Biofilm growth and fossil form

A. P. Petroff, N. J. Beukes, D. H. Rothman, T. Bosak

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Stromatolites can grow under the influence of microbial processes, but it is often unclear whether and how the macroscopic morphology of these rocks records biological processes. Conical stromatolites, which formed in the absence of sedimentation, provide a comparatively simple record of the interplay between microbial growth and lithification. Here, we show that the dynamics shaping conical stromatolites result from diffusive gradients within the overlying microbial mat. These gradients cause minerals to precipitate faster in regions of high curvature, resulting in measurable properties of the shapes of stromatolite laminas. This model allows us to estimate the thickness of ancient stromatolite-forming mats to be approximately 1 mm, consistent with modern systems. Proceeding from the assumption that the ubiquitous process of diffusion is recorded in the translating form of a stromatolite, we derive the shape of a diffusion-driven stromatolite. The conical morphology-a distinctive feature of stromatolites growing in the absence of sedimentation-arises from these dynamics. This form is quantitatively consistent with the shape of conical stromatolites that grew for more than 2.9X109 yrs of Earth history.

Original languageEnglish
Article number041012
JournalPhysical Review X
Volume3
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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