Pleistocene, multiple-growth, lacustrine oncoids from the Poacher's Point Formation, Etosha Pan, northern Namibia

The Poacher's Point Formation is located within the Etosha Pan, northern Namibia. It contains Pleistocene stromatolites, ooids and silica nodules. The stromatolites were constructed by cyanobacteria in very lowenergy lacustrine conditions. The internal structure of the oncoids is complex and subdivided into shells by unconformities. Each unconformity-bounded shell probably represents stromatolite growth during a distinct lacustrine event. Shallower conditions are represented by colloform growth and deeper water by smooth oncoid mat morphology. The unconformities represent hiatuses of unknown duration. At least six stromatolite growth shells are recognized. Silica concretions which may have developed during shallowing lake stages are also present. The lack of clastic material in the carbonate lithologies suggests that the lake waters may have accumulated from collecting rainwater or have been spring fed. The lowest bed of the succession is a saline clay which represents a seasonally flooded salt pan deposited in an arid to semi-arid climate similar to that of today. The overlying carbonates represent sedimentation during a series of transient lacustrine events, representing intermittent wetter periods. Finally, due to progressive aridity, the lacustrine succession was terminated by calcrete development.