Table 3 Types of microbial communities found in Zavarzin

Bottom scale brown organomineral formation

Crater of Zavarzin, depth of 30-50 cm. 56°C

Filamentous bacteria

Thin green flowing single-layer films

Develop along the edge of Zavarzin. About 40°C

Filamentous cyanobacteria

Loose thin dark green-gray epibioses

Develop along the stream branching off from Zavarzin, 20°C

Filamentous cyanobacteria and filamentous green algae

Green epibioses/films on cold soil

Ubiquitous. 10-15°C

Unicellular and colonial green algae