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Ashley Manning-Berg, Assistant Professor of Geology, Dept. of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science
Ashley Manning-Berg, Assistant Professor of Geology, Dept. of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science
Monday November 6th; 3 PM
Monday November 6th; 3 PM
Host: Jason Muhlbauer
Host: Jason Muhlbauer
Title: Insights into exceptional preservation via silicification during the Proterozoic
Title: Insights into exceptional preservation via silicification during the Proterozoic
Abstract: Early diagenetic chert deposits are common in Mesoproterozoic peritidal carbonate strata and can record exceptional preservation of microbial morphologies. Petrographic studies of silicified microbial mats from the Proterozoic show no evidence of a precursor phase, suggesting that silica is a primary mineral phase. Such preservation can inform our understanding of early Earth ecosystems and potential extraterrestrial ecosystems; however, the silicification process in low-temperature surface environments is not yet understood. Taphonomic processes, including those that preserve organisms – like silicification – can obscure the interpretation of ancient microbial ecosystems. This talk will look at petrographic observations of silicified microfossils, modern microbial communities, actualistic studies of microbial degradation, and artificial fossilization experiments to investigate the extent to which these microfossils are preserved during silicification.
Abstract: Early diagenetic chert deposits are common in Mesoproterozoic peritidal carbonate strata and can record exceptional preservation of microbial morphologies. Petrographic studies of silicified microbial mats from the Proterozoic show no evidence of a precursor phase, suggesting that silica is a primary mineral phase. Such preservation can inform our understanding of early Earth ecosystems and potential extraterrestrial ecosystems; however, the silicification process in low-temperature surface environments is not yet understood. Taphonomic processes, including those that preserve organisms – like silicification – can obscure the interpretation of ancient microbial ecosystems. This talk will look at petrographic observations of silicified microfossils, modern microbial communities, actualistic studies of microbial degradation, and artificial fossilization experiments to investigate the extent to which these microfossils are preserved during silicification.
Bio: Dr. Manning-Berg is a sedimentologist interested in understanding the composition of Earth's surface environments. Her research uses chemical sedimentary rocks to investigate the geochemical composition of modern and ancient surface environments and the effects of early diagenesis in these systems. Most of her work investigates the geochemical conditions of Precambrian marginal marine environments and early Earth, their potential for exceptional preservation of early Earth ecosystems, and their ability to provide analogs for potential extraterrestrial microbial life. She also performs taphonomic laboratory experiments to gain insight into the preservation of microorganisms and the effects of mineral phases on preservation.
Bio: Dr. Manning-Berg is a sedimentologist interested in understanding the composition of Earth's surface environments. Her research uses chemical sedimentary rocks to investigate the geochemical composition of modern and ancient surface environments and the effects of early diagenesis in these systems. Most of her work investigates the geochemical conditions of Precambrian marginal marine environments and early Earth, their potential for exceptional preservation of early Earth ecosystems, and their ability to provide analogs for potential extraterrestrial microbial life. She also performs taphonomic laboratory experiments to gain insight into the preservation of microorganisms and the effects of mineral phases on preservation.
Journal Article:
Journal Article:
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