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Area of Science:

  • Geology
  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Microbialites form through microbial activity and carbonate cementation in specific environments.
  • On Little Ambergris Cay, microbial mats exist but do not lithify, despite favorable conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate why microbial mats on Little Ambergris Cay fail to lithify.
  • Understand the role of microbial metabolisms in inhibiting carbonate cementation and microbialite formation.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of sediment cores and porewater geochemistry.
  • Examination of microbial mat communities and their metabolic activities.
  • Assessment of environmental conditions, including tidal pumping and seawater chemistry.

Main Results:

  • Aerobic respiration and sulfide oxidation were found to inhibit lithification.
  • These microbial processes actively dissolve calcium carbonate sand.
  • Despite aragonite precipitation from surface waters, lithification is prevented.

Conclusions:

  • Microbial metabolisms can counteract favorable seawater chemistry for microbialite development.
  • Tidally pumped environments facilitate microbial processes that inhibit lithification.
  • Understanding these microbial controls is crucial for interpreting the rock record and predicting microbialite formation.