Distribution of spores and pollen grains in the Upper Gondwana strata of India

Abstract

The distributional pattern of the dispersed spores and pollen grains in the Upper Gondwana strata of the Salt Range (West Pakistan), Rajmahal Series (India), Andigama shales (Ceylon), and Jabalpur Series (India), ranging from Liassic to Lower Cretaceous, has been given. Six distinct palynological assemblages (see Fig.2, A–F) have been biostratigraphically studied and analysed. Each assemblage seems to be quite characteristic for its associated horizon and is easily distinguishable mostly at generic level. The Salt Range assemblage (Liassic) is dominated by Classopollis and Perinopollenites whereas the Rajmahal assemblages (Middle-Upper Jurassic) possess mostly cycadophytic and non-saccate pollen grains, together with a representation of pteridophytic spores. In the assemblage of Andigama Shale (Uppermost Jurassic), pteridophytic spores with a dominance of Contignisporites cooksonii constitute the most striking feature. The palynological changes in the Jabalpur Series (Lower Cretaceous) as compared to the Jurassic assemblages are distinct and have been discussed later on. From the preliminary and broader comparative analysis of different assemblages incorporated in this paper, it seems possible that palynological studies on the Upper Gondwana sediments of India can be successfully applied for finer separation of the strata.