Another mystery now envelops paleontological research: a research group led by Johannes Gutenberg University (Germany) found in the desert areas of Namibia, Oman And Saudi Arabia unusual structures which is thought to be due to the activity of a Unknown microbiological life form.
The researchers, in particular, found themselves in front of tiny pipes that cross the rock in a parallel arrangement from top to bottom, traced in the marble and limestone of these desert regions.
We were surprised because these tubes are clearly not the result of a geological process – explains Cees Passchier, the first author of the work – during the subsequent investigations into the champions, were found tests of biological material. Evidently, microorganisms had perforated the rock. At the moment, however, we do not know if it is a form of extinct or still alive life somewhere
The geologists who announce this discovery now work in Namibia for 25 years and their research has been focusing on the geological reconstruction of the precambrian land for some time.
We observe the structure of the rocks to find out how the continents joined to form the Supercontinent Gondwana 500-600 million years ago. At that time, carbonate deposits were formed in the ancient oceans and turned into marble due to pressure and heat. We noticed strange structures in this marble that
In fact, instead of smooth surfaces of erosion, scientists observed about half a mm wide and up to three centimeters long, aligned parallel to each other and forming bands up to ten meters long, with limestone crusts at the edges.
The first observations of this type in the Namibia desert were made 15 years ago and now the researchers believe that there were microorganisms that generate these structures, even if further investigations are needed to confirm the hypothesis.
In fact, these structures were not empty, but filled with a powder fine of pure calcium carbonate: microorganisms may have perforated the tunnels to use the nutrients present in football carbonatemain component of marble (in Saudi Arabia) and limestone (in Oman).
In any case, these are ancient structures, perhaps one or two million years – We presume that they have formed in a slightly more humid climate, not in the dry desert climate that prevails today
But the body that caused these structures remains a mystery, it is not even sure if it is extinct or even still present on earth, as, unfortunately, biological material has been found, but no trace of DNA or protein capable of providing further information.
However, probably, the body is (or era) is able to survive without lightbecause the pipes have formed deeply in the rock.
This form of life, which we do not know if it still exists, could be important for the global carbon cycle. It is therefore essential that the scientific community is aware of it
The release of carbon through the biological activity of microorganisms could in fact carry out a Important role in CO’s budget2 landespecially in times of deep and dangerous climate changes.
The work was published on Geomicrobiology Journal.
Sources: Phys.org / GeomicRobiology Journal
