Depositional environment of Bagra Formation (Upper Triassic), Satpura Basin, India: a palynological approach

Abstract

Bagra Formation is the youngest lithounit of non-marine Mahadeva Group in Satpura Basin. The recorded palynological assemblage from Bagra Formation contains prominence of fungal and algal remains. Palynomorphs of Denwa Formation such as Falcisporites, Satsangisaccite, Samaropollenites, Arcuatipollenites, Strialopodocarpites including Callialasporites, Cycadopites, Corollina (=Classopollis) simplex and Haradisporites are also represented in the Bagra Assemblage. The palynological assemblage (as a mixed flora) suggests a lateral continuity of the Denwa Formation with younger Bagra Formation, and the difference could be facies variations. The recovered palynological assemblage suggests a Rhaetian age of Upper Triassic to the Bagra Formation. The palynological associations indicate that Bagra Formation was deposited in lacustrine set up near shoreline under cool-temperate climate with derivation of palynomorphs from heavy rain forest upland areas.