Deep Rock Weathering Episode 4 – Microbes that eat Rocks
Channel: Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum
Date: 2023-02-01

A science animation designed by Friedhelm von Blanckenburg (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences); 
Produced by Andreas Schulz (Filmbüro Potsdam).

Living organisms can also weather rocks. There are microorganisms in deep rock – in the "deep biosphere". With flowing water, the microbes are transported from soil through the fractures to depth. Down there, in complete darkness, the microbes live on water, carbon, and energy. They can oxidise iron in minerals and receive energy in the process. The iron-containing minerals are oxidised, carbon is consumed, and more and more microbes are created. This is how the deep biosphere keeps itself alive and weathers the rock at the same time.

Watch the complete version of this movie here:
https://youtu.be/7Kl_d4ufL-Q

CC BY 4.0 GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences / Filmbüro-Potsdam
DOI:  10.48440/gfz.3.3.2022.007