A comparative study of endolithic microborings in basaltic lavas from a transitional subglacial – marine environment
Subglacially erupted Neogene basaltic hyaloclastites in lava-fed deltas in Antarctica were
found to contain putative endolithic microborings preserved in fresh glass along hydrous alteration
boundaries. The location and existence over the past 6 Ma of these lava deltas has exposed them to
successive interglacials and subsequent percolation of the hyaloclastite with marine water. A statistical
study of the hyaloclastites has found that endolithic microborings are distinctly more abundant within
samples that show evidence for marine alteration, compared with those that have remained in a strictly
freshwater (glacial) environment. Additionally, correlation between elevation and the abundance of
microborings shows endolithic activity to be more prolific within lower elevation samples, where the
hyaloclastites were influenced by marine fluids. Our study strongly suggests that endolithic microborings
form more readily in marine-influenced, rather than freshwater environments. Indeed, marine fluids may
be a necessary precondition for the microbial activity responsible. Thus, we suggest that the chemistry
and origin of alteration fluids are controlling factors on the formation of endolithic microborings in
basaltic glass. The study also contributes to the understanding of how endolithic microborings could be
used as a biosignature on Mars, where basaltic lavas and aqueous alteration are known to have existed
in the past.
Details
Publication status:
Published
Author(s):
Authors: Cousins, Claire R., Smellie, John L., Jones, Adrian P., Crawford, Ian A.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're okay with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead more
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.