Environment
Stromatolites are known to thrive in shallow waters, but they have also been found in waters as deep as 45 meters. They can survive exposure to low tide so they do not need to be completely submerged in water at all times. The creation of stromatolites is dependent on whether or not the microorganisms that trap/bind the sediment can survive. In other words, if there are no microorganisms to create the stromatolites then we have no stromatolites.
We can find modern stromatolites in Western Australia (Shark Bay) and The Bahamas where the water is hypersaline (extra salty) and animals that would normally graze on the stromatolites cannot survive.
For the most part these waters are broad and shallow which is perfect for the photosynthesizing microorganisms. |
It is important to take care of these unique environments so that scientists can keep studying stromatolites and unlock more clues to our Earth's past. Their research has given us valuable insight into what kind of environment the Earth had to offer during the early days of the Archean, a good explanation as to how our atmosphere became what it is today and further study will begin to reveal much more.