Sporae-dispersae and correlation of Gondwana sediments in Johilla coalfield, Son Valley Graben, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

The dispersed spores and pollen grains preserved in the sediments exposed along Johilla River Section, Ganjra Nala Section and in three bore-cores, viz., JHL-23, JHL-24, JHL-25, in Johilla Coalfield have been described. The rich miofloral assemblage consists of 58 genera and 126 species, out of which seven species are new on the basis of their morphological characters. These are - Callumispora paliensls, C. saksenae, Osmundacidites baculatus, Dentatispora mammoida, D. reticulata, Gondisporites reticulatus and Lunatisporites paliensis.

On the basis of the composition of spores and pollen grains, it has been concluded that the South Rewa Gondwana Basin shows a broader relationship with equivalent strata in other basins of India. In general, the monosaccate pollen has a better representation in the Talchir as well as Barakar sediments which is suggestive of relatively cooler conditions than those in Damodar Valley. Six palynological zones have been identified on the basis of quantitative analysis.