Ancient Life at the Extremes: Molecular Fossils and Paleoenvironmental Contexts of Neoproterozoic and Cambrian Hypersaline Settings

Abstract

This thesis investigates the molecular remains of microorganisms from Late Precambrian and Early Cambrian hypersaline settings. In particular, it assesses the composition and antiquity of halophilic microbial communities, which survive and flourish under highly saline conditions. While numerous studies have examined modern hypersaline ecosystems, their biological composition in the geologic past, particularly in the Precambrian, is poorly understood. All deposits in this study consisted of evaporites from the Gillen Member of the ~800 Ma Neoproterozoic Bitter Springs Formation and the Early Cambrian Chandler Formation.