Palynofloral evidence for palaeoecology and depositional environment of the Kopili Formation (Late Eocene), Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

Abstract

A rich and diversified palynofloral assemblage has been recovered from the Kopili Formation exposed at 136 km post on Jowai-Badarpur Road, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, India. Besides the gymnospermous and angiospermous pollen and pteridophytic spores, the palynofloral assemblage also contains dinoflagellate cysts, fungal remains, bryophytic spores and reworked Gondwana palynofossils in good amount. Based on the distribution and habitat of the extant counterparts of recovered palynofossils, eight plant complexes have been recognized. Most families represented in the assemblage are presently distributed in the tropical to sub-tropical regions indicating almost similar climatic conditions during the deposition of Kopili sediments. The palynofloral assemblage indicates coastal to marine depositional environment with minor oscillations of sea, having fresh water connections with swamps and ponding conditions nearby.