Biostabilization of sediments by microbial mats in a temperate siliciclastic tidal flat, Bahia Blanca estuary (Argentina)

摘要: Abstract Extensive microbial mats have been found in the siliciclastic tidal flats of temperate Bahia Blanca estuary Atlantic coast Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Several microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS) occur especially upper intertidal and lower supratidal flats, among which most conspicuous are erosional pockets, gas domes, mat chips, polygonal oscillation cracks. Biostabilization processes by epibenthic endobenthic also analyzed. Endobenthic area stabilizing ripples that despite occurrence severe storms persist a fixed position for at least 2 months. Epibenthic occurring protect substrate forming thick cover through studied period. This was only affected strong storm formed areas with pockets pieces. Nevertheless, loose sediment within quickly colonized microorganisms developed thin biofilm layer after week. Changes accumulation were recorded all over flat during year, showing an important increase due to bioturbation activities crabs. situation growth, evolved from into thick, stratified community almost 2 years, mainly areas. The results this study not help us better characterize complex interactions between mats, tidal-flat physical parameters control setting, but implications understanding analogous fossil successions.