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Otálora F, Mazurier A, Garcia-Ruiz JM, Van Kranendonk MJ, Kotopoulou E, El Albani A, Garrido CJ. A crystallographic study of crystalline casts and pseudomorphs from the 3.5 Ga Dresser Formation, Pilbara Craton (Australia). J Appl Crystallogr 2018; 51:1050-1058. [PMID: 30100827 PMCID: PMC6068616 DOI: 10.1107/s1600576718007343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Crystallography has a long history of providing knowledge and methods for applications in other disciplines. The identification of minerals using X-ray diffraction is one of the most important contributions of crystallography to earth sciences. However, when the crystal itself has been dissolved, replaced or deeply modified during the geological history of the rocks, diffraction information is not available. Instead, the morphology of the crystal cast provides the only crystallographic information on the original mineral phase and the environment of crystal growth. This article reports an investigation of crystal pseudomorphs and crystal casts found in a carbonate-chert facies from the 3.48 Ga-old Dresser Formation (Pilbara Craton, Australia), considered to host some of the oldest remnants of life. A combination of X-ray microtomography, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and crystallographic methods has been used to reveal the original phases of these Archean pseudomorphs. It is found with a high degree of confidence that the original crystals forming in Archean times were hollow aragonite, the high-temperature polymorphs of calcium carbonate, rather than other possible alternatives such as gypsum (CaSO4·2H20) and nahcolite (NaHCO3). The methodology used is described in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fermin Otálora
- Laboratorio de Estudios Cristalográficos, Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Terra (CSIC-UGR), Avenida de las Palmeras, 4, Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - A Mazurier
- IC2MP, UMR CNRS 7285, Equipe E2 HydrASA, Université de Poitiers, 5 rue Albert Turpain, Bâtiment B8, TSA 51106, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France
| | - J M Garcia-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Estudios Cristalográficos, Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Terra (CSIC-UGR), Avenida de las Palmeras, 4, Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - M J Van Kranendonk
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences and Australian Centre for Astrobiology, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - E Kotopoulou
- Laboratorio de Estudios Cristalográficos, Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Terra (CSIC-UGR), Avenida de las Palmeras, 4, Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - A El Albani
- IC2MP, UMR CNRS 7285, Equipe E2 HydrASA, Université de Poitiers, 5 rue Albert Turpain, Bâtiment B8, TSA 51106, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France
| | - C J Garrido
- Laboratorio de Estudios Cristalográficos, Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Terra (CSIC-UGR), Avenida de las Palmeras, 4, Armilla, Granada, Spain
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Murphy RJ, Van Kranendonk MJ, Kelloway SJ, Wainwright IE. Complex patterns in fossilized stromatolites revealed by hyperspectral imaging (400-2496 nm). Geobiology 2016; 14:419-439. [PMID: 27146219 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Hyperspectral imaging (400-2496 nm) was used to quantitatively map surface textures and compositional variations in stromatolites to determine whether complexity of textures could be used as evidence to support biogenicity in the absence of preserved biomarkers. Four samples of 2.72-2.4 Ga stromatolites from a variety of settings, encompassing marine and lacustrine environments, were selected for hyperspectral imaging. Images of the sawn surfaces of samples were processed to identify reflectance and mineral absorption features and quantify their intensity (as an index of mineral abundance) using automated feature extraction. Amounts of ferrous iron were quantified using a ratio of reflectance at 1650 and 1299 nm. Visible near infrared imagery (400-970 nm) did not reveal additional textural patterns to those obtained from visual inspection. Shortwave infrared imagery (1000-2496 nm), however, revealed complex laminar and convoluted patterns, including a distinctive texture of sharp peaks and broad, low troughs in one sample, similar to living tufted microbial mats. Spectral analysis revealed another sample to be composed of dolomite. Two other samples were dominated by calcite or chlorite ± illite. Large variations in amounts of ferrous iron were found, but ferric iron was exclusively located in the oxidation crust. Hyperspectral imaging revealed large differences between parts of a sample of biogenic and non-biogenic origin. The former was characterized by calcite with varying amounts of ferrous iron, distributed in lenticular, convoluted patterns; the latter by Mg-Fe chlorite with large amounts of aluminium silicate, distributed as fine laminar layers. All minerals identified by hyperspectral imaging were confirmed by thin section petrography and XRD analyses. Spatial statistics generated from quantitative minerals maps showed different patterns between these different parts of the sample. Thus, hyperspectral imaging was shown to be a powerful tool for detecting structures in stromatolites that could be used, together with other lines of evidence, to support biogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Murphy
- Australian Centre for Field Robotics, Department of Aerospace, Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M J Van Kranendonk
- Australian Centre for Astrobiology, and School of Biological and Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - S J Kelloway
- XRF Laboratory, Solid State and Elemental Analysis Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - I E Wainwright
- XRF Laboratory, Solid State and Elemental Analysis Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
