Stromatolite at the Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan

A stromatolite is a distinctively shaped biosedimentary fossil formed by organisms (bacteria), which has been forming in seawater or freshwater from the earliest origins of life on Earth to the present day. The study of stromatolites therefore provides evidence for the origin of early life on Earth, offers insight into how the early Earth formed, and yields much information for clarifying the evolution of bacteria and microalgae. Stromatolites are also morphologically diverse and visually striking, appealing not only to researchers but also to the general public; several countries promote fossil tourism around them, making stromatolites among the fossils of high conservation and excavation value. In Korea, a few scholars began recognising the importance of stromatolites and surveying them about fifteen years ago, after which various forms of stromatolite began to be reported across Gyeongsangbuk-do. This research reported large quantities of stromatolites from Daegu, Gunwi, Uiseong and Jinju, and in particular a large number of exceptionally well-preserved stromatolites were reported near the Catholic University of Daegu in Gyeongsan. In particular, the massive stromatolite at the Catholic University of Daegu in Gyeongsan, surveyed in October 2004, is judged to have formed in a lake during the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era. It is of world-class importance for the extent of its bacterial fossil content, its preservation and its morphological diversity, and also holds significant value for understanding the scale and environment of the lake at the time of its formation. In future, this stromatolite is expected to contribute greatly to research into the evolution and formation of life and the early Earth, a subject of worldwide interest. Note: This designation was renamed from 'Gyeongsan Daegu Catholic University Stromatolite' to 'Gyeongsan Daegu Catholic University Cretaceous Stromatolite' (announced 26 July 2021).

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물