Palynology of the Lakadong Sandstone (Late Palaeocene) exposed around Bhalukurung, North Cachar Hills, Assam

Abstract

A rich palynoassemblage is recorded from the carbonaceous shale and coal beds in the Lakadong Sandstone exposed around Bhalukurung on the bank of Kopili River, near Umrongso (North Cachar Hills), Assam. The palynoassemblage comprises 40 genera and 60 species. The significant palynotaxa are Dandotiaspora dilata, D. telonata, Lycopodiumsporites speciosus, Neocouperipollis kutchensis, Matanomadhiasulcites maximus, Spinizonocolpites echinatus, Proxapertiles cursus, Lakiapollis ovatus, Tricolporopollis matanomadhensis and Proteacidites protrudus. The present assemblage has been equated with that of Lycopodiumsporites speciosus Cenozone on the basis of palynofloral similarity. The assemblage has been compared with the known contemporaneous palynoassemblages from northeast India and Kutch to assess similarities and differences between them. The palynoflora indicates tropical, warm humid climate and coastal depositional environment with mangrove swamps. The assemblage indicates an Upper Palaeocene (Thanetion) age.