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dc.contributor.authorJorge Villar, Susana E.*
dc.contributor.authorBenning, L.G.*
dc.contributor.authorEdwards, Howell G.M.*
dc.contributor.authorAMASE team*
dc.date.accessioned2009-01-29T16:42:17Z
dc.date.available2009-01-29T16:42:17Z
dc.date.issued2007
dc.identifier.citationJorge Villar SE, Benning LG, Edwards HGM and AMASE team (2007). Geochemical Transactions. 8: 8.
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10454/2305
dc.descriptionNo
dc.description.abstractA profile across 8 layers from a fossil travertine terrace from a low temperature geothermal spring located in Svalbard, Norway has been studied using both Raman spectroscopy and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) techniques to identify minerals and organic life signals. Calcite, anatase, quartz, haematite, magnetite and graphite as well as scytonemin, three different carotenoids, chlorophyll and a chlorophyll-like compound were identified as geo- and biosignatures respectively, using 785 and/or 514 nm Raman laser excitation wavelengths. No morphological biosignatures representing remnant microbial signals were detected by high-resolution imaging, although spectral analyses indicated the presence of organics. In contrast, in all layers, Raman spectra identified a series of different organic pigments indicating little to no degradation or change of the organic signatures and thus indicating the preservation of fossil biomarker compounds throughout the life time of the springs despite the lack of remnant morphological indicators. With a view towards planetary exploration we discuss the implications of the differences in Raman band intensities observed when spectra were collected with the different laser excitations. We show that these differences, as well as the different detection capability of the 785 and 514 nm laser, could lead to ambiguous compound identification. We show that the identification of bio and geosignatures, as well as fossil organic pigments, using Raman spectroscopy is possible. These results are relevant since both lasers have been considered for miniaturized Raman spectrometers for planetary exploration.
dc.language.isoen
dc.subjectRamon Spectroscopy
dc.subjectScanning Electron Microscopy
dc.subjectSEM
dc.subjectTravertine terrace
dc.subjectHot springs
dc.subjectMinerals
dc.subjectOrganic life signatures
dc.subjectPlanetary exploration methods
dc.titleRaman and SEM analysis of a biocolonised hot spring travertine terrace in Svalbard, Norway
dc.status.refereedYes
dc.typeArticle
dc.type.versionNo full-text in the repository
dc.identifier.doihttps://doi.org/10.1186/1467-4866-8-8
dc.openaccess.statusclosedAccess


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