Precambrian stromatolites in the Pranhita-Godavari Valley (South India)
Abstract Stromatolites of various growth patterns occur in a narrow belt from Mancherial to Mulug in the Pranhita-Godavari Valley, in the lower part of the Precambrian Pakhal Group. On the basis of the available radiometric dating, the stromatolites are tentatively assigned a Middle Proterozoic age. Analysis of the stromatolite structures and associated sediments suggests that they represent accumulation in a tidal flat environment, which helps to delineate a Precambrian strand line in the area. The growth pattern of a new type of elongate stromatolite structure has been analysed and it has been suggested that the shape an orientation of these structures are related to the palaeocurrent system.