This inaugural conference presents an important geobiological review on microbial mats and the sedimentary structures they form in siliciclastic settings through Earth’s history, from the early Archean to the present. The meeting brings together an international panel of leading researchers to provide a state-of-the art overview of this field. This meeting is essential for all scientists interested in this rapidly growing field.

The conference discusses modern microbial mats constructed by benthic cyanobacteria and other microbiota in aquatic settings. It will include topics:

  • microbial interaction with physical sedimentary processes
  • taxonomy of microbial mat structures
  • early life,
  • the rise of cyanobacteria,
  • the evolution of microbial eukaryotes,
  • the biological transformation at the terminal Precambrian,
  • taphonomy of Ediacara fossils,
  • influence of macroorganisms on microbial mats,
  • extinction patterns, and
  • stratigraphical significance

The conference will consist of talks, posters, and a field trip to Dinosaur Ridge. The program includes talks of each 20 minutes and 5 minutes discussion, as well as poster presentations.

Please consult the SEPM home page www.sepm.org for updated information on the submission of abstracts, on the special publication on this conference, registration and accommodation.