Publication Name: Australasian Exploration Geoscience Conference 2019
Authors: Liam J. Olden*, Jane Cunneen, Milo Barham, Hugo K.H. Olierook, Gregory Smith, Erica Suosaari
Date Published: September 2019
Number of Pages: 4
Abstract:
Following the End Permian Mass Extinction (EPME) event, global stromatolite distributions rapidly increased. There are three documented examples of stromatolites occurring in intracontinental settings following the EPME; Greenland, Madagascar and west Australia’s Northern Perth Basin. We are reporting the west Australian stromatolite occurrence to be much further than previously thought, through detailed mapping and analysis of stromatolites in the Northampton region. A review of the stromatolites show alternating stromatolite morphologies, with a minimum of four phases. These alternating morphologies are attributed to environmental changes in energy and detrital input, as well as microbe community-induced structural changes. Two primary morphologies are documented, large smooth domal and micro-digitate structures.