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Fourier-transform Raman spectroscopic studies of chronological change in stromatolitic cores from Antarctic lake sediments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 May 2003

H.G.M. Edwards
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK e-mail: [email protected]
the late D.D. Wynn-Williams
Affiliation:
British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 OET, UK
J.C. Ellis-Evans
Affiliation:
British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 OET, UK
E.M. Newton
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK e-mail: [email protected]
S.J. Little
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK e-mail: [email protected]
L.F.C. de Oliveira
Affiliation:
Nucleo de Espectroscopia e Estrutura Molecular, Departmento de Quimica, Instituto de Ciencas Exatas, Universidade Federale de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitario-Matelos, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais 36036-330, MG, Brazil
D. Hodgson
Affiliation:
British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 OET, UK
P.T. Doran
Affiliation:
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607-7059, USA

Abstract

The Fourier transform-Raman spectra of two lacustrine sediment cores from Antarctic sites are reported. The Lake Hoare specimens were predominantly calcium carbonate, quartz and β-carotene, with chlorophyll and calcium sulphate being noted as minor components. No evidence was found for iron (III) oxide or oxy-hydroxide bands. The Lake Nella specimens, in contrast, contain chlorophyll and quartz predominantly, but the absence of β-carotene is noteworthy. Here, the presence of haematite and a haematite–goethite mixture have been identified, with weaker features such as those of scytonemin, characteristic of cyanobacterial mats. The Raman spectra indicate that two different types of lake chemistry have been operating and several reasons are proposed for this.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2003 Cambridge University Press

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