Update on Microbialites

Stromatolites and thrombolites are now being referred to as microbialites. According to Wikipedia, there are 3 types of microbialites: –

“Microbialites can have three different fabrics:^[3]

• Stromatolitic: microbialite layered, laminated or agglutinated to form a stromatolite.
• Thrombolitic: microbialite with a clotted peloidal fabric if observed with a petrographic microscope. The density of peloids is variable. At the scale of the hand sample, the rock shows a dendritic fabric, and can be named thrombolite.
• Leiolitic: a microbialite with no layering nor clotted peloidal fabric. It is only made of a dense automicrite.”

I make mention of this as part of some correspondence recently receoved from Mel Holtz, Landscape Education Coordinator for the Limestone Coast Landscape Board: –

“The Limestone Coast Landscape Board’s Education Team are supporting a young group of keen environmentalists to better understand our Limestone Coast. We have a brand-new group starting this year called the Conservation Crew of the Limestone Coast!! We are having our first forum on Monday the 13^th of April and are taking the group of five to Lake Hawdon to hear from Mark DeJong about the regulator and importance of wetlands in our region.

We would love someone to come and talk to the group about thrombolites but are not sure who a suitable candidate would be. We would love your support.”

I told Mel that I am unsure just how we can assist her and the Board. I could only refer her to my past writings: –