Ge 101. Introduction to Geology and Geochemistry

Lecture 16. Narratives from Geologic Maps; Introduction to

Earth History

Image 16.1. Grand Prismatic Pool, Yellowstone National Park

Image 16.2. Modern stromatolites, Bahamas

Image 16.3 Cambrian stromatolites

Ancient stromatolitesform columns.

Modern stromatolitesgrow in the intertidal zone.

A cross section reveals layering similar to that seenin ancient stromatolites.

Microbes live on thesurface of the stromatolite.

Sediment is depositedon the microbes,...

...which grow upward through the sediment, forming a new layer.

Image 16.3. Building microbial mats (stromatolites)

Image 16.5. Ediacaran embryo

Image 16.6. Ediacaran ecosystem