Why Do Bio-Carbonates Exist?

Abstract

Calcium carbonate precipitation associated with biotic activity is first recorded in Archaean rocks. The oldest putative fossils related to hydrothermal vents have been dated at ~3.77 Ga (possibly 4.29 Ga). Stromatolites, the oldest dated at 3.70 Ga, have since occurred through Earth history, despite dramatic changes in physical and chemical conditions in aquatic environments. A key question is: what advantages do photosynthesizing aquatic prokaryotes and algae gain by precipitating carbonates? We propose the Phosphate Extraction Mechanism (PEM) to explain the benefits of biomineralization in warm, oligotrophic, alkaline, euphotic environments. Carbonate precipitation enhances access to otherwise limited carbon dioxide and phosphate in such environments. This mechanism also provides an explanation for prolific production of carbonates during times of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide at intervals in the Phanerozoic.