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Barlow E, Van Kranendonk MJ, Yamaguchi KE, Ikehara M, Lepland A. Lithostratigraphic analysis of a new stromatolite-thrombolite reef from across the rise of atmospheric oxygen in the Paleoproterozoic Turee Creek Group, Western Australia. Geobiology 2016; 14:317-343. [PMID: 26928741 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study describes a previously undocumented dolomitic stromatolite-thrombolite reef complex deposited within the upper part (Kazput Formation) of the c. 2.4-2.3 Ga Turee Creek Group, Western Australia, across the rise of atmospheric oxygen. Confused by some as representing a faulted slice of the younger c. 1.8 Ga Duck Creek Dolomite, this study describes the setting and lithostratigraphy of the 350-m-thick complex and shows how it differs from its near neighbour. The Kazput reef complex is preserved along 15 km of continuous exposure on the east limb of a faulted, north-west-plunging syncline and consists of 5 recognisable facies associations (A-E), which form two part regressions and one transgression. The oldest facies association (A) is characterised by thinly bedded dololutite-dolarenite, with local domical stromatolites. Association B consists of interbedded columnar and stratiform stromatolites deposited under relatively shallow-water conditions. Association C comprises tightly packed columnar and club-shaped stromatolites deposited under continuously deepening conditions. Clotted (thrombolite-like) microbialite, in units up to 40 m thick, dominates Association D, whereas Association E contains bedded dololutite and dolarenite, and some thinly bedded ironstone, shale and black chert units. Carbon and oxygen isotope stratigraphy reveals a narrow range in both δ(13) Ccarb values, from -0.22 to 0.97‰ (VPDB: average = 0.68‰), and δ(18) O values, from -14.8 to -10.3‰ (VPDB), within the range of elevated fluid temperatures, likely reflecting some isotopic exchange. The Kazput Formation stromatolite-thrombolite reef complex contains features of younger Paleoproterozoic carbonate reefs, yet is 300-500 Ma older than previously described Proterozoic examples worldwide. Significantly, the microbial fabrics are clearly distinct from Archean stromatolitic marine carbonate reefs by way of containing the first appearance of clotted microbialite and large columnar stromatolites with complex branching arrangements. Such structures denote a more complex morphological expression of growth than previously recorded in the geological record and may link to the rise of atmospheric oxygen.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Barlow
- Australian Centre for Astrobiology, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems, Perth, Australia
| | - M J Van Kranendonk
- Australian Centre for Astrobiology, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems, Perth, Australia
| | - K E Yamaguchi
- Department of Chemistry, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Ikehara
- Centre for Advanced Marine Core Research, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - A Lepland
- Geological Survey of Norway, Trondheim, Norway
- Institute of Geology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
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Sugitani K, Mimura K, Takeuchi M, Yamaguchi T, Suzuki K, Senda R, Asahara Y, Wallis S, Van Kranendonk MJ. A Paleoarchean coastal hydrothermal field inhabited by diverse microbial communities: the Strelley Pool Formation, Pilbara Craton, Western Australia. Geobiology 2015; 13:522-545. [PMID: 26189535 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The 3.4-Ga Strelley Pool Formation (SPF) at the informally named 'Waterfall Locality' in the Goldsworthy greenstone belt of the Pilbara Craton, Western Australia, provides deeper insights into ancient, shallow subaqueous to possibly subaerial ecosystems. Outcrops at this locality contain a thin (<3 m) unit of carbonaceous and non-carbonaceous cherts and silicified sandstones that were deposited in a shallow-water coastal environment, with hydrothermal activities, consistent with the previous studies. Carbonaceous, sulfide-rich massive black cherts with coniform structures up to 3 cm high are characterized by diverse rare earth elements (REE) signatures including enrichment of light [light rare earth elements (LREE)] or middle rare earth elements and by enrichment of heavy metals represented by Zn. The massive black cherts were likely deposited by mixing of hydrothermal and non-hydrothermal fluids. Coniform structures in the cherts are characterized by diffuse laminae composed of sulfide particles, suggesting that unlike stromatolites, they were formed dominantly through physico-chemical processes related to hydrothermal activity. The cherts yield microfossils identical to previously described carbonaceous films, small and large spheres, and lenticular microfossils. In addition, new morphological types such as clusters composed of large carbonaceous spheroids (20-40 μm across each) with fluffy or foam-like envelope are identified. Finely laminated carbonaceous cherts are devoid of heavy metals and characterized by the enrichment of LREE. This chert locally contains conical to domal structures characterized by truncation of laminae and trapping of detrital grains and is interpreted as siliceous stromatolite formed by very early or contemporaneous silicification of biomats with the contribution of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids. Biological affinities of described microfossils and microbes constructing siliceous stromatolites are under investigation. However, this study emphasizes how diverse the microbial community in Paleoarchean coastal hydrothermal environment was. We propose the diversity is at least partially due to the availability of various energy sources in this depositional environment including reducing chemicals and sunlight.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sugitani
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Australian Centre for Astrobiology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - K Mimura
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - M Takeuchi
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - T Yamaguchi
- School of Informatics and Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - K Suzuki
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - R Senda
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Y Asahara
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - S Wallis
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - M J Van Kranendonk
- Australian Centre for Astrobiology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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García-Ruiz JM, Hyde ST, Carnerup AM, Christy AG, Van Kranendonk MJ, Welham NJ. Self-Assembled Silica-Carbonate Structures and Detection of Ancient Microfossils. Science 2003; 302:1194-7. [PMID: 14615534 DOI: 10.1126/science.1090163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 379] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
We have synthesized inorganic micron-sized filaments, whose microstucture consists of silica-coated nanometer-sized carbonate crystals, arranged with strong orientational order. They exhibit noncrystallographic, curved, helical morphologies, reminiscent of biological forms. The filaments are similar to supposed cyanobacterial microfossils from the Precambrian Warrawoona chert formation in Western Australia, reputed to be the oldest terrestrial microfossils. Simple organic hydrocarbons, whose sources may also be abiotic and indeed inorganic, readily condense onto these filaments and subsequently polymerize under gentle heating to yield kerogenous products. Our results demonstrate that abiotic and morphologically complex microstructures that are identical to currently accepted biogenic materials can be synthesized inorganically.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M García-Ruiz
- Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Universidad de Granada, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Fuentenueva 18002, Granada, Spain
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