title: Fungal colonization of an Ordovician impact-induced hydrothermal system.
abstract: Impacts are common geologic features on the terrestrial planets throughout the solar system, and on at least Earth and Mars impacts have induced hydrothermal convection. Impact-generated hydrothermal systems have been suggested to possess the same life supporting capability as hydrothermal systems associated with volcanic activity. However, evidence of fossil microbial colonization in impact-generated hydrothermal systems is scarce in the literature. Here we report of fossilized microorganisms in association with cavity-grown hydrothermal minerals from the 458 Ma Lockne impact structure, Sweden. Based on morphological characteristics the fossilized microorganisms are interpreted as fungi. We further infer the kerogenization of the microfossils, and thus the life span of the fungi, to be contemporaneous with the hydrothermal activity and migration of hydrocarbons in the system. Our results from the Lockne impact structure show that hydrothermal systems associated with impact structures can support colonization by microbial life.
authors: Department of Palaeobiology and Nordic Center for Earth Evolution (NordCEE), Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, SE-10405 Stockholm, Sweden.
authors: Magnus
authors: M
authors: Ivarsson
authors: Department of Geological Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden.
authors: Curt
authors: C
authors: Broman
authors: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors: Erik
authors: E
authors: Sturkell
authors: Centro de Astrobiologia, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial, Madrid, Spain.
authors: Jens
authors: J
authors: Ormö
authors: 1] Department of Chemistry, Materials and Surfaces, SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Box 857, 501 11 Borås, Sweden [2] Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington, 5251 Broad Branch Road, Washington DC 20015, USA.
authors: Sandra
authors: S
authors: Siljeström
authors: Equipe Géobiosphère, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris - Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université, France.
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: van Zuilen
authors: Department of Palaeobiology and Nordic Center for Earth Evolution (NordCEE), Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, SE-10405 Stockholm, Sweden.
authors: Stefan
authors: S
authors: Bengtson
mesh_terms: D017753:Ecosystem; D005580:Fossils; D005658:Fungi; D055593:Geological Phenomena; D016082:Solar System; D013548:Sweden