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Non-lithifying microbial ecosystem dissolves peritidal lime sand

Author

Listed:
  • Theodore M. Present

    (California Institute of Technology)

  • Maya L. Gomes

    (Johns Hopkins University)

  • Elizabeth J. Trower

    (University of Colorado Boulder)

  • Nathan T. Stein

    (California Institute of Technology)

  • Usha F. Lingappa

    (California Institute of Technology)

  • John Naviaux

    (California Institute of Technology)

  • Michael T. Thorpe

    (NASA Johnson Space Center)

  • Marjorie D. Cantine

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Woodward W. Fischer

    (California Institute of Technology)

  • Andrew H. Knoll

    (Harvard University)

  • John P. Grotzinger

    (California Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Microbialites accrete where environmental conditions and microbial metabolisms promote lithification, commonly through carbonate cementation. On Little Ambergris Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands, microbial mats occur widely in peritidal environments above ooid sand but do not become lithified or preserved. Sediment cores and porewater geochemistry indicated that aerobic respiration and sulfide oxidation inhibit lithification and dissolve calcium carbonate sand despite widespread aragonite precipitation from platform surface waters. Here, we report that in tidally pumped environments, microbial metabolisms can negate the effects of taphonomically-favorable seawater chemistry on carbonate mineral saturation and microbialite development.

Suggested Citation

  • Theodore M. Present & Maya L. Gomes & Elizabeth J. Trower & Nathan T. Stein & Usha F. Lingappa & John Naviaux & Michael T. Thorpe & Marjorie D. Cantine & Woodward W. Fischer & Andrew H. Knoll & John P, 2021. "Non-lithifying microbial ecosystem dissolves peritidal lime sand," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-23006-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23006-1
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