Linking mineral formation and microbes in high pH fluids: Constraints
from the Lost City hydrothermal field
Abstract
The Lost City hydrothermal field (LCHF) is considered an analogue of
Archean alkaline hydrothermal vents where life on Earth may have
spawned. Although Lost City was discovered more than 20 years ago, it
remains unclear to what extent microbes are involved in the
precipitation of the various minerals constituting the hydrothermal
chimneys. Most chimneys preserve flow textures comprised of mineral
walls bounding paleo-channels, which are preserved in inactive vent
structures to a varying degree. Brucite lines the internal part of these
channels, while aragonite dominates the exterior. Calcite is also
present locally, mostly associated with brucite. Based on a combination
of microscopic and geochemical analyses, we interpret brucite, calcite,
and aragonite as primary minerals that precipitate abiotically from
mixing seawater and hydrothermal fluids. We observe local brucite
precipitation on microbial filaments and, in some cases, microbial
filaments may affect the growth direction of brucite crystals. The link
between brucite and organic compounds is further confirmed by
fluorescence microscopy: brucite shows a strong fluorescence not
observed in calcite and aragonite. Our results point to brucite as an
important link to microbial life in alkaline fluids and is potentially a
key aspect for future research on the origin of life.