A biostratigraphic study of Paleogene sequences in southwestern Venezuela

Abstract

Abstract Palynological analysis of the Los Cuervos, Mirador and Carbonera formations in western Venezuela suggests that changes in the composition and diversity of the microfloral assemblages are related to the nature and dynamics of the paleoenvironments of deposition. The palynological assemblages of the Los Cuervos and Mirador formations are characterized by the mixing of different palynological assemblages, related to the proximity to coastal areas of the low‐delta plain environments (Los Cuervos Formation) and the energy and vegetation present in the drainage area of the fluvial system (Mirador Formation). On the other hand, the assemblages of the Carbonera Formation are considered to be representative of the autochthonous vegetation growing nearby extensive swamps in a low delta plain located far behind coastal areas. The palynological data also permitted the age assignment for each of the stratigraphical units; Paleocene for the upper part of Los Cuervos Formation, Early to Middle Eocene for the Mi...