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Quantitative stromatolitology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 July 2015

H. J. Hofmann*
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Montreal, P.O. Box 6128 Sta. A, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada

Abstract

All aspects of stromatolites can be quantified, encompassing morphologic, dimensional, material, and positional attributes. Numerical data obtained by electronic image analysis or otherwise can facilitate taxonomy, classification, and studies of evolutionary tendencies in stromatolites, and bridge the language barriers as well. Consensus on basic attributes for recognizing taxa at different levels of hierarchy still needs to be developed; quantitative data can promote reduction or elimination of disagreements.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Paleontological Society 

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