case of New Age folks siezing upon what they 
perceive to be science catch-phrases in an effort to give legitimacy 
to their non-scientific methods of inquiry.

>Consequently, my question is what (if anything) is geobiology and 
>how is it related to the other branches of paleontology?

NSF seems to be referring to 'geobiology' as 'biogeoscience'.
http://www.geo.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/showprog.pl?id=114&div=ear
When it comes right down to it (in this country), what NSF thinks it 
is, is what it is.

>the paleobiology movement of late 60's and 70's.

Carl Brett's conception of 'geobiology' probably has the strongest 
connection to this historical movement.  More power to him.

>Last, but not least, does geobiology appeal to students more readily 
>than historical geology, sedimentology, oceanography, etc? If so, 
>why?

Conjectures:  (1) Students gravitate toward what appears to be "hot" 
(i.e., is the Discovery Channel throwing the phrase around?); (2) 
many students are interested in interdisciplinary work because their 
minds are not yet beholden to a specialty.

Bill
-- 
-----------------------------------------------
William P. Chaisson         
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
University of Rochester                       ph  585-275-0601
Rochester, New York  14627  USA            fax  585-244-5689

http://www.earth.rochester.edu/chaisson/chaisson.html