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FT-Raman spectroscopic analysis of an Antarctic endolith

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 May 2003

Susana E. Jorge Villar
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK e-mail: h.g.m.edwards@bradford.ac.uk
Howell G.M. Edwards
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK e-mail: h.g.m.edwards@bradford.ac.uk
David D. Wynn-Williams
Affiliation:
Biological Sciences Division, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
M. Roger Worland
Affiliation:
Biological Sciences Division, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK

Abstract

The FT-Raman spectra of an Antarctic endolith from the LTER site at Lake Hoare are reported. The specimen provides an unusual occurrence of endolithic colonization of an igneous rock substratum, which analyses as microcline feldspar. The presence of aragonite in the red biological stratum and calcite in a fissure of the rock which has not been subjected to colonization can be attributed to the penetration of calcareous deposits from shallow ground water in an earlier environment in the Dry Valleys. The green biological layer is composed of chlorophyll and β-carotene. Comparison with previous Raman spectroscopic work on endoliths in sedimentary Beacon sandstone is effected.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2003 Cambridge University Press

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