Remarkably preserved tephra from the 3430 Ma Strelley Pool Formation, Western Australia: Implications for the interpretation of Precambrian microfossils

- Diverse tephra fragments identified in the fossiliferous 3430 Ma Strelley Pool Formation.
- Tephra fragments coated or lined with anatase +/− organic material.
- Multiple tephra fragments resemble previously described Archean microfossils.
- These data lead to some Archean microfossils being reinterpreted as volcanic in origin.
- Microfossil-like tephra must be considered in future evaluation of early/ET life.