Journal
PHYSICA A-STATISTICAL MECHANICS AND ITS APPLICATIONS
Volume 337, Issue 1-2, Pages 319-326Publisher
ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2004.01.065
Keywords
microbialites; stromatolites; KPZ equation
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Mathematical models have recently been used to cast doubt on the biotic origin of stromatolites. Here by contrast we propose a biotic model for stromatolite morphogenesis which considers the relationship between upward growth of a phototropic or phototactic biofilm (v) and mineral accretion normal to the surface (lambda). These processes are sufficient to account for the growth and form of many ancient stromatolities. Domical stromatolites form when v is less than or comparable to lambda. Coniform structures with thickened apical zones, typical of Conophyton, form when vmuch greater thanlambda. More angular coniform structures, similar to the stromatolites claimed as the oldest macroscopic evidence of life, form when vmuch greater thanlambda. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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