Comparison of plant microfossil assemblages in Late Palaeozoic Gondwana glacial sequences

Gary David Powis

doi:10.54991/jop.1981.1405

Authors

Gary David Powis Esso Australia Ltd., Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia-2001

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54991/jop.1981.1405

Keywords:

Microfossils, Palynology, Gondwanaland, Glaciation, Late Palaeozoic, Australia

Abstract

Coeval plant microfossil assemblages of glacigene deposits of Gondwanaland are divisible on the basis of proportions of major morphological groups into two distinct types. They are the Australian-type (with a dominance of trilete spores and up to 10 percent monosaccate pollen) and the Indian-type (dominated by monosaccate pollen with a minor proportion of spores).

The lack of diversity of the Indian-type palynoflora is consistent with a parent flora adapted to harsh physical conditions such as a severe glacial environment. The Australian- type palynofloras, by contrast, suggest parent plant communities developed under milder conditions, perhaps peripheral to ice centers or experiencing a greater fluvial influence.

Recognition of Australian-type palynofloras associated with coal measure sequences in Tanzania, and coeval with glacigene sequences elsewhere in Gondwanaland may indicate that the post-glacial flora in the Gondwana countries was not simply the result of evolution and radiation in response to the end of widespread glaciation.

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