Distinct Microbial Circles, Like Sliced Cabbages: Fossilized Stromatolites
Black (organic) and white (sedimentary) rock above the Kootenai River, Montana, Morning Light, September
"The fossils under the swinging bridge over the Kootenai River are called stromatolites, which are fossilized microbial mats that show distinct, concentric circles. These ancient fossils, found in the Belt formation, are formed by layers of microorganisms that trapped sediment over time.
* Appearance: They look like cream and black 'cabbages' sliced open.
* Composition: The black layers are carbon-rich, and the creamy layers are from periods of higher sediment deposition.
* Age: The Kootenai River stromatolites are part of a Precambrian sedimentary formation that is between 600 million and 800 million years old.
* Significance: Stromatolites are some of the oldest fossils on Earth and provide a glimpse into ancient environments." - From AI
Distinct Microbial Circles, Like Sliced Cabbages: Fossilized Stromatolites
Black (organic) and white (sedimentary) rock above the Kootenai River, Montana, Morning Light, September
"The fossils under the swinging bridge over the Kootenai River are called stromatolites, which are fossilized microbial mats that show distinct, concentric circles. These ancient fossils, found in the Belt formation, are formed by layers of microorganisms that trapped sediment over time.
* Appearance: They look like cream and black 'cabbages' sliced open.
* Composition: The black layers are carbon-rich, and the creamy layers are from periods of higher sediment deposition.
* Age: The Kootenai River stromatolites are part of a Precambrian sedimentary formation that is between 600 million and 800 million years old.
* Significance: Stromatolites are some of the oldest fossils on Earth and provide a glimpse into ancient environments." - From AI