Are the 3,800-Myr-old Isua objects microfossils, limonite-stained fluid inclusions, or neither?

Details Are the 3,800-Myr-old Isua objects microfossils, limonite-stained fluid inclusions, or neither? Are the 3,800-Myr-old Isua objects microfossils, limonite-stained fluid inclusions, or neither?

Oct 1981

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1981natur.293..459r&link_type=abstract

Nature, Volume 293, Issue 5832, pp. 459-462 (1981).

Mathematics

Logic

4

Scientific paper

Bridgwater et al.1 issued a `cautionary note' concerning several reports published by Pflug and co-workers2-5 describing objects called yeast-like microfossils (Isuasphaera isua Pflug) from a metamorphosed quartzite of the 3,800-Myr-old Isua supracrustal belt of south-west Greenland; Bridgwater et al. believe that the objects described by Pflug et al.2-5 are `indistinguishable from limonite-stained fluid inclusions' and hence are non-biogenic. I show here that the objects are neither limonite-stained fluid inclusions nor microfossils, but are limonite-stained cavities from the otherwise complete dissolution by weathering of ferruginous dolomite grains in these rocks. Several supporting arguments presented by both sides are believed to be invalid, and others are ambiguous. In view of the extensive research on the earliest life forms, and then significance to evolution, to early geochemical cycles and to the origin of the atmosphere and some ore deposits, the exact nature of the Isua objects, and particularly the validity of the evidence either for or against a biological origin, are of considerable importance. A careful evaluation of the evidence from Isua is particularly pertinent, as bona fide Precambrian fossils are also found in chemically similar (but much younger) silica-rich environments.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Are the 3,800-Myr-old Isua objects microfossils, limonite-stained fluid inclusions, or neither? does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Are the 3,800-Myr-old Isua objects microfossils, limonite-stained fluid inclusions, or neither?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Are the 3,800-Myr-old Isua objects microfossils, limonite-stained fluid inclusions, or neither? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1470261