Stromatolites in Caves in Southeastern Brazil and their Importance to Geoconservation

Abstract

This article presents a detailed description of stromatolites formed simultaneously with caves’ bedrock, within karstic areas in Southeastern Brazil. We discuss the importance of such fossils for geoconservation and their legal preservation under the Brazilian law. Six caves are described with occurrences of Conophyton-type stromatolites. All those caves are located in the State of Minas Gerais, one of which in the Arcos-Pains-Doresópolis Karst (Bambuí Group) and the others in the Vazante-Paracatu-Unaí Karst (Vazante Group). In general, the stromatolite columns are not exquisitely preserved, yet conspicuously exposed in cross section and lateral view. The stromatolite caves are easily accessed, making them suitable for scientific and educational activities to both academic and non-specialized public. Yet, such activities should rely on the implementation of a management plan for monitoring potential damage due to anthropic interference. Given the rarity of caves with fossils embedded in their host rocks, these structures should be treated with the status of maximum importance for conservation, according to the Brazilian legislation, thereby ensuring their permanent protection, with the support of the public entities for environment and nature.