Palynozonation of Jhuran and Bhuj formations in Kutch Basin

Abstract

The palynological assemblage of Jhuran and Bhuj formations of Kutch Basin have many genera in common Araucariacites complex is the dominating group of palynofossils. The assemblage of Bhuj formation differs from that of Jhuran formation in variety of trilete genera and in the frequent occurrence of hilate group (viz., Aequitriradites, Cooksonites, Coptospora, Triporoletes, etc.). The occurrence of hilate group in the assemblages from Jhuran Formation is almost nil. In all, four palynological zones have been recognized, one palynological zone is in Jhuran Formation and the other three zones are in Bhuj Formation. On the basis of palynological data it seems that the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary lies somewhere in the Upper Member of Jhuran Formation.