Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2023-32
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2023-32
27 Feb 2023
 | 27 Feb 2023
Status: this preprint is currently under review for the journal BG.

What is eating my rocks? A possible novel biological niche in limestone

Trudy M. Wassenaar, Cees W. Passchier, Nora Groschopf, Anna Jantschke, Regina Mertz-Kraus, and Janos L. Urai

Abstract. Metamorphic limestones in Namibia and Oman were found to be consumed inside the rock mass by microbiological activity of a thus far unknown nature that created bands of parallel tubules. Tubule of up to 0.5 mm wide and 30 mm long collectively form bands of tens of meters long. These bands formed along fractures in the rock and only surfaced after erosion. In fresh outcrops the tubules are filled with white calcium carbonate with internal structures. This filling is depleted for several metal elements that can be incorporated into biomatter and was deposited by the microorganisms as they grew inside the rock. The rim of the tubules contain1 µm wide growth rings enriched for P and S. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed presence of biological material. The rocks are too old to conserve DNA or protein. We consider this a new niche for life that has so far not been described.

Trudy M. Wassenaar et al.

Status: open (until 16 Apr 2023)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse

Trudy M. Wassenaar et al.

Trudy M. Wassenaar et al.

Viewed

Total article views: 240 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total Supplement BibTeX EndNote
184 50 6 240 16 2 4
  • HTML: 184
  • PDF: 50
  • XML: 6
  • Total: 240
  • Supplement: 16
  • BibTeX: 2
  • EndNote: 4
Views and downloads (calculated since 27 Feb 2023)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 27 Feb 2023)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 239 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 239 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 24 Mar 2023
Download
Short summary
Marbles in the desert areas of Namibia and Oman were found to be consumed from inside the rock mass by microbiological activity of a thus far unknown nature that created bands of parallel tubules. These bands formed along fractures in the rock and only surfaced after erosion made them visible. We consider this a new niche for life that has so far not been described. These life forms may have an unknown impact on the global carbon cycle.
Altmetrics