Microscale Biosignatures and Abiotic Mineral Authigenesis in Little Hot Creek, California.

ABSTRACT: Hot spring environments can create physical and chemical gradients favorable for unique microbial life. They can also include authigenic mineral precipitates that may preserve signs of biological activity on Earth and possibly other planets. The abiogenic or biogenic origins of such precipitates can be difficult to discern, therefore a better understanding of mineral formation processes is critical for the accurate interpretation of biosignatures from hot springs. Little Hot Creek (LHC) is a hot spring complex located in the Long Valley Caldera, California, that contains mineral precipitates composed of a carbonate base (largely submerged) topped by amorphous silica (largely emergent). The precipitates occur in close association with microbial mats and biofilms. Geological, geochemical, an

SUBMITTER: Kraus EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5981138 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature