Hickman-Lewis, Keyron and Cavalazzi, B. and Giannoukos, K. and D'Amico, L. and Vrbaski, S. and Saccomano, G. and Dreossi, D. and Tromba, G. and Foucher, F. and Brownscombe, W. and Smith, C.L. and Westall, F. (2022) Advanced two- and three-dimensional insights into Earth’s oldest stromatolites (ca. 3.5 Ga): prospects for the search for life on Mars. Geology , ISSN 0091-7613.
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Hickman-Lewis et al. (2023) Dresser stromatolites.pdf - Published Version of Record Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (3MB) |
Abstract
Paleoarchean stromatolites are among the oldest compelling evidence for life. We present advanced two- and three-dimensional (2-D and 3-D) reconstructions of the morphology, mineralogy, trace element geochemistry, and taphonomy of permineralized stromatolites from the lowermost horizons of the ca. 3.5 Ga Dresser Formation, Pilbara, Western Australia. Rare earth element plus yttrium compositions suggest a restricted paleodepositional setting influenced by marine influxes; this contrasts with other Dresser stromatolites, which developed around terrestrial hot springs. Mineral phase relationships and positive Eu anomalies denote syndepositional hydrothermal influence and silicification promoting high-fidelity microstructural preservation. Although no primary kerogen is preserved, numerous 2-D and 3-D morphological characteristics denote a biogenic origin, including the onlap of sedimentary layers onto stromatolitic topography, fine-scale undulatory laminations, non-isopachous laminations with crestal thickening, laminoid fenestrae, and subvertical pillar-like fabrics interpreted as microbial palisade structure; these features suggest that the stromatolite eco-system was dominantly phototrophic. The deep iron-rich weathering profile of the Dresser stromatolites makes them pertinent analogues for potential microbialites in altered carbonates on Mars. Were similar putative biogenic macro-, meso- and micromorphologies identified in habitable Martian settings by rover imaging systems, such materials would be compelling targets for sample return.
Metadata
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| School: | Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science > School of Natural Sciences |
| Research Centres and Institutes: | Planetary Sciences, Centre for (CPS) |
| Depositing User: | Keyron Hickman-Lewis |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Mar 2025 13:42 |
| Last Modified: | 31 Mar 2025 04:58 |
| URI: | https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/55191 |
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