Diatom analysis of Hirpur Locality III (Lower Karewa), Kashmir Valley

H.P. Gupta; Asha Khandelwal

doi:10.54991/jop.1986.1550

Authors

H.P. Gupta Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, University Road, Lucknow 226007, India
Asha Khandelwal Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, University Road, Lucknow 226007, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54991/jop.1986.1550

Keywords:

Diatoms, Palaeoclimate, Lower Karewa, Upper Pliocene (India)

Abstract

This paper embodies the results of diatom analysis of 54 samples covering all the lithofacies in Hirpur Locality III, Kashmir Valley. Out of 54 samples, only 16 samples have yielded diatoms whereas the rest of the samples proved barren. Diatom analysis has enabled to present two-fold comments: (i) the sediments are poor in diatoms and most of the frustules are ground, and (ii) these sediments are rich in Pennales. Furthermore, the frequency and nature of diatoms in the samples have revealed that the depositional environments were not wholly ponding rather there might have been violent floodings of the lake which perhaps hampered the growth of diatoms and their preservation too.