See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Biofilms and Biomineralization: Evidence from Ancient and Modern Systems
Abstract:
Using cellular automata modeling, we have mathematically produced patterns that present the same geometric appearance as the biovermiculations. Pattern variations can be created by altering various rules within the schema. We are comparing modeling results to real biovermiculations and attempting to infer processes, (physical, chemical, and biological), that may be producing these patterns in real systems based on the alterations in the rule structure. Details of laminar and turbulent flow, surface roughness, viscosity, intrinsic cellular reproductive geometries, and the percentage mix of particulates (e.g. clays or mineral particles) all appear to contribute to the patterns seen across a large number of occurrences. Underlying lithological or geochemical differences, and even some features of the biological systems (e.g. photosynthetic vs. heterotrophic or chemotrophic) do not appear to be the predominant controlling factors.
Beyond the immediate project, cellular automata modeling has the potential to be a valuable research tool to explain other phenomena associated with similar complex interactions of biological systems with physical and chemical processes.
See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Biofilms and Biomineralization: Evidence from Ancient and Modern Systems