Biogenic ultramicrostructures in stromatolites and prospects for their study

   Research subject. Cyanobacteria and biogenic ultramicrostructures in stromatolites.

   Aim. Analysis of methods based on the systematization of stromatolites according to morphological characteristics, as well as the results obtained using these methods. Justification of the need to continue the study of stromatolites. Description of a method for detecting microbial residues in stromatolites, highlighting the main morphotypes and determining their composition. Discussion of the possibilities, advantages, and disadvantages of a new approach to studying biogenic ultramicrostructures in stromatolites, the reliability of the as-obtained data, and the specifics of their interpretation. Examples are provided to demonstrate the activity of which microorganisms resulted in the formation of a particular microstructure of stromatolites, forming the basis for their formal classification. The method described has been repeatedly tested by the author in the process of studying stromatolites and oncoliths of different ages; the results have been published in a number of leading journals.

   Materials and methods. Samples for analysis were collected primarily from Precambrian biogenic rocks in various regions of Russia. The study was conducted using scanning electron microscope. Specimens measuring approximately 20 × 20 mm were mechanically separated from the samples. Gold was deposited in a vacuum chamber. Organism remains in stromatolites and oncolites were identified using a TesScanMV-2300 scanning electron microscope. Their elemental composition was recorded using an EDS microanalyzer (INCA 200, Oxford Instruments), with a scan diameter of 1 μm and a polarized light scattering sensitivity of 0.001%.

   Results. Numerous fossilized remains of organisms in stromatolites are identified. Criteria for changes in their composition are established, including as a result of exposure to secondary processes. The role of the bacterial-algal community in the formation of textural and structural features of these rocks is discussed. The main morphotypes of biogenic ultramicrostructures in stromatolites are identified. The mandatory criteria for obtaining reliable data and their control by other methods are discussed. Further prospects for the study of organisms in biogenic structures are considered.

   Conclusions. The use of scanning electron microscope and the technique described by the author for the first time has made it possible to identify numerous microbial residues in stromatolites. Determination of their elemental composition and comparison of these data with the host rock facilitate monitoring the genesis of finds and obtaining useful additional information. The creation of a classification of stromatolite-forming microfossils and the analysis of the participation of organisms in the construction of textural and structural features of stromatolites will significantly expand the understanding of the formation features of these rocks and their age.

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