Today was our final day on one of the Green River cuestas. We decided to top it off by working a quite extensive section of the formation with a great climb to reach the stromatolites. However, the climb was completely worth it, because the view of the Valley was amazing.
The photo shows one of the smaller stromatolites that we encountered today.
Some of the stromatolitic or thrombolitic structures that are within the Green River are quite large. In the photo above, there are thin laminations at the very top of this structure, which are possibly a result of an algal mat. Other structures in this more massive bed are approximately 2 feet thick and might be stromatolites or thrombolites or...???...It is just too bad that we didn't have a rock saw in the field. If I only had a saw to see these features in cross-section. Don't worry, though, we have about 500 pounds of stromatolites coming back to Scovel Hall!!
The fabric on some of the beds was amazing. We have really come to appreciate the various textures that can be seen within stromatolitic beds.
After we completed our cuesta stratigraphy, we drove to Soldier Canyon to admire the exposures of the Green River in all of its glory. Elizabeth, who has really taken to the west, decided to do a little house hunting. There were several of these dwellings within the formation, but this one seemed to be the most spacious. You should see the interior design!! Elizabeth just loved what they've done with the decor.