Strong groundwater fluctuations may affect the fluids, the habitats for the rock-surface microbiome, the biogeochemical weathering/alteration processes, and the mobilization and transport of readily-available solutes and colloids, including biota. Using the field installations and novel "drain collectors," the continuum of subsurface mobile matter will be traced and characterized together with the architecture and composition of the biogeochemical interfaces that have developed in the aeration zone. In controlled joint laboratory experiments, typical conditions of the aeration zone will be simulated to understand the specific processes that control inhabitation, alteration, and weathering therein.

PI

Prof. Dr. Kai Uwe Totsche Chair of Hydrogeology, Institute of Geosciences Friedrich Schiller University Jena  +49 (0)3641 9-48651  +49 (0)3641 9-48652 Email

Doctoral Researcher

Dinusha Chathurangani Eshvara Arachchige Chair of Hydrogeology, Institute of Geosciences Friedrich Schiller University Jena  +49 (0)3641 9-48743  +49 (0)3641 9-48742 Email

Associated Doctoral Researcher

Katharina Stolze (parental leave) Chair of Hydrogeology, Institute of Geosciences Friedrich Schiller University Jena  +49 (0)3641 9-48639  +49 (0)3641 9-48742 Email

Associated Researcher

Prof. Dr. Thorsten Schäfer Chair of Applied Geology, Institute of Geosciences Friedrich Schiller University Jena  +49 (0)3641 9-48640  +49 (0)3641 9-48622 Email