Biogeology

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Biogeology is the study of how the biosphere and the lithosphere interact.

For example, bacteria are responsible for the formation of some minerals such as pyrite and can concentrate economically important metals such as tin and uranium. Bacteria are also responsible for the chemical composition of the atmosphere which affects weathering rates of rocks.

As another example, prior to the late Devonian period, there wasn't much plant life beyond lichens, bryophytes etc. At this time large, vascular plants evolved, growing up to 30 meters in height. These large plants changed the atmosphere and altered the composition of the soil by increasing the amount of organic carbon. This helped prevent the soil being washed away through erosion.