The Mg-rich carbonate dolomite is common in Earth’s ancient geological rock record but rarely formed today. The “dolomite problem” has been the subject of heated debate for decades, specifically if mixed cation (Ca-Mg- Fe) carbonates are primary or alteration products. In addition, what is the role of biological control in the formation of primary mixed cation carbonates? This project will investigate if and how microorganisms control the mineralogy and therefore, the geochemistry of carbonate minerals that grow at low temperature (<50° C) to establish if these minerals can act as proxies of the palaeo-conditions of formation. We will examine the hypersaline system in Fuente de Piedra (SW Spain), one of few places of present-day dolomite formation, and perform biotic and abiotic laboratory experiments that mimic natural environments (i.e., vary temperature, pH, salinity etc). The different metabolisms involved in carbonate biomineralization under oxic and anoxic conditions are expected to deliver characteristic nanotextural and geochemical signatures in both mineral and organic phases. Therefore, the characterization of dolomite in the hypersaline and evaporitic environment of Fuente de Piedra, coupled with laboratory experiments, will allow a quantitative interpretation of the processes that cause dolomite formation. Models developed from these data will be applied to examples of early Earth environments where unaltered carbonates are preserved to determine the palaeo-environment and possible role of life. This study is designed to understand mechanisms of carbonate formation in natural systems, which are of fundamental importance not only for understanding modern environments but also as a window into the geologic past of Earth and potentially Mars.

Study rocks in the wild in the Netherlands? Only possible in a few places (South Limburg; the east). Unfortunately with limited variation in species, structures, minerals and ages. And accessibility. The Netherlands started using natural stone in important buildings as early as the Middle Ages. Limestone and sandstone from just across the border in Belgium and Germany. Rocks can be studied in captivity in more and more places, with increasing diversity. There is no sign anywhere with an explanation. No Freek Vonk who catches them at the risk of his own life. Shame. We want to change that. Urban Geology!

Strontium and oxygen isotope analysis on archaeological human remains provide direct evidence for mobility. The overlap in Sr-O ratios between geographically different locations, however, complicates the identification of specific regions of origins. Adding the lead isotope system may provide a more accurate indication of the region of origin. The source of lead found in human remains, i.e., geological through food intake, or anthropogenic through contamination from leaded vessels, has not been subject to investigation. This proposal aims to identify the primary source of lead intake in Roman individuals and subsequent assesses the applicability of lead isotopes for tracing human mobility.

Understanding how alpine regions respond to climate change is challenging. This project studies landscape response to retreating glaciers in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. A novel combination of analytical techniques and computational models enables us to measure and simulate processes related to climatic fluctuations. We will study the impact of thawing permafrost, frost cracking and landslides on large-scale erosion and sediment dynamics over the last 15.000 years. Our findings will be essential to understand Earth’s surface response to past, current, and future climate changes, and its associated geohazards.

The origin of life is one of sciences greatest unsolved puzzles. Several theories exist, but there is no consensus. PRELIFE is built on an interdisciplinary approach in which astronomy, biology. chemistry, computer science, earth and planetary sciences, education science, mathematics, and physics work together on the question How and under what conditions did life arise on Earth, and how common are these conditions in the universe? We aim to involve everyone interested in our research through the development of a teaching methodology, lessons for primary and secondary schools, collaborations with artists and museums.