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Stromatolites

Description These rocky formations, called stromatolites, are made by photosynthetic cyanobacteria and other microorganisms. The microbes secrete compounds that bind sediment grains, creating a fine-layered mineral “microfabric.” Stromatolites were among the earliest life on Earth, and massive formations dominated shorelines starting about 3.5 billion years ago. About 1 billion years ago, their populations mysteriously plummeted; now they exist in only a few locations, like this one in Shark Bay, Australia. WHOI scientists Joan Bernhard and Virginia Edgcomb have investigated that decline, which occurred as more complex life forms were emerging. (Photo by Virginia Edgcomb, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)
Author Virginia Edgcomb, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution JPG file - 541.12 kB - 700 x 482 pixels

Extra information
Camera Maker: Nikon Corporation
Camera Model: NIKON D80
Original Time Taken: 2011:06:16 22:27:55
Time Digitized: 2011:06:16 22:27:55
Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec
Aperture: f/9
ISO Sensitivity: 200
Exposure Compensation: 0 EV
Metering Mode: Pattern
Flash Fired: No Flash
Original Width: 700 pixels
Original Height: 482 pixels
Orientation: 1: Normal (0 deg)
Contrast Setting: 2
Focal Length: 17 mm
Focal Length Equivalent in 35mm Film: 25

added on 2015-06-052 774 views

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License

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