Microbial influence on dolomite and authigenic clay mineralisation in dolocrete profiles of NW Australia.

Dolomite (CaMg(CO ) ) precipitation is kinetically inhibited at surface temperatures and pressures. Experimental studies have demonstrated that microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) as well as certain clay minerals may catalyse dolomite precipitation. However, the combined association of EPS with clay minerals and dolomite and their occurrence in the natural environment are not well documented.