Nonlinear Sciences – Pattern Formation and Solitons
Scientific paper
2004-12-23
Physica A 250 (2005) 6-11
Nonlinear Sciences
Pattern Formation and Solitons
8 pages, 3 figures. To be published in Proceedings of StatPhys-Taiwan 2004: Biologically Motivated Statistical Physics and Rel
Scientific paper
10.1016/j.physa.2005.01.014
This paper outlines our recent attempts to model the growth and form of microbialites from the perspective of the statistical physics of evolving surfaces. Microbialites arise from the environmental interactions of microbial communities (microbial mats). The mats evolve over time to form internally laminated organosedimentary structures (stromatolites). Modern day stromatolites exist in only a few locations, whereas ancient stromatolitic microbialites were the only form of life for much of the Earth's history. They existed in a wide variety of growth forms, ranging from almost perfect cones to branched columnar structures. The coniform structures are central to the heated debate on the oldest evidence of life. We proposed a biotic model which considers the relationship between upward growth of a phototropic or phototactic biofilm and mineral accretion normal to the surface. These processes are sufficient to account for the growth and form of many ancient stromatolities. These include domical stromatolites and coniform structures with thickened apical zones typical of Conophyton. More angular coniform structures, similar to the stromatolites claimed as the oldest macroscopic evidence of life, form when the photic effects dominate over mineral accretion.
Batchelor Murray T.
Burne R. V.
Henry Bruce Ian
Slatyer Tracey
No associations
LandOfFree
Statistical physics and stromatolite growth: new perspectives on an ancient dilemma 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 Statistical physics and stromatolite growth: new perspectives on an ancient dilemma, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Statistical physics and stromatolite growth: new perspectives on an ancient dilemma will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-94185