Abstract
Benthic microorganisms commonly form microscopic biofilms, which in aquatic environmental settings may develop into meter-scale microbial mats. Biofilms are a microbial community in which all members closely interact in order to harvest nutrients. Microbial mats and biofilms have a significant influence on the effects of waves and currents on unconsolidated sediments. Results of such biotic-sediment dynamic processes are microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS). These are primary sedimentary structures that occur in clastic deposits from early Archean age to the modern time. Because of their modes of formation, MISS offer insights into the paleoenvironmental conditions under which they were formed. Microbial response to erosion is called biostabilization. The microbes react to deposition by baffling and trapping material. Binding (microfabrics establishment by microbes) and the growth of biofilms take place during periods of sedimentary and hydraulic quiescence. Different microbial mat types grow within an area corresponding to the average dynamic pattern. Accordingly, different types of MISS are formed, each type characteristic of a specific setting within the depositional system. Archean MISS are important fossil structures, allowing insight into early life on Earth and on similar terrestrial planets such as Mars.
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