World Heritage Area: Hamelin Pools

Hamelin Pool is a world heritage area and home to billions of cyanobacteria (single cell bacteria) or stromatolites which are fascinating specimens of living, and literally breathing fossils. The Hamelin Pool Stromatolites originated 3.5 billion years ago when oxygen was sparse, and some might say are the very reason we are living today!

Location: 2.5hours drive south of Carnarvon between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste Western Australia.

10 things about Hamelin Pool Stromatolites

1. The Hamelin Pool cyanobacteria dominated Earth for over 2 billion years
2. The original stromatolite colonies were responsible for raising the oxygen level to 20% of atmospheric gases.
3. When the sea receded approximately a thousand years ago, many of the stromatolite died due to prolonged exposure to Earth's atmosphere.
4. Tidal movement, waves and swirling sand allow the stromatolites to form unique shapes however stromatolites below the water surface tend to form a club like shape.
5. 60 years ago, the locals banned wagons carrying wool from nearby ships. Deep ruts made from the wagon's wheels are still visible today on living stromatolite mats near the boardwalk.
6. It can take 30 years for stromatolites to grow 1cm.
7. Depending on the stromatolites location, they may grow as mats instead of sculptures.
8. The red pigment capping the stromatolite stopped growing between 500-1,000 years ago when the sea level receded.
9. Stromatolite layers grow in an outward fashion, similar to the growth rings of a tree. Their outer layer is a thin strip of active life with a sticky film to trap drifting shells and sand.
10. Scientists believe growth rings provide information about environmental transformations including changes in duration of light, angle of the sun, even the earth rotation rate!

If you are a budding scientist, or have a quirky interest in bacteria like me, visiting Hamelin Pools is something to put on your bucket list!

Watch and share the video about Hamelin Pool Stromatolites below:



If you would like further information head to:

Department of Parks and Wildlife 

Hamelin Pool