Hot spring siliceous stromatolites from Yellowstone National Park: assessing growth rate and laminae formation

Siliceous stromatolites from Yellowstone National Park's Obsidian Pool Prime (OPP) reveal that finely laminated microbial structures, typically preserved in ancient carbonate forms, can also be lithified rapidly in silica-rich environments. Growth rates of 1-5 cm per year are punctuated, with cyanobacterial communities utilizing CO₂ from both vent water and the atmosphere. The study found that drape lamination, characterized by stronger silica cementation, likely formed during lower spring levels, suggesting environmental forcing influences lamination style. Early lithification, driven by temperature-controlled silica solubility, is critical for preserving finely laminated microbial mats, offering insights into the morphogenesis of ancient stromatolites.

BERELSON, W. M., CORSETTI, F. A., PEPE-RANNEY, C., HAMMOND, D. E., BEAUMONT, W., & SPEAR, J. R. (2011). Hot spring siliceous stromatolites from Yellowstone National Park: assessing growth rate and laminae formation. Geobiology, no–no. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1472-4669.2011.00288.x