Miofloral studies of the Lower Gondwana sediments in Johilia Coalfield, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

The Lower Gondwana sediments (coal-bearing) exposed along the Johilla River and also in Pali Coal Mine, Johilla Coalfield, Madhya Pradesh have been studied palynologically. The oldest miofloral assemblage (Zone 1) has been recorded near Manthar comprising Callumispora+Jayantisporites, which represents the Lower Karharbari mioflora. Mioflora assemblage Zone 2 occurs in the older coal seams (seam III-V) of Johilla Coal Mine and being dominant in Parasaccites represents the Upper Karharbari mioflora. Miofloral Zone 3 is marked by the dominance of nonstriated-disaccates and occurs in the second coal seam of Johilla Coal Mine, the second seam at Ganjra Nala confluence and the coal beds exposed near Lakhanpura. The youngest mioflora (Zone 4), being rich in striated-disaccates, occurs in the youngest coal seam (Seam 1) of Johilla Coal Mine and also in the younger two seams exposed at the confluence of Ganjra Nala. Miofloral zones 3 and 4 represent the Lower and Upper Barakar miofloras, respectively. Thus, the coal-bearing horizon of the Johilla Coalfield encompasses not only Karharbari mioflora but also the Barakar mioflora.