This textbook on biofilms combines knowledge on sub-aquatic and sub-aerial biofilms and their products (stromatolites, oolites, ore, petroleum and gas deposits). It describes how formation and degradation of minerals and rocks is achieved through biofilm formation on and in sediments, soils and rocks. Methods of study, examples of Precambrian biofilms of an early Earth as well as the most recent examples of desert rock biofilms are treated in this integrative book on biofilms, microbial mats and stromatolites.

WOLFGANG E. KRUMBEIN In this section we deal with special aspects of the Gavish Sabkha, and in two contributions with the very similar environments of the Ras Muhammad Pool (Chap. 10) and the Solar Lake (Chap. 15). Comparisons are made, however, in the individual contributions to other evaporative systems. Much ofthe work was stimulated by our late friend Eli Gavish during his pro ductive years of sedimentological studies along the shores of the Gulf of Elat. An other stimulus was initiated by the agreement that the Solar Lake and the Gavish Sabkha were selected as model cases for a Project...