research

Geoscience@Newcastle is truly multidisciplinary, combining a blend of microbial ecology, geochemistry, mineralogy, marine and soil science which in terms of breadth and depth is unique in the UK and beyond.

Geoscience@Newcastle is also strongly interdisciplinary with important links to research in Water Resources, Geomatics and Environmental Engineering. We are also intimately involved with research within the Institute for Research in Environment and Sustainability (IRES).

current and future research themes

biogeochemistry

• The modern terrestrial carbon and nutrient cycle, especially the characterisation of organic matter in natural and contaminated soils
• Rapid global change through geological time with emphasis on the links between the terrestrial and marine environments
• Biogeoengineering, with emphasis on the remediation of contaminated waters and soils
• Microbial interactions with the Earth System
• Properties and applications of clays and associated minerals
• Microbial biomarkers in modern and ancient systems
• Chemical evolution of the biosphere throughout Earth’s history
  
• Biogeochemistry of northern peatlands
• Engineering soils for climate change

geoenergy

• Unconventional sources of petroleum (e.g. shale gas, heavy oil, residual oil)
• Petroleum systems: source rocks, reservoirs and seals
• Sustainable use of coal
• Geothermal energy
• Microbial fuel cells

the contribution of geoscience to earth systems science engineering and management

The Geoscience group within the School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences underpins work in the theme of Earth Systems Science Engineering and Management in the following ways.

• Our research addresses key issues concerning the functions of the Earth System as expressed in the coupled ocean-land system and biosphere-geosphere interactions through time.
  
• Our research informs and supports other areas of research in the School’s Earth Systems Science Engineering and Management framework that depend on knowledge of Earth materials and processes
  
• Our research informs work on regional, national and international policy developmen