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: 0650657
• 负责人: Russell Shapiro
• 金额: $ 0.9万
• 依托单位: Chico State Enterprises
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2006
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2006-07-01 至 2008-09-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0650657&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.

科罗拉多州的Tepee Buttes(~76 Ma，Campanian)提供了一个很好的机会来模拟保存下来的化石甲烷渗漏中的地质微生物过程记录，其规模尚未实现。广阔的空中范围、可获得性和保存质量允许随着时间的推移在个别渗漏和整个领域开发碳酸盐降水的遗传模型。由于降水是由甲烷厌氧氧化(AOM)和细菌硫酸盐还原(BSR)共同调节的，地质记录可以替代局部微生物生态系统在单个渗漏生命周期中的时间和空间变化。这一建议力求解决沉积物中产生碳酸盐的深度，量化局部微生物生态系统产生的碳酸盐在地球化学和岩石学上是否与与化学共生无脊椎动物有关的碳酸盐不同，并模拟生物地球化学参数在时间和空间上的变化。关于Tepee Buttes的初步工作表明，复杂的岩石组构共生序列以及稳定的同位素比率将有助于开发包括地层深度在内的碳酸盐丘形成模式。对细菌体内化石和微生物的认识将使我们能够绘制出在每个细菌的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，对接之间的序列存在差异，我们将解决这些现象。PIS建议通过两个本科生机构(Gustavus Adolphus学院和Oberlin学院)和一所主要研究型大学(密苏里大学哥伦比亚分校)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。这项研究需要在大约3平方公里的区域内进行详细的野外测绘、挖掘学和岩石学研究以及同位素地球化学研究。在野外，将绘制土丘表面成分的地图，以展示与碳酸盐相和无脊椎动物种群相关的微生物生态系统分布。在实验室中，我们将在早期成功的基础上，应用多方向分析方法，包括岩相学(阴极发光、X射线荧光)、扫描电子显微镜/能谱分析和稳定同位素比(碳、氧和S)。智力上的功绩。对岩浆成因的了解将为确定现代和古代渗漏环境中微生物-沉积物的相互作用提供重要工具。这是(古)生物学家、地质学家和地球物理学家活跃的研究领域。通过应用协作方法，PI将从微生物古生物学、墓葬动物学和同位素地球化学方面的个人优势中获益，专注于提炼生物地球化学替代指标，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生物地球化学模式的研究人员具有价值。传播计划呼吁为教育工作者开发DVD/CD-ROM，这将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的世界。这项研究将为至少四名本科生提供关键的初步研究经验，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。学生将通过体验和教学工作坊获得对协作的欣赏，该项目将广泛影响PIS的本科生研究能力和教学方法。