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Stromatolites

From Andrew Alden, About.com

Stromatolites are fossil structures made as thin layers of mud repeatedly cover bacterial colonies in undisturbed localities. Today they are extremely rare because other life forms consume them, but in other times in geologic history they had no competitors. The first six photos are from the classic Lester Park locality, Saratoga Springs, New York, where stromatolites were first described. Learn more about stromatolites in the Fossil Gallery.

Nearby attractions include Saratoga National Historical Park, Saratoga Springs spas, the Saratoga Racetrack and National Museum of Racing.

Images 1-8 of 8

Stromatolite fieldField of StromatolitesCross sections2: Stromatolites in Cross SectionTypical stromatolites3: StromatolitesThree-dimensional structureStromatolite in the Round
Cross-section detailStromatolite Vertical SectionStromatolite close-upStromatolite CloseupDesert flowersStromatolite, MauritaniaLooks like petrified lasagnaStromatolite, Itasca County, Minnesota
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