Snowy Pass Stromatolite — Wyoming [226 g ~ 2.1 Ga] Lg

Snowy Pass stromatolite from Wyoming preserves laminated carbonate structures formed by ancient microbial mats.

Snowy Pass Stromatolite: Glaciation and the Great Oxidation Event

This large Snowy Pass Stromatolite is an extraordinary specimen from the Paleoproterozoic Era, approximately 2.1 billion years old. Stromatolites provide tangible connections to a transformative period in Earth's history, in the aftermath of the Huronian Glaciation and the rise of the Great Oxidation Event.

When Did Snowy Pass Stromatolites Occur?

Formed during the Orosirian Period (2.05–1.8 Ga) of the Paleoproterozoic Era, the Snowy Pass Stromatolites emerged in the aftermath of the Huronian Glaciation. As the glaciers receded, shallow marine environments flourished. It was the ideal time and conditions for microbial life, such as cyanobacteria, to flourish. Cyanobacteria in these habitats constructed stromatolites by trapping and binding sediment, creating a layered record of life adapting to variations in climatic events.

Are Stromatolites Early Photosynthesizers?

Stromatolites are layered sedimentary structures created by microbial communities, predominantly cyanobacteria. These early photosynthesizers played a critical role in oxygenating Earth's atmosphere. This Snowy Pass stromatolite displays characteristic banded layers, showing growth influenced by environmental cycles. Each layer tells another story about the resilience of early microbial life and its contribution to shaping Earth's biosphere.

Snowy Pass Stromatolite Specimen Details:

• Size: 81mm L X 65mm W X 25mm D
• Weight: 226 grams
• Finish: Smooth face, rough back
• What is Included: Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand, and information about the Snowy Pass stromatolites and scientific paper "The Early Earth's Atmosphere, the Huronian Glaciation and the Rise of Stromatolites" (Note: The display stand and sizing cube are not included.)

Significance of the Orosirian Period

• Post-Huronian Recovery: Microbial life thrived as Earth's climate stabilized, creating productive shallow marine ecosystems.
• Great Oxidation Event (GOE): Cyanobacteria drove the production of oxygen, transforming Earth's atmosphere and enabling aerobic life.
• Banded Iron Formations (BIFs): Oxygen reacted with iron in the ocean, forming distinctive geological features.
• Impact Events: Asteroid impacts, such as those that formed the Vredefort Crater and the Sudbury Impact Structure, highlight the dynamic nature of Earth's early meteorite and asteroid bombardment history.
• Supercontinent Activity: Tectonic movements fostered ocean circulation and nutrient distribution, supporting microbial growth.

How Are Stromatolites Important in Geology Collections?

The Snowy Pass Stromatolite offers invaluable insights into:

• Early Life at the Beginning of the Great Oxygen Event: Demonstrates life's adaptability and early evolution
• Atmospheric Evolution: Showcases microbial contributions to oxygenation and the rise of new atmospheric conditions
• Geological Processes: a great example of sedimentation and environmental cycles from billions of years ago.

This specimen is ideal for researchers, educators, and collectors, providing a window into Earth's ancient history and the interaction of life and environment during the Paleoproterozoic Era.

Physical Characteristics

• Age: Approximately 2.1 billion years old
• Composition: Carbonate minerals with fine-grained sediments
• Appearance: Dynamic, natural, accentuated banded layers formed by microbial growth and sediment trapping

Relevance of Stromatolites

This specimen is versatile for relevance with applications in:

• Education: Perfect for teaching about early life, the Great Oxidation Event, and atmospheric evolution.
• Research: Provides a tangible resource for studying ancient microbial ecosystems.
• Collections: A scientifically significant addition to private and institutional collections.
• Display: An excellent centerpiece for geology collections, museums, classrooms, or personal exhibits.

Great Addition for Studying Multiple Geological Events

This Snowy Pass Stromatolite is an excellent specimen for studying Snowball Earth, Glaciers, and the Great Oxidation Event. It is an example of the exceptional transformative power of one of the first microbial mat ecosystems, the stromatolites.

Ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand, information about Snowy Pass stromatolites, scientific paper about stromatolites, Glaciation and Snowball Earth