Serpentinites play a fundamental role in the evolution of the Earth and the emergence and preservation of life. We invite researchers to share their scientific findings on serpentinites from field research, sea-going expeditions, experimental investigations and computational models. We welcome contributions that cover topics in mineralogy/petrology, geochemistry, geomicrobiology, structural geology, as well as innovative applications and approaches.

Topics:

– Serpentinization and Life: hydrothermal vent systems, biosignatures in the deep subsurface, and implications for the origin and early evolution of life.

– Serpentinites at the ocean floor: mid-ocean ridges, convergent margin forearcs, outer-rise bending faults, and ocean-continent transition zones, with emphasis on how serpentinization alters lithospheric composition and global geochemical budgets.

– Serpentinites in subduction zones and ophiolites: element cycling, slab-mantle coupling, seismogenesis and mechanical behaviour of serpentinised systems.

– Serpentinites in planetary bodies and beyond: extraterrestrial serpentinization on Mars, icy moons (Enceladus, Europa), and primitive carbonaceous bodies.

– Serpentinization and Technology: natural hydrogen resources, CO₂ sequestration through peridotite carbonation, and related climate-mitigation applications.

Venue:

Centre for Deep Sea Research at MARUM, University of Bremen, DE

Important dates:

Pre-registration/pre-liminary abstract submission:1.10.2026
Acceptance communication: 15.1.2027
Final registration deadline: 15.2.2027
Abstract modification deadline: 15.3.2027

Preliminary program:

Ice breaker:5.7.2027
Plenary talks and poster: 6. – 8.7.2027
Social dinner: 7.7.2027
Guided tour IODP core repository: 9.7.2027

Organization team:

Lisa Eberhard
Oliver Plümper
Palash Kumawat
Wolf-Achim Kahl
Wolfgang Bach
Elmar Albers
Charlotte Kleint
Florence Schubotz