The importance of microbiological activity in the alteration of natural basaltic glass

Journal Article · Sat Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1992 · Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(92)90104-Q· OSTI ID:5319617

Thorseth, I H; Furnes, H; Heldal, M ^[1]

---

1. Univ. i Bergen (Norway)

The textural development of palagonite may differ profoundly depending on whether alteration occurred in the outermost 6-7 mm thick light-exposed surface zone of deposits, or elsewhere. In the former case, a pit-textured development of the parent basaltic glass develops as a consequence of local establishment of a highly alkaline micro-environment (pH > 9) for which the light-dependent cryptoendolithic cyanobacteria are considered most likely to be responsible. A highly porous, sponge-textured variety of palagonite, frequently defining zoned layers, contains abundant examples of bacteria. The shape and size of the pores combined with the geochemical development strongly suggest that bacteria have played an important role in the development of this texture.

• OSTI ID: 5319617
• Journal Information: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta; (United States), Journal Name: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta; (United States) Vol. 56:2; ISSN GCACA; ISSN 0016-7037
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580000* -- Geosciences
AMORPHOUS STATE
BASALT
BIODEGRADATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CORROSIVE EFFECTS
CRYSTAL FACES
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
CYANOBACTERIA
DECOMPOSITION
DIAGENESIS
IGNEOUS ROCKS
MICROORGANISMS
MICROSTRUCTURE
PH VALUE
ROCKS
SURFACE PROPERTIES
VOLCANIC ROCKS