Palynological investigation of the Ratnagiri beds of Sindhu Durg District, Maharashtra

Abstract

A palynological assemblage consisting of 60 genera and 95 species has been recovered from the Ratnagiri beds of Sindhu Durg District, Maharashtra. Quantitatively, pteridopytic spores and fungal remains are dominant, sharing 44 and 40 percent of the total assemblage respectively. These are followed by angiospermous pollen (16%). On the basis of comparative morphology, the palynofossils have been assigned affinities to extant genera or families. The present day distribution of such taxa suggests a tropical-subtropical climate (warm-humid) with plenty of rainfall. The environment of deposition has been interpreted as near-shore with sufficient fresh water supply.