Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS43 Biogeochemical Processes in Stromatolites: A 3 b.y.old ecosystem (Spatial and Temporal Connections)

Date: Monday, February 12, 2001, Time: 2:30:00 PM

Location: Cimarron

Prufert-Bebout, L, , NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA, lbebout@mail.arc.nasa.gov

Dacles-Mariani, J, , NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA, dacles@nas.nasa.gov

Herbert, A, , Foothills-DeAnza Internship Program, Moffett Field, Ca, USA, aherbert@mail.arc.nasa.gov

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF CYANOBACTERIA IN MODERN MARINE STROMATOLITES: HIGHBORNE CAY BAHAMAS

Living stromatolites consist of complex microbial communities with distinct distribution patterns for different microbial groups. The cyanobacterial populations of Highborne Cay Bahamas exemplify this phenomenon. Field observations reveal distinct distribution patterns for several of these cyanobacterial species. To date 10 different cyanobacterial cultures, including both filamentous and endolithic species, have been isolated from these stromatolites. We will present data on the growth and motility characteristics as well as on the nutritional requirements of these isolates. These data will then be correlated with the field observed distributions for these species. Lastly laboratory simulations of stromatolites grown under various conditions of irradiance, flow and cyanobacterial community composition will be presented. These experiments allow us to evaluate our predictions regarding controls on cyanobacterial distribution. Cyanobacteria are the primary producers in this system providing energy (directly or indirectly) for the entire stromatolite microbial community. They also play key roles in the trapping and binding of sediments. Therefore an increased understanding of the controls on their motility and distribution will greatly enhance our ability to interpret stromatolite morphologies.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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