whitelackington
New member
Calcite deposition,
does anybody now think it is likely that calcite is deposited as waste by microbes?
does anybody now think it is likely that calcite is deposited as waste by microbes?
calcite deposition
- Thread starter whitelackington
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Les W
Active member
I was under the impression that microbial action was still the favoured theory on Moonmilk formation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonmilk
unless you are suggesting otherwise in the light of new evidence... :-\
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonmilk
unless you are suggesting otherwise in the light of new evidence... :-\
langcliffe
Well-known member
Microbially induced precipitation is also considered to be important in the production of tufa.
graham
New member
Stromatolites.
We had this discussion recently. See Armstrong,R.A.L., Cox,G., James,J.M., and Leggett,K.E.A., 1989. Stromatolitic crayfish-like stalagmites. UBSS Proceedings, 18(3) , pp 339-358.
We had this discussion recently. See Armstrong,R.A.L., Cox,G., James,J.M., and Leggett,K.E.A., 1989. Stromatolitic crayfish-like stalagmites. UBSS Proceedings, 18(3) , pp 339-358.
gus horsley
New member
Bacteria may also be partly responsible for the distribution of metalliferous deposits in hydrothermal lodes, including those containing calcite.
Pitlamp
Well-known member
My understanding is that the jury is still out on the exact mechanism of moonmilk formation. From my (limited) knowledge, based on conversations with people who actually study this sort of thing, many different biological agents have been identified in moonmilk but I don't think there's emphatic evidence regarding which (if any) actually produce the stuff.
Some moonmilk was recently found in a show cave growing on top of mosses near a floodlamp. BCRA's biological recorder put us in touch with some researchers in New Mexico and a sample was collected for them to study by people involved with the Cave Life website. It's possible that this site has (or will have in future) further information.
Some moonmilk was recently found in a show cave growing on top of mosses near a floodlamp. BCRA's biological recorder put us in touch with some researchers in New Mexico and a sample was collected for them to study by people involved with the Cave Life website. It's possible that this site has (or will have in future) further information.
What do you all call moonmilk? I thought it was when there was just smooth white flow like this...just looks like spilt milk running down! hehe. Is it something different? I guess I don't understand how that would need microbes to form.
Big Bat Cave 09 by Sunguramy, on Flickr
Big Bat Cave 09 by Sunguramy, on Flickr
langcliffe
Well-known member
Moonmilk:
langcliffe
Well-known member
Active moonmilk tends to be 'squidgy'. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonmilk for more information.
graham
New member
Amy said:Oh. How does one know consistancy though if you're not supposed to touch formations in caves? LOL Seems more like moonyogurt or curdedmilk
Us clever Brits have invented remote squidge detectors. Alternatively it was discovered long before thoughts of conservation were high on anyone's agendas.
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