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

Nature volume 406, pages 989–992 (2000)Cite this article

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.

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Figure 1: Shallow subtidal stromatolites, Highborne Cay, Bahamas.
Figure 2: Dominant prokaryotic communities on stromatolite surfaces.
Figure 3: Scanning laser confocal microscope image of a surface biofilm.
Figure 4: Lamination and microstructure in stromatolite subsurface.

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Acknowledgements

D. A. Dean prepared petrographic thin sections; T. Kawaguchi provided confocal images; N. Pinel analysed layer distribution. Numerous students assisted in field and laboratory studies. Logistical field support was provided by the crew of the RV Calanus and Highborne Cay management. This study is a contribution to the Research Initiative on Bahamian Stromatolites Project and International Geological Correlation Project Biosedimentology of Microbial Buildups. Funding for this research was provided by the US National Science Foundation, Ocean Sciences Division and NASA's Exobiology Program.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. MGG-RSMAS, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, 33149, Florida, USA

    R. P. Reid & C. Dupraz

  2. Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, 06340, Connecticut, USA

    P. T. Visscher

  3. School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, 29208, South Carolina, USA

    A. W. Decho

  4. Department of Biological Sciences Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, 15282, Pennsylvania, USA

    J. F. Stolz

  5. NASA Ames Research Centre, Moffett Field, 94035, California, USA

    B. M. Bebout, L. Prufert-Bebout & D. J. DesMarais

  6. National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, 20560, Washington DC, USA

    I. G. Macintyre

  7. Institute of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina, Morehead City, 28557, North Carolina, USA

    H. W. Paerl & T. F. Steppe

  8. Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843, Texas, USA

    J. L. Pinckney

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Correspondence to P. T. Visscher.

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Reid, R., Visscher, P., Decho, A. et al. The role of microbes in accretion, lamination and early lithification of modern marine stromatolites. Nature 406, 989–992 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/35023158

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