Deep water cuspate stromatolites of the Cryogenian Trezona Formation

Abstract

Stromatolites and microbialites contain a rich repository of environmental and biological information. Despite extensive research, questions remain regarding the biological, chemical, and physical processes that control stromatolite macro, meso, and microstructure. We report unusual deep water cuspate stromatolites from the Cryogenian Trezona Formation, South Australia, from a mixed siliciclastic–carbonate open marine ramp setting. Cuspate stromatolite horizons develop near the base of decameter-scale transgression–regression cycles and typically overlie decimeter-scale irregular erosion surfaces. The cuspate structure within the stromatolites form near vertical, stacked cusp structures in c..