Xeropreservation of functionalized lipid biomarkers in hyperarid soils in the Atacama Desert.

ABSTRACT: Our understanding of long-term organic matter preservation comes mostly from studies in aquatic systems. In contrast, taphonomic processes in extremely dry environments are relatively understudied and are poorly understood. We investigated the accumulation and preservation of lipid biomarkers in hyperarid soils in the Yungay region of the Atacama Desert. Lipids from seven soil horizons in a 2.5 m vertical profile were extracted and analyzed using GC-MS and LC-MS. Diagnostic functionalized lipids and geolipids were detected and increased in abundance and diversity with depth. Deeper clay units contain fossil organic matter (radiocarbon dead) that has been protected from rainwater since the onset of hyperaridity. We show that these clay units contain lipids in an excellent state of structura

SUBMITTER: Wilhelm MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5937136 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature