Hydrological processes in microbial preservation

Nancy W. Hinman

doi:10.1117/12.278788

11 July 1997 Hydrological processes in microbial preservation

Nancy W. Hinman

Proceedings Volume 3111, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for the Investigation of Extraterrestrial Microorganisms; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278788
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Extreme environments, such as aqueous, high temperature, mineralizing systems (thermal springs) are the focus of the search for evidence of life on early Earth or on Mars. Mineral deposition from saturated waters potentially entombs these organisms complicating hydrological control of the fossilization process. Near-surface and subsurface hydrology of these systems is governed by the porosity and continuity of pore spaces in microbial mats and associated sinter deposits. Herein we examine the evolution of pore space in microbial mats with emphasis on the relationship between pore size and geometry, and silica deposition. Microbial mats living in the outflow channels of silica-rich thermal springs in Yellowstone National Park, WY, and Steamboat Springs, NV are best preserved under conditions of intermittent inundation and drying and/or cooling. This leads to periodic deposition of silica initially as a coating on the cells and eventually as an infilling in the cells. As a consequence, pore spaces between microbial filaments retain characteristic configurations and are filled with silica crystals of different size and morphology than that of the coatings or fillings. The nature of the pore-filling silica is controlled by the temperature and chemistry of the water flowing through the sinter mound and is indicative of the environment of preservations.

Citation Download Citation

Nancy W. Hinman "Hydrological processes in microbial preservation", Proc. SPIE 3111, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for the Investigation of Extraterrestrial Microorganisms, (11 July 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278788

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available