Microbially induced sedimentary structures-Examples from modern sediments of siliciclastic tidal flats
Abstract: The structural characteristics of modern siliciclastic sediments in tidal flats are controlled by two dominant factors, namely, by depositional dynamics, and by the activity of phototrophic microorganisms colonizing the sediment. The study deals with the related structural inventory of sedimentary systems in moderate humid ciimate. Varied sedimentary structures are described and their origin is related to different microbially mediated processes, e. g. biostabilization, gas production, and the interplay between sedimentation and microbial growth. The studies suggest a complementary interpretation of siliciclastic sedimentary structures, defined as "microbially induced sedimentary st ructures (M. I. S. S.)". Comparative studies of "M. I. S. S." reveal a significant difference to physical structures of similar appearance.
