A case for biotic morphogenesis of coniform stromatolites

Details A case for biotic morphogenesis of coniform stromatolites A case for biotic morphogenesis of coniform stromatolites

2004-01-20

arxiv.org/abs/nlin/0401026v1

Physica A 337 (2004) 319-326

Nonlinear Sciences

Pattern Formation and Solitons

10 pages, 3 figures, to appear in Physica A

Scientific paper

10.1016/j.physa.2004.01.065

Mathematical models have recently been used to cast doubt on the biotic origin of stromatolites. Here by contrast we propose a biotic model for stromatolite morphogenesis which considers the relationship between upward growth of a phototropic or phototactic biofilm ($v$) and mineral accretion normal to the surface ($\lambda$). These processes are sufficient to account for the growth and form of many ancient stromatolities. Domical stromatolites form when $v$ is less than or comparable to $\lambda$. Coniform structures with thickened apical zones, typical of Conophyton, form when $v >> \lambda$. More angular coniform structures, similar to the stromatolites claimed as the oldest macroscopic evidence of life, form when $v >>> \lambda$.

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