C-RUI: Geomicrobial Processes in an Ancient Methane Seep Deposit: Resolving Temporal and Spatial Shifts in Localized Microbial Ecosystems

C-RUI：古代甲烷渗漏沉积物中的地球微生物过程：解决局部微生物生态系统的时空变化

• 批准号: 0433835
• 负责人: Karla Parsons-Hubbard
• 金额: $ 7.07万
• 依托单位: Oberlin College
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2004
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2004-10-01 至 2007-09-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0433835&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: RUI; Geomicrobial; Processes; Ancient; Methane

AbstractThe Tepee Buttes (~76 Ma, Campanian) of Colorado provide an excellent opportunity to model the preserved record of geomicrobial processes at a fossil methane seep at a scale that has not been realized. The broad aerial extent, accessibility, and quality of preservation allow for the development of a genetic model of carbonate precipitation over time at individual seeps and throughout the entire field. As the precipitation is mediated by both anaeorobic oxidation of methane (AOM) and bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR), the geologic record serves as a proxy for how the localized microbial ecosystems vary temporally and spatially through the life cycle of an individual seep. This proposal seeks to address the depth within the sediment at which carbonate production occurs, to quantify whether the carbonate produced from localized microbial ecosystems differs geochemically and petrographically from carbonate associated with chemosymbiotic invertebrates, and to model how the biogeochemical parameters vary in time and space. Preliminary work on the Tepee Buttes has demonstrated that the complex paragenetic sequence of petrofabrics will, along with the stable isotopic ratios, be useful in developing a model of the formation of the carbonate mounds, including depth of formation. The recognition of bacterial body fossils and microbialite will allow us to map the adjustment of localized microbial ecosystems over the lifecycle of each butte. Carbon and oxygen stable isotope analyses have shown that there is variation among sequences between buttes and we will address these phenomena. The PIs propose to address the temporal and spatial sequencing of the microbially induced carbonate/sulfide production through a collaborative project involving two undergraduate institutions (Gustavus Adolphus and Oberlin Colleges) and a major research university (University of Missouri, Columbia). The research entails detailed field mapping over an approximately 3 km2 area, taphonomic and petrographic study, and isotope geochemistry. In the field, surface components of the mounds will be mapped to demonstrate microbial ecosystem distribution in relation to carbonate phases and invertebrate populations. In the laboratory, we will build upon earlier successes by applying a multi-directed analytical approach involving petrography (cathodoluminescence, x-ray fluorescence), SEM/EDS, and stable isotope ratios (C, O, and S). Intellectual Merit. Knowledge of the genesis of the Tepee Buttes will provide important tools for defining microbial-sediment interactions in modern and ancient seep settings.an active research area for (paleo) biologists, geologists, and geophysicists. By applying a collaborative approach, the PIs will gain from the individual strengths in microbial paleontology, taphonomy, and isotope geochemistry focused on refining biogeochemical proxies for recognizing the fossil record of microbial ecosystems. Broader Impacts. The results of this project will be valuable to researchers studying biogeochemical patterns at both fossil and modern methane seeps. The dissemination plan calls for the development of a DVD/CD-ROM for educators that will open up the dynamic and complex world of microbial-sediment interactions in methane seeps to a broad audience. This research will provide critical primary research experience for at least four undergraduate students who will be involved in all aspects of the research including formulation of field strategy, laboratory analysis, and preparation of manuscripts. The students will gain an appreciation for collaboration through the experience and teaching workshops, and the project will broadly impact the undergraduate research capabilities and teaching pedagogies of the PIs.

摘要科罗拉多的Tepee Buttes（~76 Ma，Campanian）提供了一个很好的机会来模拟保存在化石甲烷渗漏中的地质微生物过程的记录，其规模尚未实现。广泛的空中范围，可访问性和质量的保存允许发展的成因模式碳酸盐沉淀随着时间的推移，在个人的渗漏和整个领域。由于降水是由甲烷的厌氧氧化（AOM）和细菌硫酸盐还原（BSR）介导的，地质记录作为一个代理，本地化的微生物生态系统如何在时间和空间上变化，通过一个单独的渗漏的生命周期。该提案旨在解决在沉积物中碳酸盐生产发生的深度，以量化从本地微生物生态系统中产生的碳酸盐是否在地球化学和岩石学上不同于与化学共生无脊椎动物相关的碳酸盐，并模拟生物地球化学参数如何在时间和空间上变化。对Tepee Buttes的初步研究表明，复杂的岩组共生序列沿着稳定的同位素比率将有助于建立碳酸盐土丘形成模型，包括形成深度。对细菌体化石和微生物岩的认识将使我们能够绘制出每个孤峰生命周期中局部微生物生态系统的调整图。碳和氧稳定同位素分析表明，在孤峰之间的序列中存在变化，我们将讨论这些现象。PI建议通过涉及两个本科院校（Gustavus Adolphus和奥伯林学院）和一所主要研究型大学（密苏里州大学，哥伦比亚）的合作项目，解决微生物诱导的碳酸盐/硫化物生产的时间和空间排序问题。这项研究需要对大约3平方公里的区域进行详细的实地测绘、埋藏学和岩相学研究以及同位素地球化学。在实地，将绘制土丘的表面组成部分，以展示与碳酸盐相和无脊椎动物种群有关的微生物生态系统分布。在实验室中，我们将建立在早期的成功，通过应用涉及岩相学（阴极发光，X射线荧光），SEM/EDS和稳定同位素比（C，O和S）的多方向分析方法。智力优势。Tepee Buttes的起源知识将为定义现代和古代渗漏环境中微生物-沉积物相互作用提供重要工具。（古）生物学家，地质学家和地质学家的活跃研究领域。通过应用协作方法，PI将从微生物古生物学、埋藏学和同位素地球化学方面的个人优势中获益，这些优势侧重于改进微生物地球化学代理，以识别微生物生态系统的化石记录。更广泛的影响。该项目的结果将对研究化石和现代甲烷渗漏的地球化学模式的研究人员有价值。传播计划要求为教育工作者制作DVD/CD-ROM，向广大受众展示甲烷渗漏中微生物-沉积物相互作用的动态和复杂世界。这项研究将为至少四名本科生提供关键的主要研究经验，他们将参与研究的各个方面，包括制定实地战略，实验室分析和准备手稿。学生将通过经验和教学研讨会获得合作的赞赏，该项目将广泛影响PI的本科研究能力和教学体系。