Program Solicitation in Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has released a program solicitation for research in sedimentary geology and paleobiology. The program focuses on numerous areas of research that are significant to the science of astrobiology. Among the topics of interest cited by the NSF are: the use of fossils, plants, animals and microbes to study how life has changed over geologic time; the science of dating and measuring time and rates of processes in the Earth’s sedimentary and biological fossil record; and studying the pre-Holocene climate systems of Earth. Proposals that seek to link multiple disciplines such as paleoclimatology, paleoenvironments and paleoecology are encouraged, as are those that integrate studies at national and international levels.

Studying how our planet and the biosphere are interconnected and how these connections have shaped the evolution of life are important goals of astrobiology. Studying the ancient climate of our planet can yield clues about how life establishes itself on terrestrial planets, and can ultimately help astrobiologists understand the potential for life in the Universe.

For submission guidelines and additional information on the Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology program, see: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13691

Source: [NSF]