Non-pollen palynomorphs from the late Quaternary sediments of southwestern Madhya Pradesh (India) and their palaeoenvironmental implications

Abstract

Non-pollen palynomorphs comprising algal remains, namely Botryococcus, Chara, Concentricystis, Pediastrum, Spirogyra and Zygnema as well as fungal spores such as ascospore types, Alternaria, Cookeina, Curvularia, Diplodia, Glomus, Helminthosporium, Nigrospora, Microthyriaceae and Tetraploa, well identified from the palynoslides prepared basically for the study of palaeovegetational succession and palaeoclimatic reconstructions, are discussed and illustrated from the late Quaternary sediments collected from southwestern Madhya Pradesh (India), which is regarded as one of the core monsoon zones of the Indian subcontinent. Botryococcus and zygospores of Zygnemataceae indicate warmer climate. Pediastrum–Botryococcus alternation may reflect colder–warmer climates. Botryococcus and Pediastrum may also suggest oscillations in atmospheric precipitation. They could be sensitive indicators of salinity, pH, temperature and depth changes in palaeolagoons influenced by sea-level oscillations and climate. Chara points to less oxygenated and hard water conditions. The record of fungal spores advocates the prevalence of a humid climate.