Iron-Rich Diagenetic Minerals are Biomarkers of Microbial Activity in Antarctic Rocks

摘要: The cold, dry ecosystems of Antarctica have been shown to harbor traces left behind by microbial activity within certain types rocks, but only two indirect biomarkers cryptoendolithic in the Antarctic cold desert zone described date. These are geophysical and geochemical bioweathering patterns macroscopically observed sandstone rock. Here we show that this extreme environment, minerals biologically transformed, as a result, Fe-rich diagenetic form iron hydroxide nanocrystals biogenic clays deposited around chasmoendolithic hyphae bacterial cells. Thus, when life decays, these characteristic neocrystalized act distinct previous endolithic activity. ability recognize may potential astrobiological implications because Ross Desert is considered terrestrial analogue possible ecosystem on early Mars.