Abstract
Endolithic photosynthetic communities in geothermal siliceous rocks in the area of Rotorua, New Zealand, were analysed using traditional microbiological and molecular biology techniques. Rock surface temperatures varied between 40°C and 60°C. Major endoliths included cyanobacteria of subsections I, II and V. Few subsection IV organisms were found and subsection III (filamentous, non-heterocystous) cyanobacteria were present only as epiliths or chasmoendoliths. Therefore, the endolithic cyanobacterial communities in these sites resembled assemblages as reported for carbonate rocks in other geothermal regions. Cells of the rhodophyte family Cyanidiaceae were detected within rock at various sites. Some of these phototrophic organisms were associated with mineral (presumably silica) deposits and could be important geological agents in siliceous rock deposition.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.