A revised palynozonation of British Namurian deposits and comparisons with eastern Europe

Abstract

Abstract Existing schemes for the palynozonation of the Namurian deposits in western Europe require updating to reflect improvements in both independent biostratigraphical calibration and species distribution data. New biozonation proposals are presented which include the accurate positioning of all biozonal boundaries and the establishment of new sub-biozonal units within the Pendleian – Alportian sections. The base of the renamed Cingulizonates cf capistratus – Bellispores nitidus (CN) Biozone is placed within the late Brigantian and a new unit, the C. cf. capistratus (Cc) Sub-Biozone, with an upper boundary coincident with the Visean – Namurian Stage boundary is proposed. The Pendleian part of the revised CN Biozone is established as the Verrucosisporites morulatus (Vm) Sub-Biozone. Additional data from the Lycospora subtriquetra – Kraeuselisporites ornatus (SO) Biozone, in the interval adjacent to the proposed Mid - Carboniferous Boundary, permits the establishment of L. subtriquetra – Apiculatisporis...