Deep Life - by Tullis C Onstott (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The thrilling quest for subsurface life on Earth and other planets

Deep Life takes readers to uncharted regions deep beneath Earth's crust in search of life in extreme environments, and reveals how astonishing new discoveries by geomicrobiologists are aiding the quest to find life in the solar system. Tullis Onstott provides an insider's look at the pioneering fieldwork that is shining new light on Earth's hidden biology, a subterranean biosphere thriving with rare and exotic life forms. Join Onstott and his team on epic descents into South African gold mines, and travel deep beneath the frozen wastelands of the Arctic tundra to discover life as it could exist on Mars. An unforgettable scientific adventure, Deep Life takes you to the biotic fringe, where today's scientists hope to discover the very origins of life itself.

From the Back Cover

"Onstott takes readers on a journey of discovery, weaving his personal reflections on his exploits in the field with just the right amount of science. He shows how field science is challenging, exciting, and full of adventure."--Gordon Southam, University of Queensland

Review Quotes

"The discovery of deep biosphere is a fascinating chapter in the history of astrobiology, and Onstott was at the bottom of it all--literally, when he and his team were searching for life in the deepest mines on Earth. This detailed and well-written book explains the importance of the subsurface biosphere and why those of us interested in the search for life on Mars are so interested in life deep underground."--Chris McKay, NASA Ames Research Center

"Deep Life is both gripping and powerful in its immediacy, so much so that no matter your background, if you have any concern for the future of this planet and its place in the universe, it is well worth spending some time considering the bearing that Onstott's propositions and implications might have on your own future."---Lois C. Henderson, Bookpleasures.com,

"Deep Life tackles one of the most mysterious, sexiest questions in science today: Is there life beyond Earth? . . . Onstott's argument is both profound--we can't understand life on other planets without understanding life on our own--and surprising, pleasing any amateur extraterrestrial beep hunter."---Sarah Sloat, Inverse

"Extreme environments beneath Earth's surface could well be the crucible where life was forged, and studying the weird creatures that live in such locales could well shed light on how life could endure in Mars' deep crust or Europa's hidden ocean. Geoscientist Tullis C. Onstott brings you along on the hunt."---Alan Boyle, GeekWire

"Life can thrive in the most inhospitable places. And finding out just how inhospitable has been the life's work of Tullis Onstott. . . . While rooted in the earth, the study may also help in the quest to find life in the solar system and beyond. This amazing journey takes us from deep in a South African gold mine, to the ancient seabed below a desert floor to travel deep beneath the frozen Arctic tundra."--Cosmos Magazine

"Onstott so beautifully conveys his excitement that laypeople and scientists alike will find [Deep Life] a worthwhile read."--Publishers Weekly

"Onstott takes us on a journey to discover and understand the limits of life beneath the surface of our planet. . . . The author, a brilliant geomicrobiologist, shares his passion for this relatively new field of research. It is difficult to ignore the infectious enthusiasm that permeates the narrative."---Lisa Kaaki, Arab News

"The real strength of this book is an almost encyclopedic description of field work in some of the most difficult sampling environments in the world."---Karen Lloyd, Quarterly Review of Biology

"Tullis Onstott has been at the forefront of the exploration of [the Earth's] subterranean mysteries. If you had to compare him to an iconic figure, I don't think you'd go far wrong seeing him as a microbiologist Indiana Jones, clambering through dimly lit mining tunnels far below the surface, sampling tubes in hand. . . . Along the way, he addresses some of the deepest questions--if you'll excuse the pun--in modern biology. . . . [This book] offers great insights for science historians or students in the discipline."---Lewis Dartnell, Times Higher Education

"Deep Life is an engaging historical account of the discovery and exploration of Earth's newest known biome, the deep subsurface. Onstott vividly chronicles the emergence of this new field by transporting the reader to the drill rigs, mines, and laboratories where fundamental discoveries that have changed our understanding of the nature of life itself and its relationship to our planet--and possibly others--were made."--Duane Moser, Desert Research Institute

"Onstott is truly a bold front-runner in deep subsurface microbiology and a great role model for anyone in geology who aspires to become a successful geomicrobiologist. Reading this book makes me feel lucky to have witnessed some of these explorations firsthand. I am also amazed by their vivid descriptions, which sometimes read like science fiction."--Chuanlun Zhang, Tongji University

"Onstott takes readers on a journey of discovery, weaving his personal reflections on his exploits in the field with just the right amount of science. He shows how field science is challenging, exciting, and full of adventure."--Gordon Southam, University of Queensland

About the Author

Tullis C. Onstott is professor of geosciences at Princeton University.