Home

Oxidelagen

Oxidelagen is a geological formation found in the northern part of the island of Gotland, Sweden. It is a unique example of a fossilized microbial mat, dating back to the late Ordovician period, approximately 450 million years ago. The formation is notable for its well-preserved microbial structures, which provide valuable insights into the early evolution of life on Earth.

The microbial mats in Oxidelagen are composed of layers of cyanobacteria, which are among the earliest known

Oxidelagen is of significant scientific interest due to its exceptional preservation and the insights it offers

The Oxidelagen formation is located in the Oxide quarry, which is a popular tourist attraction on Gotland.

forms
of
life
capable
of
photosynthesis.
These
mats
thrived
in
a
shallow
marine
environment,
where
they
formed
extensive,
continuous
layers
on
the
seafloor.
The
fossilized
remains
of
these
mats
are
characterized
by
their
distinctive,
wavy
or
wrinkled
appearance,
which
is
thought
to
be
the
result
of
the
movement
and
growth
of
the
microbial
communities.
into
the
early
evolution
of
life.
The
formation
has
been
the
subject
of
numerous
studies,
which
have
focused
on
the
structure
and
composition
of
the
microbial
mats,
as
well
as
the
environmental
conditions
that
prevailed
during
their
deposition.
These
studies
have
contributed
to
our
understanding
of
the
early
Earth's
biosphere
and
the
processes
that
shaped
it.
Visitors
can
explore
the
quarry
and
observe
the
fossilized
microbial
mats
up
close,
providing
a
unique
opportunity
to
experience
the
ancient
history
of
life
on
Earth.