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Microbial trace-fossil formation, biogenous, and abiotic weathering in the Antarctic cold desertIn the Antarctic cold desert (Ross Desert), the survival of the cryptoendolithic microorganisms that colonize the near-surface layer of porous sandstone rocks depends on a precarious equilibrium of biological and geological factors. An unfavorable shift of this equilibrium results in death, and this may be followed by formation of trace fossils that preserve the characteristic iron-leaching pattern caused by microbial activity. Similar microbial trace fossils may exist in the geological record. If life ever arose on early Mars, similar processes may have occurred there and left recognizable traces.
Document ID
19870054166
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Friedmann, E. Imre
(Florida State University Tallahassee, United States)
Weed, Rebecca
(Maine, University Orono, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
May 8, 1987
Publication Information
Publication: Science
Volume: 236
ISSN: 0036-8075
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
87A41440
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF DPP-83-14180
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7337
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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