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Microfossils and possible microfossils from the Early Archean Onverwacht Group, Barberton Mountain Land, South AfricaThere is widespread textural evidence for microbial activity in the cherts of the Early Archean Onverwacht Group. Layers with fine carbonaceous laminations resembling fossil microbial mats are abundant in the cherty metasediments of the predominantly basaltic Hooggenoeg and Kromberg Formations. In rare cases, filamentous microfossils are associated with the laminae. The morphologies of the fossils, as well as the texture of the encompassing laminae suggest an affinity to modern mat-dwelling cyanobacteria or bacteria. A variety of spheroidal and ellipsoidal structures present in cherts of the Hooggenoeg and Kromberg Formations resemble modern coccoidal bacteria and bacterial structures, including spores. The development of spores may have enabled early microorganisms to survive the relatively harsh surficial conditions, including the effects of very large meteorite impacts on the young Earth.
Document ID
20040089330
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Walsh, M. M.
(Louisiana State University Baton Rouge 70803, United States)
Lowe, D. R.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Precambrian research
Volume: 54
ISSN: 0301-9268
Subject Category
Geosciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCA2-332
CONTRACT_GRANT: EAR 79-19908
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Exobiology

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