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Microbial mats and modern stromatolites in Shark Bay, Western AustraliaDistribution, external morphology, texture, and microbial composition of microbial mats in Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay, Western Australia, have been studied and reviewed along a composite representative profile starting from the permanently submerged zone, across the zones of periodic flooding, toward permanently emerged land and coastal dunes. The following nine types of algal mats have been recognized: colloform, gelatinous, smooth, pincushion, tufted, mamillate, film, reticulate, and blister. Solar ponds represent a particular environment. The mat types represent microbial communities that are characterized by one or more dominant microorganisms. The colonization and stabilization of loose sediment is carried out by a microbial assemblage of generalists that prepare the ground for later replacement and succession by specialized microflora. Lithification of microbial mats takes place periodically, mainly during the austral summer. This process is destructive for the microbial community but increases the preservation potential of the stromatolitic structures.
Document ID
19860033289
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Golubic, S.
(Boston University MA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1985
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Accession Number
86A18027
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF GA-43391
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF EAR-76-84233
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF EAR-79-11200
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF OCE-12999
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-141
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7588
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF EAR-81-07686
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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