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Related Experiment Videos

The microbial role in hot spring silicification.

Kurt O Konhauser1, Brian Jones, Vernon R Phoenix

  • 1Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. kurtk@ualberta.ca

Ambio
|January 26, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Microorganisms passively template silica formation in hot springs, influencing sinter fabric but not reaction speed. Silicification primarily results from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids polymerizing at the surface.

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Area of Science:

  • Geochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Mineralogy

Background:

  • Microorganisms are increasingly recognized for their role in biomineralization.
  • Previous research suggests varied microbial involvement in silica precipitation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the precise role of microorganisms in hot spring silicification.
  • To differentiate between templating and kinetic effects of microbes on silica formation.
  • To understand how microbial structures influence the resulting siliceous sinter.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental studies examining microbial-silica interactions.
  • Analysis of cell ultrastructural chemistry and its effect on nucleation.
  • Observation of sinter fabric, porosity, and diagenesis in relation to microbial growth patterns.

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Main Results:

  • Microbial cell surfaces act as nucleation sites for silica adsorption, leading to species-specific silicification patterns.
  • Microorganisms do not significantly increase the rate or overall amount of silicification.
  • Silicification is driven by the polymerization of silica-supersaturated hydrothermal fluids.
  • Microbial growth patterns influence sinter lamination, porosity, and cementation.

Conclusions:

  • Microorganisms play a passive, templating role in hot spring silicification.
  • The primary driver of silicification is the chemistry of hydrothermal fluids.
  • Microbial influence is significant in shaping the microfabric and diagenetic features of siliceous sinters.