Subsurface palynological succession in Korba coalfield, M.P., India

Abstract

Seventy-nine samples of various lithologies, e.g. coal, shale, shaly sandstone and boulder bed from a 689 meters long continuous core out of a deep borehole in Korba Coalfield have been palynologically investigated. The succession is palynologically divisible into three major zones. The oldest zone commencing with the glacial boulder beds and the greenish tinted rocks overlying it, is dominated by radial monosaccates (Parasaccites + Plicatipollenites) and Callumispora along with progressively increased presence of striated saccates and pteridophytic spores. The middle zone is dominated by Parasaccites. The pteridophytic spores increase and appear more consistently while the striated saccates continue to be sporadic. The top zone is characterized by overall prominence of nonstriated saccates (chiefly Sulcatisporites), increased and consistent presence of striated saccates but similar incidence of pteridophytic spores as in the middle zone. The succession represents Talchir Stage from the base at 689 meters up to 668·57 meters’ level constituting the basal subzone and the Karharbari Stage above it. The climate during three zones, as presumable on the basis of quantitative representation of spore kinds, seems to have been cold and dry followed by cool and humid in the basal zone, cold and humid followed by cool and dry in the middle zone and progressively warm and humid in the top zone.