STROMATOLITES (Oregon)

Description

Stromatolites are layered sedimentary formations (Microbia lite) that are created mainly by photosynthetic microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria, and Pseudomonad Ota (formerly proteobacteria). These microorganisms produce adhesive compounds that cement sand and other rocky materials to form mineral “microbial mats“. In turn, these mats build up layer by layer, growing gradually over time. A stromatolite may grow to a meter or more.  Although they are rare today, fossilized stromatolites provide records of ancient life on Earth.