Evening Lecture: Stromatolites: Making Mountains out of Microbes – Prof Ian Fairchild

For most of Earth history the only macroscopic evidence of life are the intricately layered rocks called stromatolites. Like trace fossils they record an interaction between organisms and sedimentary processes. The key players are the cyanobacteria, formerly known as blue-green algae, which played a vital role in oxygenating the Earth through their photosynthesis. Build-up of sediments and precipitates over time under the sticky surface mats created by communities of such organisms mats can make limestone and dolomite masses up to hundreds of metres thick. Stromatolites reveal many fascinating stories of past environments and examples from several continents will be discussed.

The lecture will be given at St Francis church hall and will be broadcast live via Zoom to an online audiance. We encourage those able to be present in person to join us at the church hall. To participate by Zoom click on the Zoom link above.