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Stromatolite reef from the Early Archaean era of Australia

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.

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Figure 1: Stromatolite facies of the Strelley Pool Chert, showing reconstructed three-dimensional views and outcrop photographs.

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Acknowledgements

We thank M. Van Kranendonk, S. Awramik and K. Grey for discussion and reviews; A. Grieg for assistance with REE analyses; the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) and the Pilbara Regiment for field support; and the NSW Dept of Commerce Heritage Restoration Services for large sample cutting. Research was supported by Macquarie University and the M.U. Biotechnology Research Institute. A.C.A. was supported by an Australian Postgraduate Award. All samples were collected with GSWA permission. Author Contributions A.C.A. undertook the study and wrote the paper with supervision from M.R.W. and C.P.M. I.W.B. gave field assistance, and research and writing assistance. B.K. supervised and assisted with REE analyses.

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Correspondence to Abigail C. Allwood.

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Allwood, A., Walter, M., Kamber, B. et al. Stromatolite reef from the Early Archaean era of Australia. Nature 441, 714–718 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature04764

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