Palynological correlation of Coal seams in Kusmunda block, Korba Coalfield, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Six bore-core samples from four boreholes in the Kusmunda block of the Korba Coalfield, Madhya Pradesh have been studied palynologically. The distributional pattern of various palynotaxa suggests the occurrence of three palynological assemblages. Assemblage A is characterized by the dominance of Horriditriletes and sub-dominance of Striatites and Faunipollenites. Assemblage B is marked by the dominance of Faunipollenites while Horriditriletes are subdominant. Assemblage C is characterized by dominant Scheuringipollenites whereas Faunipollenites and Horriditriletes are subdominants. Assemblages A and B show a younger aspect of the Barakar Stage and are present in the two successive coal seams, Upper and Lower Kusmunda, of bore-hole nos. NCKK-7 and NCKK-11. Assemblage C is present in coals supposed to be Upper Kusmunda seam of bore-hole nos. NCKK-16 and NCKK-18 but show an older aspect. Apparently, the so-called Upper Kusmunda seam met with in these two bore-holes is not palynostratigraphically the same as its namesake occurring in bore-hole nos. NCKK-7 and NCKK-11 and could more reasonably be older, underlying the Lower Kusmunda seam.