Zebra rock and other Ediacaran paleosols from Western Australia

Zebra rock is an ornamental stone from the early Ediacaran, Ranford Formation, around and in Lake Argyle, south of Kununurra, Western Australia. It has been regarded as a marine clay, liquid crystal, groundwater alteration, unconformity paleosol or product of acid sulfate weathering. This study supports the latter hypothesis and finds modern analogues for its distinctive red banding in mottling of gleyed soils. Other acid sulfate paleosols of desert playas (Gypsids) are also are found in the Ranford Formation, as well as calcareous desert paleosols (Calcids). The megafossilPalaeopaschnicnusalso found in associated grey shales may have been a chambered protozoan, butYangtziramulusin calcic paleosols is most like a microbial earth lichen. Soil climofunctions are evidence of an arid, cool temperate climate during the early Ediacaran.

Automated summary

The study suggests that Zebra rock might be a product of acid sulfate weathering, with its distinctive red banding resembling the mottling of gleyed soils.