Other| February 01, 2002 Coniform Stromatolites from Geothermal Systems, North Island, New Zealand BRIAN JONES; BRIAN JONES 1Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar ROBIN W. RENAUT; ROBIN W. RENAUT 2Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E2, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar MICHAEL R. ROSEN; MICHAEL R. ROSEN 3Wairakei Research Centre, Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, Wairakei Research Centre, Private Bag 2000, Taupo, New Zealand * Present Address: Nevada Basin and Range Study Unit, US Geological Survey, 333 W. Nye Lane, Carson City NV 89706 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar KEVIN M. ANSDELL KEVIN M. ANSDELL 4Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E2, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar PALAIOS (2002) 17 (1): 84–103. https://doi.org/10.1669/0883-1351(2002)017<0084:CSFGSN>2.0.CO;2 Article history accepted: 20 Jun 2001 first online: 03 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation BRIAN JONES, ROBIN W. RENAUT, MICHAEL R. ROSEN, KEVIN M. ANSDELL; Coniform Stromatolites from Geothermal Systems, North Island, New Zealand. PALAIOS 2002;; 17 (1): 84–103. doi: https://doi.org/10.1669/0883-1351(2002)017<0084:CSFGSN>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyPALAIOS Search Advanced Search Abstract Coniform stromatolites are found in several sites in the Tokaanu and Whakarewarewa geothermal areas of North Island, New Zealand. At Tokaanu, silicification of these stromatolites is taking place in Kirihoro, a shallow hot spring-fed pool. At Whakarewarewa, subfossil silicified coniform stromatolites are found on the floor of “Waikite Pool” on the discharge apron below Waikite Geyser, and in an old sinter succession at Te Anarata. The microbes in the coniform stromatolites from Tokaanu, Waikite Pool, and Te Anarata have been well preserved through rapid silicification. Nevertheless, subtle differences in the silicification style induced morphological variations that commonly mask or alter morphological features needed for identification of the microbes in terms of extant taxa.The coniform stromatolites in the New Zealand hot-spring pools are distinctive because (1) they are formed of upward tapering (i.e., conical) columns, (2) neighboring columns commonly are linked by vertical sheets or bridges, (3) internally, they are formed of alternating high- and low-porosity laminae that have a conical vertical profile, and (4) Phormidium form more than 90% of the biota. As such, they are comparable to modern coniform mats and stromatolites found in the geothermal systems of Yellowstone National Park and ice-covered lakes in Antarctica.Formation of the coniform stromatolites is restricted to pools that are characterized by low current energy and a microflora that is dominated by Phormidium. These delicate and intricate stromatolites could not form in areas characterized by fast flowing water or a diverse microflora. Thus, it appears that the distribution of these distinctive stromatolites is controlled by biological constraints that are superimposed on environmental needs. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.