Stromatolite reef from the Early Archaean era of Australia

Abigail C. Allwood (), Malcolm R. Walter, Balz S. Kamber, Craig P. Marshall and Ian W. Burch
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Abigail C. Allwood: Australian Centre for Astrobiology/Macquarie University Biotechnology Research Institute
Malcolm R. Walter: Australian Centre for Astrobiology/Macquarie University Biotechnology Research Institute
Balz S. Kamber: Laurentian University
Craig P. Marshall: Australian Centre for Astrobiology/Macquarie University Biotechnology Research Institute
Ian W. Burch: Macquarie University

Nature, 2006, vol. 441, issue 7094, 714-718

Abstract: Abstract The 3,430-million-year-old Strelley Pool Chert (SPC) (Pilbara Craton, Australia) is a sedimentary rock formation containing laminated structures of probable biological origin (stromatolites). Determining the biogenicity of such ancient fossils is the subject of ongoing debate. However, many obstacles to interpretation of the fossils are overcome in the SPC because of the broad extent, excellent preservation and morphological variety of its stromatolitic outcrops—which provide comprehensive palaeontological information on a scale exceeding other rocks of such age. Here we present a multi-kilometre-scale palaeontological and palaeoenvironmental study of the SPC, in which we identify seven stromatolite morphotypes—many previously undiscovered—in different parts of a peritidal carbonate platform. We undertake the first morphotype-specific analysis of the structures within their palaeoenvironment and refute contemporary abiogenic hypotheses for their formation. Finally, we argue that the diversity, complexity and environmental associations of the stromatolites describe patterns that—in similar settings throughout Earth's history—reflect the presence of organisms.

Date: 2006
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DOI: 10.1038/nature04764

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