Geobiology

Nora Noffke is Associate Professor for Geobiology at Old Dominion University; Ocean, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences; For her research she has received the SEPM James Lee Wilson Award 2007, the GSA Fellowship 2007, and is nominated for the AAAS Fellowship 2008; Nora Noffke is Vice Chair of the GSA Division for Geobiology and Geomicrobiology, Member of the Council of GSW in Washington, and served for the NASA Astrobiology science definition team, Mars Exploration Rover.

Introduction.- Cyanobacteria: Taxonomic groups, physiology, photosynthesis, significance for Earth history.- Biofilms and Microbial Mats.- Microbial Interactions with Physical Sediment Dynamics in Modern Tidal Settings.- Microbially Induced sedimentary Structures.- Distribution of Microbially Induced Sedimentary Structures in the Fossil Record.- Field Trip Sites: Modern and Ancient.- Significance of Structures as Biosignatures for the Detection of Life on other Planets.

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"Noffke's book provides a state-of-the-art perspective on an important line of geobiological research ... . As geobiologists and astrobiologists think about how to apply and sharpen the tools afforded by MISS, we can be thankful that Nora Noffke has provided us with a detailed but accessible road map for continuing research." (Andrew H. Knoll, Astrobiology, Vol. 11 (1), 2011)

"Nora Noffke deals systematically with ... microbially-induced sedimentary structures on Earth, both in the modern environment, and in fossil deposits of all ages. ... Extensively referenced and laid out in a logical and methodical manner, the reader is provided with all the information they need to understand the concepts, and this is communicated in a clear and friendly way. ... To an interested layperson, with no prior knowledge of microbiology ... the book contains all they need to know to gain a thorough understanding." (Leila Battison, Astrobiology Society of Britain, September, 2010)