The role of microbes in accretion, lamination and early lithification of modern marine stromatolites

R. P. Reid, P. T. Visscher (), A. W. Decho, J. F. Stolz, B. M. Bebout, C. Dupraz, I. G. Macintyre, H. W. Paerl, J. L. Pinckney, L. Prufert-Bebout, T. F. Steppe and D. J. DesMarais
Additional contact information
R. P. Reid: MGG-RSMAS, University of Miami
P. T. Visscher: University of Connecticut
A. W. Decho: School of Public Health, University of South Carolina
J. F. Stolz: Department of Biological Sciences Duquesne University
B. M. Bebout: NASA Ames Research Centre
C. Dupraz: MGG-RSMAS, University of Miami
I. G. Macintyre: National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution
H. W. Paerl: Institute of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina
J. L. Pinckney: Texas A&M University
L. Prufert-Bebout: NASA Ames Research Centre
T. F. Steppe: Institute of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina
D. J. DesMarais: NASA Ames Research Centre

Nature, 2000, vol. 406, issue 6799, 989-992

Abstract: Abstract For three billion years, before the Cambrian diversification of life, laminated carbonate build-ups called stromatolites were widespread in shallow marine seas1,2. These ancient structures are generally thought to be microbial in origin and potentially preserve evidence of the Earth's earliest biosphere1,2,3. Despite their evolutionary significance, little is known about stromatolite formation, especially the relative roles of microbial and environmental factors in stromatolite accretion1,3. Here we show that growth of modern marine stromatolites represents a dynamic balance between sedimentation and intermittent lithification of cyanobacterial mats. Periods of rapid sediment accretion, during which stromatolite surfaces are dominated by pioneer communities of gliding filamentous cyanobacteria, alternate with hiatal intervals. These discontinuities in sedimentation are characterized by development of surface films of exopolymer and subsequent heterotrophic bacterial decomposition, forming thin crusts of microcrystalline carbonate. During prolonged hiatal periods, climax communities develop, which include endolithic coccoid cyanobacteria. These coccoids modify the sediment, forming thicker lithified laminae. Preservation of lithified layers at depth creates millimetre-scale lamination. This simple model of modern marine stromatolite growth may be applicable to ancient stromatolites.

Date: 2000
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DOI: 10.1038/35023158

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