Expert Exchange: Collaboration between the Ichnology, Sedimentology, and Substrate Group (University of Buenos Aires) and the Astrobiological and Geomicrobiological Lab (University of Bologna)

Europlanet 2024 RI’s Expert Exchange Programme aims to support the planetary community to share expertise and best practice, and to prepare new facilities and services. The programme provides funding for short visits (up to one week).

Diana Elizabeth Fernandez of the Departamento de Ciencias Geologicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) – IDEAN (CONICET-UBA Institute) in Argentia visited Barbara Cavalazzi of the strobiological and Geomicrobiological Lab at the University of Bologna from 01-09 April 2024.

The primary objective was to establish collaborative efforts between the Ichnology, Sedimentology, and Substrate Group at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and the Astrobiological and Geomicrobiological team at the University of Bologna. The focus of this collaboration is the study of Microbially-Induced Sedimentary Structures (MISS) in Lower Cretaceous marginal-marine units from Patagonia, Argentina. These structures, which result from microbial activities, serve as valuable indirect evidence of microbial life throughout various geological time intervals. The collaboration aims to utilise Raman spectroscopy for a comprehensive characterisation of MISS samples,
providing crucial information relevant to geobiological sciences and astrobiological significance, particularly regarding the potential detection of biosignatures. With this in mind, Dr. Diana Elizabeth Fernández (UBA), an expert in marine and marginal marine trace fossils, collaborated with Dr. Barbara Cavalazzi, an expert astrobiologist, at the Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali-BiGeA, University of Bologna.

During the visit, discussions centered on the availability and utilisation of samples, opportunities for co-advising students from both institutions, fieldwork options in Argentina, and potential further project applications. Preliminary assessments of sample analyses were conducted, utilising the WITec Alpha 300 Raman microscope under the guidance of expert astrobiologist Dr. Barbara Cavalazzi, for the detection and identification of organic molecules and minerals. Employing Raman spectroscopy will lead to an in-depth characterisation of these MISS and their associated biosignatures.

Additionally, Dr. Fernández delivered a seminar to students at the University of Bologna on the topic of Principles of Animal-Substrate Interactions.

Expert Exchange Objectives covered by this visit: Transnational Access Training.

Find out more about the Europlanet Expert Exchange Programme.