Story: Life in hot springs

Spicule (3rd of 3)

Spicule

Shown here is the beginning of a spicular growth in a sample from Champagne Pool. The filamentous micro-organisms prefer to grow on the top of the spicule. This becomes covered by a layer of amorphous silica. More micro-organisms grow on top, and the alternating process of inorganic–organic growth keeps repeating.

Using this item

GNS Science, Extremophile photo collection
Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) by Kim Handley

Permission of GNS Science must be obtained before any use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Bruce Mountain, 'Life in hot springs - Sinter', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/6473/spicule (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Bruce Mountain, published 12 Jun 2006