Palynostratigraphy of the Tertiary Sedimentary Formations of Assam: 2. Stratigraphic significance of Spores and Pollen in the Tertiary Succession of Assam

Abstract

Inspite of extensive geological work, our knowledge of the Tertiary sequence of Assam remains incomplete, because of the limited range of rock types, rarity of marker beds, paucity of invertebrate fossils and absence of reliable plant megafossils. Bio-stratigraphic studies taken up by the authors have furnished definite evidence that Palynological assemblages of the different formations (stages) of the Tertiary sequence of Assam include taxa which can be potentially used in dating and correlation. The distribution chart of the characteristic palynological taxa from the different sedimentary groups of the Tertiary sequence amply demonstrate the principles of stratigraphical palynology and the value of these guide fossils in dating, classifying and correlating the Tertiary formations in Assam.