Microstructure in Modern Marine Stromatolites: A Geomicrobiological Investigation of Processes Forming Lithified Micritic Laminae

该项目将确定叠层石中微晶碳酸盐的来源：它是由细菌代谢活动引起的沉淀，还是重悬浮颗粒的物理捕获？将比较来自巴哈马Exuma Cays的结壳和“软”垫，并通过实验干预来促进或抑制岩化。分析将包括谷物的结构和矿物学、微生物群落的结构、垫生理学、稳定同位素和细胞外分泌物的生物地球化学。

This project will determine the origin of microcrystalline carbonate in stromatolites: is it precipitation resulting from bacterial metabolic activity, or physical trapping of resuspended particles? Crusting and "soft" mats from Exuma Cays, Bahamas, will be compared, with experimental intervention to encourage or inhibit lithification. Analyses will include structure and mineralogy of grains, structure of microbe community, mat physiology, and biogeochemistry of stable isotopes and extracellular secretions.