May 21 - 23, 2010
Denver, Colorado and Dinosaur Ridge, Cretaceous Dakota Sandstone, Denver

Convenors:
Nora Noffke, Old Dominion University
Henry Chafetz, University of Houston

Online Conference Registration
the online registration system is experiencing technical difficulties. The problems should be fixed soon. If you have any questions about registration please contact SEPM Headquarters

List of Presenters (as of January 16, 2010)
Abstracts deadline January 15, 2010 – final deadline

This inaugural conference presents an important geobiological review on microbial mats and the sedimentary structures they form in siliciclastic settings through Earth’s history, from the early Archean to the present. The meeting brings together an international panel of leading researchers to provide a state-of-the art overview of this field. This meeting is  essential for all scientists interested in this rapidly growing field.
The conference discusses modern microbial mats constructed by benthic cyanobacteria and other microbiota in aquatic settings. It will:

• explore the processes of microbial interaction with physical sedimentary processes;
• give an overview on the taxonomy;
• discuss the relation of the siliciclastic biogenic structures to stromatolites and;
• their distribution through time.

Topics include

• early life,
• the rise of cyanobacteria,
• the evolution of microbial eukaryotes,
• the biological transformation at the terminal Precambrian,
• taphonomy of Ediacara fossils,
• influence of macroorganisms on microbial mats,
• extinction patterns, and
• stratigraphical significance

PROGRAM :

The conference will consist of talks, posters, and a field trip to Dinosaur Ridge.

Special Publication:
A SEPM Special Publication is planned for selected papers on this topic.  Contributions to this volume are not restricted to participants at the conference. Please send an abstract of an intended manuscript to either Nora Noffke or Henry Chafetz. Invited manuscripts will be accepted until June 30, 2010 (firm deadline).

REGISTRATION AND ACCOMMODATIONS:
Registration can be made online at
the online registration system is experiencing technical difficulties. The problems should be fixed soon. If you have any questions about registration please contact SEPM Headquarters

Professionals:
Members - $500
Non-Members - $500

Students:
Members - $250
Non-Members - $250
(a limited number of seats are available at this price)

Housing:

Group Information

This anniversary event celebrates
“50 Years NASA Exobiology and Astrobiology”