While information on recent microbial mats and Precambrian stromatolites can be found in numerous publications, this book presents essential information on Phanerozoic stromatolites, which have not yet received very much attention. Emphasis is placed on freshwater environments and deep-marine settings, and phosphatic stromatolites. The volume contains seventeen contributions by recognized specialists in the field. It is divided into four parts which cover the entire Phanerozoic from recent settings up to Cambrian stromatolites. The first emphasizes the importance of microbial activity in modern freshwater and deep-marine settings. Cenozoic stromatolites are covered in Parts 2 and 3. The final part is devoted to Paleozoic stromatolites and thrombolites. This collection of papers provides an up-to-date overview of the development and our understanding of the formation of stromatolites during the Phanerozoic. The book contains invaluable information for both researchers and scientists in geology, sedimentology and paleontology and practitioners working in the petroleum and phosphate mining industry.