Palynological zones and their climatic inference in the coal-bearing Gondwana of peninsular India

Abstract

On the basis of relative abundance of morphotype groups through the coal bearing Gondwana Sequence (i.e. Permian) a palynological succession has been reconstructed. Six major compositions have been identified. Palaeoclimatic interpretations have been attempted on the basis of morphographic characters. Eleven such characters have been identified, viz., the overall organization of the saccus, their construction, nature of central body, the structure of the saccus, striations and taeniae and tetrad of spores. Cumulative abundance and sum total of the characters have helped in recognizing eleven climatic ‘Suites’. The palynological inferences reflect two more cooling phases after the extreme cold climate in the Lower Talchir, one in Upper Kharbari and another in the lower part of the Lower Panchet. The palynological composition and morphographic characters also suggest a humid climate instead of arid, both in Kulti as well as Panchet formations.