Close-up of algal mound limestone outcrop, Worland Limestone

Close-up of algal limestone in mound south of the I-70 overpass.
Numerous wrinkly plates of calcareous algae are embedded in micritic
matrix, along with several masses of encrusting calcareous algae
(arrows). The platy algae did not form a rigid structure of plates, but the
plates sheltered the sea floor beneath them from currents and waves so
lime mud could accumulate. Microbial communities growing among the
algae may have played a major role in trapping lime mud and in forming
the encrusting masses.

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