Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › Research › peer-review
Weathering crusts are the only reliable evidence of the existence of continental conditions,. often they are the only source of information about exogenous processes and subsequently about conditions under which the development of biosphere occurred. A diverse complex of fossil microorganisms was discovered by Scanning Electron Microscope investigations. The chemical composition of the discovered fossils is identical to that of the host rocks and is represented by Si, Al, Fe, Ca and Mg. Probably, the microorganisms embedded in the rocks played the role of a catalyst. Decomposition of minerals, comprising rocks, and their transformation into clayey (argillaceous) minerals, occurred most likely under the influence of microorganisms. Perhaps the unique weathering crusts of Early Precambrian were formed due to interaction between specific composition of microorganism assemblage and conditions of hypergene transformations. So it is possible to speak about the colonization of land by microbes already at that time and about existence of single series from weathering crusts (primitive soils) to real soils.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Instruments and Methods for Astrobiology and Planetary Missions XII |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 19 Nov 2009 |
Event | Instruments and Methods for Astrobiology and Planetary Missions XII - San Diego, CA, United States Duration: 4 Aug 2009 → 6 Aug 2009 |
Name | Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering |
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Volume | 7441 |
ISSN (Print) | 0277-786X |
Conference | Instruments and Methods for Astrobiology and Planetary Missions XII |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | San Diego, CA |
Period | 4/08/09 → 6/08/09 |
ID: 40628568