Characteristics, distribution and morphogenesis of subtidal microbial systems in Shark Bay, Australia

► New georeferenced detailed map of microbial substrate in Hamelin Pool, Australia. ► New information on dating and microbial structures sedimentation rates. ► Deeper microbial structures with a Cerebroid morphology and non laminated fabric. ► Microbial Pavement extends as deep as -6m in area of 230 km2 of the 1400 km2. ► New characterization of taxonomic groups of dominant cyanobacteria.