A basal Gondwana palynoflora from the glacigene sediments of Tatapani-Ramkola Coalfield, India

Abstract

Palynological studies were undertaken on the sediments of Talchir Formation exposed along a stream cutting in the Tatapani-Ramkola Coalfield, Chhattisgarh State, India. The glacigenic nature of the Talchir Formation is evident, as manifested by the presence of lithified tillites, varves and rafted boulders. The varve clays have yielded a well preserved assemblage rich in radial monosaccates. The assemblage is dominated by Plicatipollenites (26-31%) with a sub-dominance of Parasaccites (8-22%). Potonieisporites, Virkkipollenites, Caheniasaccites and Sahnites are the other important constituents. The recovered palynoflora is characteristic of Plicatipollenites-Parasaccites palynoassemblage, which represents Lower Talchir palynozone and is of early Permian age.