An Investigation of the Genesis of Microbialite Communities in Storr’s Lake, San Salvador Island, The Bahamas
Department
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Major
Geology and Geophysics
Research Advisor
Wronkiewicz, David J.
Advisor's Department
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Funding Source
American Chemical Society – Petroleum Research Fund
Abstract
Living microbial communities are found in the hypersaline and turbid waters of Storr’s Lake, The Bahamas. The microbialite mats are composed of mixed communities of symbiotic bacteria and cyanobacteria that precipitate mixed calcium-magnesium carbonate minerals as a result of their biologic activity. These solid mineral strutures have coalesced into mound-shaped structures that initially began to form more than 2360 years ago in Storr’s Lake. Growth patterns of the microbialite layers and their corresponding calcium and magnesium stable isotope chemistry are being used to determine both the growth process and sources of mineral components in the mounds. A better understanding of the modern mineralization process(es) will allow the researchers to use these isotopic patterns to reconstruct the carbon-cycle and paleoclimate history of Storr’s Lake. Similar structures have been identified in Missouri’s fossil record, and thus can provide glimpses into the evolution of the Earth’s climate and atmosphere over geologic time.
Biography
Katherine E. Herries is a senior in Geology and Geophysics. Upon graduation, she will attend graduate school to further her studies in the Geosciences. In her free time, she likes to play her guitar and banjo, play with her dog, and hike any trail she can find.
Research Category
Research Proposals
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
11 Apr 2016, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
An Investigation of the Genesis of Microbialite Communities in Storr’s Lake, San Salvador Island, The Bahamas
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Living microbial communities are found in the hypersaline and turbid waters of Storr’s Lake, The Bahamas. The microbialite mats are composed of mixed communities of symbiotic bacteria and cyanobacteria that precipitate mixed calcium-magnesium carbonate minerals as a result of their biologic activity. These solid mineral strutures have coalesced into mound-shaped structures that initially began to form more than 2360 years ago in Storr’s Lake. Growth patterns of the microbialite layers and their corresponding calcium and magnesium stable isotope chemistry are being used to determine both the growth process and sources of mineral components in the mounds. A better understanding of the modern mineralization process(es) will allow the researchers to use these isotopic patterns to reconstruct the carbon-cycle and paleoclimate history of Storr’s Lake. Similar structures have been identified in Missouri’s fossil record, and thus can provide glimpses into the evolution of the Earth’s climate and atmosphere over geologic time.
Comments
Joint Project with Kayla R. Haneline