Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

Investigating Bacterial-Fungal Interactions using Fungal Highway Columns in Diverse Environments and Substrates
Published on: January 24, 2025
Fungal colonization of an Ordovician impact-induced hydrothermal system
Magnus Ivarsson1, Curt Broman2, Erik Sturkell3
1Department of Palaeobiology and Nordic Center for Earth Evolution (NordCEE), Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, SE-10405 Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
Impacts are common geologic features on the terrestrial planets throughout the solar system, and on at least Earth and Mars impacts have induced hydrothermal convection. Impact-generated hydrothermal systems have been suggested to possess the same life supporting capability as hydrothermal systems associated with volcanic activity. However, evidence of fossil microbial colonization in impact-generated hydrothermal systems is scarce in the literature. Here we report of fossilized microorganisms in association with cavity-grown hydrothermal minerals from the 458 Ma Lockne impact structure, Sweden. Based on morphological characteristics the fossilized microorganisms are interpreted as fungi. We further infer the kerogenization of the microfossils, and thus the life span of the fungi, to be contemporaneous with the hydrothermal activity and migration of hydrocarbons in the system. Our results from the Lockne impact structure show that hydrothermal systems associated with impact structures can support colonization by microbial life.
More Related Videos
11:48Microscopy Techniques for Interpreting Fungal Colonization in Mycoheterotrophic Plants Tissues and Symbiotic Germination of Seeds
Published on: May 17, 2022
06:16Real-time Imaging and Quantification of Fungal Biofilm Development Using a Two-Phase Recirculating Flow System
Published on: October 18, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Microbial Mats
Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota
Fungal Group Zygomycota
Microbial Corrosion
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota