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Palaeoworld 20 (2011) 61–74

Research paper

Palynostratigraphy of subsurface Upper Permian and Mesozoic Succession,Rakshitpur area, Raniganj Coalfield, West Bengal

Vijaya ∗Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53 University Road, Lucknow 226 007, Uttar Pradesh, India

Received 5 March 2009; received in revised form 6 January 2010; accepted 8 January 2010Available online 18 January 2010

bstract

In borehole RRK-1, Rakshitpur, Raniganj Coalfield in Damodar Basin, the lithounits identified in the interval of 115.00–610.00 m are innconformable contact with each other. Tertiary sediments (115.00–179.70 m) that contain Callialasporites, Araucariacites, and Podocarpiditeshow continuity with the underlying supra-trappean strata (179.70–185.70 m). The two palynozones identified within the Rajmahal FormationForaminisporis asymmetricus 179.70–185.70 m and Foraminisporis wonthaggiensis 198.92–216.63 m) suggest Valanginian to Barremian age.he chocolate facies of the Panchet Formation (253.70–471.70 m) is devoid of palyniferous matter except at 260.55 m depth where the Foramin-

sporis wonthaggiensis assemblage of the younger horizon (inter-trappean) continues to occur. Downwards, at 261.20–262.40 m depth, Permianaxa Striatopodocarpites, Faunipollenites, and Densipollenites are abundant, but Arcuatipollenites pellucidus, Playfordiaspora cancellosa, andoubinispora indica are rare. Besides, Callialasporites turbatus/C. microvelatus, first occurred at 262.40 m depth, are still present in the Panchetormation. This kind of mixed population of palynomorphs is suggestive of disturbed zone in the deposite, and had happened at the on-set ofolcanic activity in the study area, and re-defines the status of this part (253.70–262.40 m) to be infra-trappean. Occurrence of pebble bed at62.40–262.80 m further supplements this hiatus. In the coal horizon (471.70–610.00 m), two identified palynoassemblages, Densipollenites mag-

icorpus and Gondisporites raniganjensis, indicate Late Permian age for this part of the Raniganj Formation. Abundant wood shreads, plant tissuesn the chocolate facies of the Panchet Formation and at intervals in the Coal horizon suggest high-energy flow during sedimentation in the studyrea.

2010 Elsevier Ltd and Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, CAS. All rights reserved.

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eywords: Mesozoic Succession; Raniganj Formation; Palynostratigraphy; Ind

. Introduction

The first studies of the Rajmahal Traps from the easternmostart of the Raniganj Coalfield (Panagarh area) (Vijaya, 1999;ijaya and Bhattacharji, 2002) dealt with the Lower Cretaceousalynozonation in the inter-trappeans. In addition, the Jurassiceposits were first recognized in the Panchet Formation from theanagarh area, Damodar Basin (Vijaya and Bhattacharji, 2003).oreover, in Rakshitpur area, borehole RRK-1 has penetrated

hrough the Tertiary sediments into the Rajmahal Formation.his has added further information about the continuity of the

ajmahal Traps from that of Panagarh area, and the Rajma-al Basin. Downwards, borehole RRK-1 had intersected thehocolate facies of the Panchet Formation and the Coal hori-

∗ Tel.: +91 522 2740011; fax: +91 522 2740485.E-mail address: bsip vijaya@yahoo.co.in.

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871-174X/$ – see front matter © 2010 Elsevier Ltd and Nanjing Institute of Geologoi:10.1016/j.palwor.2010.01.001

on Raniganj Formation, overlying the metamorphics at the baseevel.

The aim of this paper is to date supra-, inter- andnfra-trappean sediments of the Rajmahal Formation and thehocolate facies of the Panchet Formation in borehole RRK-1Fig. 1).

. Geology

The undulated topography in the eastern part of theaniganj Coalfield is the characteristic feature of the area.ere, the sedimentary sequence is divisible into three

hronostratigraphic units, Lower Cretaceous Rajmahal For-

ation, Lower Triassic Panchet Formation, and Upperermian Coal horizon comprising Raniganj and Barakarormations (Fig. 2). These units are separated, respec-ively, by regional unconformities and the Barakar Formation

y and Palaeontology, CAS. All rights reserved.

62 Vijaya / Palaeoworld 20 (2011) 61–74

he adj

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Fig. 1. Map showing location of borehole RRK-1, in Rakshitpur area, and t

verlies unconformably on metamorphic basement. Thistratigraphic sequence partially outcrops as faulted blocksFig. 1).

The Tertiary sediments have not been studied stratigraphi-ally. The Lower Cretaceous succession includes Traps, supra-,nter- and infra-trappeans, which overlie unconformably onhe top of the Panchet Formation above 253.70 m depth.ear 262.40–262.80 m of chocolate facies, 0.40 cm thick peb-le bed is observed. Underlying strata (below 471.70 m) arehe Coal horizon comprising Raniganj and Barakar forma-ions separated by an unconformity (Fig. 2). Borehole RKK-1ad reached up to 951.65 m depth, but no coal seam wasntersected between 883.00 and 951.65 m (News Coal Wing,002).

. Materials and methods

Processed for spore-pollen study were 341 rock samplesf varied lithofacies, comprising mudstones, grey to car-onaceous and chocolate to khaki-green shales, siltstones,nd fine to medium-grained sandstones from the interval of

15.00–610.00 m in borehole RRK-1 (Fig. 2). Only 30 samplesave yielded rich and diverse palynoassemblages. For paly-ological preparations, the standard technique using HF, HCLas applied to extract the material for microscopic observations

Bharadwaj, 1962).

dw

av

oining Panagarh area in Raniganj Coalfield, Damodar Basin, West Bengal.

. Palynoflora

The preservation of the palynomorphs is variable withinhe samples, but recovery is frequently low to moderate,nd the specimens are yellowish-dark brown, from distorted,roken to fairly well-preserved. Based on changes in the paly-omorph components of the characteristic genera and speciesFigs. 6 and 7), five palynoassemblages are identified in95.00 m deep strata of the Mesozoic and Permian successionsn borehole RRK-1 (Fig. 3). The species identified herein areisted in Tables 2 and 3. Occurrences of marker species of strati-raphic significance in the Panchet and Rajmahal formations areiven in Fig. 4.

.1. Tertiary Sediments

The Tertiary sediments are delineated from the underlyingupra-trappean strata of the Rajmahal Formation arbitrarily at79.90 m. They comprise greyish mudstones mixed with shalesnd sandstones, in which Callialasporites, Araucariacites, andodocarpidites occurred moderately at 119.00 and 164.50 mepths. Otherwise, the specimens are poorly preserved and rare

ithin 115.00–179.90 m strata.Plant matter comprising wood shreds and cuticles is

bundant, but poor preservation of palynomorphs pre-ents an accurate identification. In addition, the absence

Vijaya / Palaeoworld 2

Fo

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ig. 2. Lithocolumn showing the formational units, lithofacies, and the depthsf productive samples.

f marker species does not allow an age assessment

o these strata. Moreover, the studied strata exhibit con-inuity with the immediate older assemblage from theupra-trappean bed (179.70–185.70 m), Rajmahal FormationFig. 3).

2bVn

0 (2011) 61–74 63

.2. Rajmahal Formation

The Rajmahal Formation (179.70–253.70 m thick) is repre-ented by supra-trappean (179.70–185.70 m) and inter-trappeaneds (198.92–216.63 m). Abundant and diversified assemblagesre recovered at different depth intervals within these sedimentss exhibited from the species record (Table 2, Fig. 6).

.2.1. Assemblage I: depths 181.40, 183.00, 185.70 mPalynoassemblage recovered within this interval is from the

ixed lithofacies of grey to buff mudstones and siltstones inhe supra-trappean beds (179.70–185.70 m). Here, Callialas-orites is predominant, followed by Podocarpidites, Alisporites,nd Araucariacites, along with moderate to low counts oflsophilidites spp., Boseisporites spp., Cicatricosisporites spp.,leicheniidites spp., Ruffordiaspora spp., Trilobosporites spp.,equitriradites spp., and Contignisporites spp. Besides, certainpecies are represented in very low number such as Leptole-idites rimatus, Lycopodiacidites bullerensis, Contignisporitesornicatus, Coptospora verrucosa, Bullasporis minutus, Antul-porites varigranulatus, Santhalisporites spp., Triporoletes spp.,ooksonites spp., and Januasporites spp. Overall, there is suf-cient species diversity to assess the age of these strata.

Moreover, the first occurrence (FO) of Foraminisporis asym-etricus and Crybelosporites striatus at 185.70 m depth (Fig. 4)laces this assemblage with the older part of F. asymmetricusalynozone in the Lower Cretaceous palynozonation (Fig. 3),hich is Barremian in age (Burger, 1990; Vijaya, 1999).

.2.2. Assemblage II: depths 200.00, 201.00, 203.40,04.10, 205.40, 209.10, 212.10, 215.00 m

Downwards in the inter-trappean beds (198.92–216.63 m),ecovery of palynomorphs in general is good (Fig. 6). Theommon pollen belongs to Callialasporites, and others areodocarpidites and Araucariacites. Group of species in lowumber includes Polycingulatisporites spp., Antulsporites vari-ranulatus, Aequitriradites verrucosus, Contignisporites spp.,rybelosporites stylosus, Gleicheniidites spp., Leptolepiditeserrucatus, Lycopodiacidites dettmannae, Neoraistrickia trun-ata, Santhalisporites spp., Coptospora spp., Callialasporitesicrovelatus, C. triletus, C. reticulatus, C. trilobatus, Cicatri-

osisporites spp., Classopollis, and Podosporites, which haveeen observed at 215.00 m depth and continue upwards to the00.00 m.

Moreover, in the inter-trappean sediments198.92–216.63 m), reworking is observed of the Permianollen taxa (Striatopodocarpites, Faunipollenites, Densipollen-tes, and Crescentipollenites) along with a group of other genera:rcuatipollenites sp., Guttulapollenites sp., Microbaculispora,ondisporites, and apiculate trilete spores, representing up

o 60–80% of the total population at 200.20, 201.10, 203.40,05.40, 206.60, and 208.20 m depths.

However, the FO of Foraminisporis wonthaggiensis at

60.55 m depth in the older horizon is remarkable (Fig. 4),ecause the FO of F. wonthaggiensis is the marker foralanginian–Hauterivian level in the Early Cretaceous paly-ozonation (Burger, 1990). Collectively, the above-mentioned

64 Vijaya / Palaeoworld 20 (2011) 61–74

Fig. 3. Palynoassemblages identified in the litho-succession (Fig. 2) in borehole RRK-1, Rakshitpur area, Raniganj Coalfield, and their age.

Fig. 4. Occurrences of characertic species in the Panchet and Rajmahal Formations, and the varied levels of un-productive strata within approximately 355.00 mdeep litho-succession in borehole RRK-1, Rakshitpur area, Raniganj Coalfield.

Vijaya / Palaeoworld 20 (2011) 61–74 65

F ns. Eo

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ig. 5. Palynological dating of the Raniganj, Panchet, and Rajmahal Formatioblique lines represent hiatus.

pecies indicate this assemblage belongs to F. wonthaggiensisalynozone (Fig. 3).

.3. Panchet Formation

.3.1. Assemblage III: depths 260.55, 261.20, 262.40 mThe chocolate shales and sandstone facies in the interval

f 253.70–470.70 m represents the Panchet Formation. Here in18.00 m thick strata, palynomorphs are obtained only in thepper part at 260.55 and 261.20–262.40 m.

At 260.55 m depth, the assemblage obtained in chocolateith grey-buff mixed facies has abundant Callialasporites andraucariacites, along with common elements Podocarpiditesnd Microcachryidites. The most important species of thisssemblage are Cicatricosisporites halli, C. annulalus, Contig-isporites multimuratus, Santhalisporites bulbosus, Coptosporaicrogranulosa, Aequitriradites verrucosus, and Foraminis-

oris wonthaggiensis (Fig. 4). This group of species is notablen this part of the Panchet Formation, and seems to be youngerhan that of the Lower Triassic, as defined in the lithostratigra-hy (Table 1). This palyno-composition has a closer affinity with

norl

ach palynoassemblage identified herein is shown with different symbol. The

hat of the inter-trappean assemblage (198.82–216.63 m) of theajmahal Formation, and therefore, it can be correlated with

he Foraminisporis wonthaggiensis palynozone in the Lowerretaceous (Fig. 3).

Striatopodocarpites–Densipollenites prevails at 261.20–62.40 m in this part of the Panchet Formation, along withair occurrence of other striate bisaccate pollen taxa (Fau-ipollenites and Crescentipollenites). Other stratigraphicallymportant species include Microbaculispora gondwanensis,

icrofoveolatispora raniganjensis, Distriamonocolpites ovalis,arsupipollenites striatus, Striasulcites spp., Kamthisaccites

amthiensis, K. ringus, and Guttulapollenites hannonicus.Callialasporites (C. turbatus/C. microvelatus) first occurred

t 262.40 m depth. Arcuatipollenites pellucidus, Playfordias-ora cancellosa, and Goubinispora indica have also beenound in this assemblage, and they are the marker taxa forasalmost Triassic. Here, D. magnicorpus is present in good

umber and is considered the marker for the younger partf the Upper Permian. Moreover, record of Kamhisaccitesingus, Arcuatipollenites pellucidus, Playfordiaspora cancel-osa, and Goubinispora indica confirms the reworking of the

66 Vijaya / Palaeoworld 20 (2011) 61–74

Fig. 6. Characteristic spore-pollen species identified in the Rajmahal Formation: (A) Murospora florida (Balme) Pocock, 1961; (B) Contignisporites fornicatusDettmann, 1963; (C) Contignisporites cooksonii (Balme) Dettmann, 1963; (D) Cicatricosisporites hallei Delcourt et Sprumont, 1955; (E) Sestrosporites pseu-doalveolatus (Couper) Dettmann, 1963; (F) Januasporites spiniferous Singh, 1974; (G) Ruffordiaspora ludbrookiae (Dettmann) Dettmann et Clifford, 1992; (H)Cicatricosisporites annulatus Archangelsky et Gamerro, 1965; (I) Foraminisporis wonthaggiensis (Cookson et Dettmann) Dettmann, 1963; (J) Foraminisporisasymmetricus (Cookson et Dettmann) Dettmann, 1963; (K) Lycopodiacidites dettmannae Burger, 1980; (L) Santhalisporites bulbosus Tripathi, Tiwari et Kumar,1990; (M) Coptospora verrucosa Tripathi,Tiwari et Kumar, 1990; (N) Januasporites spinulosus Dettmann, 1963; (O) Alsophilidites bellus Venkatachala, Kar etRaza, 1969; (P) Matonisporites cooksoniae Dettmann, 1963; (Q) Crybelosporites punctatus Dettmann, 1963; (R) Crybelosporites striatus (Cookson et Dettmann)D s atte1 poraK

eorud

ettmann, 1963; (S) Crybelosporites brenneri Playford, 1971; (T) Dettmannite971; (V) Podosporites microsaccatus (Couper) Dettmann, 1963; (W) Coptosumar, 1990.

nd Permian taxa in the studied strata (261.20–262.40 m)

f the Panchet Formation (Fig. 4). Furthermore, the occur-ence of 0.40 cm thick pebble bed (262.40–262.80 m) in thepper part of the Panchet Formation indicates a break in theeposits.

sftm

nuarus Singh et Kumar, 1972; (U) Triporoletes radiatus (Dettmann) Playford,williamsii Playford, 1971; (X) Cooksonites rajmahalensis Tripathi, Tiwari et

The sediments comprising the chocolate shales and sand-

tones (262.80–471.70 m) that transgress into carbonaceousacies (471.70–521.80 m) are devoid of palynomorphs, but con-ain abundant distorted lumps of vegetal residue along with

ineral matter (Fig. 4). The high-energy flow of currents

Vijaya / Palaeoworld 20 (2011) 61–74 67

Table 1Lithostratigraphy in borehole RRK-1, Rakshitpur area, Raniganj Coalfield (after News Coal Wing, 2002).

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45

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ct(p1tr

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arrying the plant matter might be the reason for the non-eposion of palynomorph during sedimentation. This kind ofaucity does not allow to determine the age of the above-entioned strata in the Panchet Formation.

.4. Raniganj Formation

The palynoassemblages from the grey to carbonaceous shalesnd sandstones facies in the Raniganj Formation are charac-erized by abundant bisaccate pollen taxa Striatopodocarpites,aunipollenites, Scheuringipollenites, and Crescentipollenites.he commonly found taxa include pteridophytic spores and var-

ous pollen taxa (Figs. 4 and 7).

.4.1. Assemblage IV: depths 521.80, 523.70, 525.30,27.00, 528.40, 529.70 m

Assemblage recovered in the interval of 521.80–529.70 m inorehole RRK-1 contains an increased number of Densipollen-tes densus and D. indicus along with D. magnicorpus.

The assemblage is much diversified in having abundant striateisaccate pollen. Other taxa include trilete spores (Horrid-triletes bulbosus, H. unicus, Brijrajisporites distinctus, Callu-ispora fungosa, Brevitriletes unicus, Microbaculispora spp.,icrofoveolatispora spp.), monosaccate pollen (Barakarites

pp., Potonieisporites concinnus, Striomonosaccites ovatus),isaccate pollen (Rhizomaspora spp., Dicapipollenites cras-us, Verticipollenites spp., Striapollenites obliquus, Striatitespp.), and Marsupipollenites spp., Ginkgocycadopites korbaen-is, Vittatina sp., Tiwariasporis gondwanensis. Overall, thisssemblage compares well with the Late Permian Densipollen-tes magnicorpus Palyozone (R-IA in Tiwari and Singh, 1986;iwari and Tripathi, 1992) (Fig. 3).

.4.2. Assemblage V: depths 531.50, 547.30, 553.90,82.60, 589.00, 600.80, 604.10, 608.30 m

The older strata comprising grey to carbonaceous facies inhe Coal horizon in borehole RKK-1 contain a variety of spore-ollen (Table 3) at different depths within 76.80 m thick strata.

he significant components of the assemblage include abundanttriate bisaccate pollen Striatopodocarpites and Faunipollen-tes, along with a fair occurrence of Scheuringipollenites spp.ogether with this are the pteridophytic spores, highly diversified

gRZF

ut low in counts, including Microbaculispora barakarensis,errucosisporites spp., Dentatispora mammoida, Indotrira-ites korbaensis, I. sparsus, Microfoveolatispora bokaroensis,idecitriletes horridus, Indospora clara, and Insignisporitesarakarensis. Other stratigraphically important, but low inounts, taxa in the assemblage include Potonieisporites sp.,seudoreticulatispora barakarensis, Plicatipollenites gondwa-ensis, Dicapipollenites crassus, Guttulapollenites hannonicus,hizomaspora monosulcata, R. singula and Crescentipollenitespp., Verticipollenites spp., Sahnites elongatus, Striomonosac-ites ovatus, Striasulcites ovatus, Schizopollis distinctus,yclobaculisporites minutus, Cyclogranisporites gondwanen-

is, Weylandites spp., Barakarites spp., Tiwariasporis spp.,nd Marsupipollenites triradiatus. Despite the variable state ofreservation, the assemblage identified herein contain a numberf stratigraphically significant species, which suggests the Lateermian age for the studied strata of the Coal horizon (Fig. 3).

The absence of Densipollenites magnicorpus, Microba-ulispora villosa, and Microfoveolatispora raniganjensis ishe strong evidence for correlating the studied interval531.50–608.30 m) of the Raniganj Formation with the Gondis-orites raniganjensis Palynozone (R-IIA in Tiwari and Singh,986; Tiwari and Tripathi, 1992). However, it is not possibleo define accurately the lower limit because of unavailability ofock samples.

. Discussion

According to the most standard palynozonation schemesstablished for the Permian, Lower Triassic, and Lower Cre-aceous successions in India (Tiwari and Singh, 1986; Tiwarind Tripathi, 1992; Vijaya, 1999) and Australia (Helby etl., 1987; Burger, 1990, 1995), the presently identified paly-oassemblages in borehole RRK-1 are assessed to date thetudied litho-succession. Based on distribution pattern of theey genera and species, four palynozones (Fig. 3) are recog-ized here in 495.00 m deep litho-succession of the boreholeRK-1 (Fig. 2). In assending order, these are Gondisporites rani-

anjensis (Gr Z), Densipollenites magnicorpus (Dm Z) in theaniganj Formation, and Foraminisporis wonthaggiensis (Fw), and Foraminisporites asymmetricus (Fa Z) in the Rajmahalormation.

68 Vijaya / Palaeoworld 20 (2011) 61–74

Fig. 7. Characteristic spore-pollen species identified in the Raniganj Formation: (A) Densipollenites magnicorpus Tiwari et Rana, 1980; (B) Gondisporites rani-ganjensis Bharadwaj, 1962; (C) Kamhisaccites ringus Vijaya et Tripathi, 2008; (D) Barakarites triquetrus Tiwari, 1965; (E) Striomonosaccites ovatus Bharadwaj,1962; (F) Rhizomaspora singula Tiwari, 1965; (G) Scheuringipollenites barakarensis (Tiwari) Tiwari, 1973; (H) Striasulcites ovatus Venkatachala et Kar, 1968; (I)Faunipollenites varius Bharadwaj emend. Tiwari et al., 1989; (J) Verticipollenites gibbosus Bharadwaj, 1962; (K) Crescentipollenites fuscus (Bharadwaj) Bharadwajet al., 1974; (L) Weylandites circularis Bharadwaj et Srivastava, 1969; (M) Guttulapollenites hannonicus Goubin, 1965; (N) Dicappipollenites crassus (Sinha)Tiwari et Vijaya, 1995; (O) Playfordiaspora cancellosa Maheshwari et Banerji emend. Vijaya, 1995; (P) Callumispora gretensis (Balme et Hennelly) Bharadwaje et VijS ites peR laspo1

5

hf

t

t Srivastava emend. Tiwari et al., 1989; (Q) Krempipollenites indicus Tiwaritriatopodocarpites magnificus Bharadwaj et Salujha, 1964; (T) Arcuatipollenana, 1981; (V) Callialasporites segmentatus (Balme) Dev, 1961; (W) Callia966.

.1. Rajmahal Formation

In the Rakshitpur area, it is the first record of the Rajma-al Traps. Although the infra- and inter-trappean sedimentsrom the Rajmahal Formation had already been worked out in

(sis

aya, 1995; (R) Praecolpatites nidpurensis Bharadwaj et Srivastava, 1969; (S)llucidus (Goubin) Tiwari et Vijaya, 1995; (U) Goubinispora indica Tiwari et

rites trilobatus (Balme) Dev, 1961; (X) Callialasporites microvelatus Schutz,

he easternmost part (Panagarh area) of the Raniganj Coalfield

Vijaya and Bhattacharji, 2002). Here, Assemblage I in the greyhales and mudstone facies contains the index species Foramin-sporis asymmetricus and Crybelosporites striatus. The otherpecies found there are the carried-overs from the underlying

Vijaya / Palaeoworld 20 (2011) 61–74 69

Table 2Checklist of spore-pollen species identified in the Raniganj Formation,borehole RKK-1, Rakshitpur area, Raniganj Coalfield (Early CretaceousPalynoassemblages).

SIMPLE TRILETE SPOREGenus Alsophilidites Cookson emend. Potonié, 1956

Alsophilidites bellus Venkatachala, Kar et Raza, 1969Alsophilidites grandis Sah et Jain, 1965

Genus Antulsporites Archangelsky et Gamerro, 1966bAntulsporites varigranulatus (Levet-Carette) Reiser etWilliams, 1969

Genus Baculatisporites Thomson et Pflüg, 1953Baculatisporites comaumensis (Cookson) Potonié, 1953

Genus Biformaesporites Singh et Kumar, 1972Biformaesporites baculosus Singh et Kumar, 1972

Genus Boseisporites Dev emend. Bharadwaj et Kumar, 1972Boseisporites insignitus Venkatachala, 1969b

Genus Bullasporis Krutzsch, 1959Bullasporis minutus Venkatachala et Sharma, 1974Bullasporis sp.

Genus Ceratosporites Cookson et Dettmann, 1958Ceratosporites equalis Cookson et Dettmann, 1958

Genus Cicatricosisporites Potonié et Gelletich, 1933Cicatricosisporites annulatus Archangelsky et Gamerro,1965Cicatricosisporites augustus Singh, 1971Cicatricosisporites hallei Delcourt et Sprumont, 1955Cicatricosisporites hughesi Dettmann, 1963Cicatricosisporites perforatus (Baranov, Nemkova etKondratiev) Singh, 1964Cicatricosisporites pseudotripartitus (Bolkhovitina)Dettmann, 1977

Genus Conbaculatisporites Klaus, 1960Conbaculatisporites densibaculatus Sharma, Jain etVenkatachala, 1977

Genus Concavissimisporites Delcourt et Sprumont emend.Delcourt, Dettmann et Hughes, 1963Concavissimisporites kutchensis Venkatachala, 1969Concavissimisporites penolaensis Dettmann, 1963Concavissimisporites subverrucosus Venkatachala, 1969

Genus Densoisporites Weyland et Krieger emend. Dettmann, 1963Densoisporites mesozoicus Singh, Srivastava et Roy, 1964

Genus Dictyophyllidites Couper, 1958Dictyophyllidites harrisii Couper, 1958Dictyophyllidites pectinatiformis (Bolkhovitina) Dettmann,1963

Genus Foveotriletes Van der Hammen ex Potonié, 1956Foveotriletes foveolus Venkatachala, Kar et Raza, 1969Foveotriletes parviretus (Balme) Dettmann, 1963

Genus Gleicheniidites Ross emend. Dettmann, 1963Gleicheniidites circinidites Cookson, 1953Gleicheniidites senonicus Ross, 1949

Genus Impardecispora Venkatachala, Kar et Raza, 1969Impardecispora apiverrucata (Couper) Venkatachala, Karet Raza, 1969Impardecispora indica Venkatachala, 1969Impardecispora simplex Venkatachala, 1969

Genus Ischyosporites Balme, 1957Ischyosporites crateris Balme, 1957

Table 2 (Continued)

Genus Klukisporites Couper, 1958Klukisporites foveolatus Pocock, 1964Klukisporites punctatus Venkatachala, 1969bKlukisporites scaberis (Cookson et Dettmann) Dettmann,1963

Genus Leptolepidites Couper, 1953Leptolepidites major Couper, 1958Leptolepidites rimatus Tripathi, Tiwari et Kumar, 1990Leptolepidites verrucatus Couper, 1953

Genus Lycopodiacidites Couper emend. Potonié, 1956Lycopodiacidites asperatus Dettmann, 1963Lycopodiacidites bullerensis Couper, 1953Lycopodiacidites dettmannae Burger, 1980

Genus Matonisporites Couper emend. Bharadwaj et Kumar, 1972Matonisporites cooksoniae Dettmann, 1963Matonisporites phlebopteroides Couper, 1958Matonisporites sahii Varma et Ramanujam, 1984

Genus Neoraistrickia Potonié emend. Bharadwaj et Kumar, 1972Neoraistrickia truncata (Cookson) Potonié, 1956Neoraistrickia pallidates Kumar, 1973

Genus Osmundacidites Couper, 1953Osmundacidites wellmanii Couper, 1953Osmundacidites singhii Ramanujam et Srisailam, 1974

Genus Reticulatisporites Ibrahim emend. Potonié et Kremp, 1954Reticulatisporites pudens Balme, 1957Reticulatisporites reticulatus Ibrahim, 1933

Genus Ruffordiaspora Dettmann et Clifford, 1992Ruffordiaspora australiensis (Cookson) Dettmann etClifford, 1992Ruffordiaspora ludbrookiae (Dettmann) Dettmann etClifford, 1992

Genus Rugulatisporites Pflüg et Thomson, 1953Rugulatisporites quintus Pflüg et Thomson, 1953

Genus Santhalisporites Tripathi, Tiwari et Kumar, 1990Santhalisporites bulbosus Tripathi, Tiwari et Kumar, 1990Santhalisporites imperfectus Tripathi, Tiwari et Kumar,1990

Genus Sestrosporites Dettmann, 1963Sestrosporites pseudoalveolatus (Couper) Dettmann, 1963

Genus Staplinisporites Pocock, 1962Staplinisporites caminus (Balme) Pocock, 1962

Genus Stereisporites Pflüg in Thomson et Pflüg, 1953Stereisporites antiquasporites (Wilson et Webster)Dettmann, 1963Stereisporites pocockii Burger, 1980

Genus Taurocusporites Stover emend. Playford et Dettmann, 1965Taurocusporites minor Singh, 1964Taurocusporites segmentatus Stover emend. Playford etDettmann, 1965

Genus Todisporites Couper, 1958Todisporites major Couper, 1958Todisporites rotundiformis (Maljavikina) Pocock, 1970

Genus Trilites Erdtman ex Couper emend. Dettmann, 1963Trilites orikkaiense Varma et Ramanujam, 1984Trilites tuberculiformis Cookson, 1947

70 Vijaya / Palaeoworld 20 (2011) 61–74

Table 2 (Continued)

Genus Trilobosporites Pant emend. Potonié, 1956Trilobosporites purverulentus (Verbitskaya) Dettmann,1963Trilobosporites triangularis Venkatachala, Kar et Raza,1969b

Genus Triporoletes Mtchedlishvili emend. Playford, 1971Triporoletes radiatus (Dettmann) Playford, 1971Triporoletes reticulatus (Pocock) Playford, 1971Triporoletes simplex (Cookson et Dettmann) Playford, 1971

Genus Undulatisporites Pflüg in Thomson et Pflüg, 1953Undulatisporites fossulatus Singh, 1971Undulatisporites pannuceus (Brenner) Singh, 1971

Genus Verrucosisporites Ibrahim emend. Smith, 1971Verrucosisporites dubius Sah et Jain, 1965Verrucosisporites rotundus Singh, 1964Verrucosisporites verrucosus Ibrahim, 1932

Genus Venustaesporites Singh et Kumar, 1972Venustaesporites pallidus Singh et Kumar, 1972

CINGULATE-ZONATE TRILETE SPOREGenus Aequitriradites Delcourt et Sprumont emend. Cookson et

Dettmann, 1961Aequitriradites spinulosus (Cookson et Dettmann) Cooksonet Dettmann, 1961Aequitriradites verrucosus Cookson et Dettmann, 1961

Genus Asbeckiasporites Brelie, 1964Asbeckiasporites wirthii Brelie, 1964

Genus Camerozonosporites Potonié emend. Klaus, 1960Camerozonosporites bullatus Harris, 1965

Genus Contignisporites Dettmann, 1963Contignisporites cooksonii (Balme) Dettmann, 1963Contignisporites crenatus Varma et Ramanujam, 1984

Genus Contignisporites fornicatus Dettmann, 1963Contignisporites glebulentus Dettmann, 1963Contignisporites multimuratus Dettmann, 1963

Genus Cooksonites Pocock emend. Dettmann, 1963Cooksonites rajmahalensis Tripathi, Tiwari et Kumar, 1990

Genus Coptospora Dettmann, 1963Coptospora microgranulosa Venkatachala et Sharma, 1974Coptospora verrucosa Tripathi et al., 1990Coptospora williamsii Playford, 1971

Genus Crybelosporites Dettmann, 1963Crybelosporites brenneri Playford, 1971Crybelosporites striatus (Cookson et Dettmann) Dettmann,1963Crybelosporites stylosus Dettmann, 1963

Genus Densoisporites Weyland et Krieger emend. Dettmann, 1963Densoisporites indicus Kumar, 1973Densoisporites mesozoicus Singh, Srivastava et Roy, 1964Densoisporites velatus Weyland et Krieger emend.Krasnova, 1961

Genus Foraminisporis Krutzsch emend. Dettmann, 1963Foraminisporis asymmetricus (Cookson et Dettmann)Dettmann, 1963Foraminisporis foraminis Krutzsch, 1959Foraminisporis tribulosus Playford et Dettmann, 1965Foraminisporis wonthaggiensis (Cookson et Dettmann)Dettmann, 1963

Table 2 (Continued)

Genus Januasporites Pocock emend. Singh, 1964Januasporites reticularis Pocock, 1962Januasporites spiniferus Singh, 1964Januasporites spinulosus Dettmann, 1963

Genus Kraeuselisporites Leschik emend. Jansonius, 1962Kraeuselisporites dentatus Leschik, 1955Kraeuselisporites linearis (Cookson et Dettmann)Dettmann, 1963

Genus Murospora Somers, 1952Murospora florida (Balme) Pocock, 1961Murospora mesozoica Pocock, 1961Murospora truncata Singh, 1971

Genus Polycingulatisporites Simoncsics et Kedves emend.Playford et Dettmann, 1965Polycingulatisporites crenulatus Playford et Dettmann,1965Polycingulatisporites radiatus Singh, 1971Polycingulatisporites reduncus (Bolkhovitina) Playford etDettmann, 1965

Genus Taurocusporites Stover emend. Playford et Dettmann, 1965Taurocusporites segmentatus Stover, 1962Taurocusporites minor Singh, 1964

Genus Verrucosisporites Ibrahim emend. Smith, 1971Verrucosisporites narmianus Balme, 1970Verrucosisporites varius Maheshwari, 1967

MONOLETE SPOREGenus Crassimonoletes Singh, Srivastava et Roy, 1964

Crassimonoletes minor Singh, Srivastava et Roy, 1964Crassimonoletes surangei Singh, Srivastava et Roy, 1964

Genus Dettmannites Singh et Kumar, 1972Dettmannites attenuarus Singh et Kumar, 1972

Genus Polypodiisporites Potonié ex Potonié, 1956Polypodiisporites multiverrucosus (Nagy) Rao, Ramanujamet Varma, 1983Polypodiisporites rajasthanensis Srivastava, 1966

Genus Schizaeoisporites Potonié, 1956Schizaeoisporites eocenicus (Selling) Potonié, 1956

NON-STRIATE BISACCATE POLLENGenus Alisporites Daugherty, 1941

Alisporites grandis (Cookson) Dettmann, 1963

Genus Podocarpidites (Cookson) Potonié, 1958Podocarpidites major Couper, 1953Podocarpidites ellipticus Cookson, 1947

MONOSACCATE POLLENGenus Callialasporites Dev emend. Maheshwari, 1974

Callialasporites dampieri (Balme) Dev, 1961Callialasporites microvelatus Schulz, 1966Callialasporites monoalasporus Dev, 1961Callialasporites triletus Singh, Srivastava et Roy, 1964Callialasporites trilobatus (Balme) Dev, 1961Callialasporites reticulatus Ramanujam et Srisailam, 1974Callialasporites segmentatus (Balme) Srivastava, 1963

Vijaya / Palaeoworld 20 (2011) 61–74 71

Table 2 (Continued)

POLYSACCATE POLLENGenus Microcachryidites (Cookson) Couper, 1953

Microcachryidites antarcticus Cookson, 1947

Genus Podosporites Rao, 1943Podosporites tripakshi Rao, 1943Podosporites microsaccatus (Couper) Dettmann, 1963

CIRCULAM POLLENGenus Classopollis (Pflug) Pocock et Jansonius, 1961

Classopollis classoides Pocock et Jansonius, 1961

ALETESGenus Araucariacites (Cookson) Couper, 1953

Araucariacites australis Cookson, 1947Araucariacites ghuneriensis Singh, Srivastava et Roy, 1964

Genus Schizosporis Cookson et Dettmann, 1959

i(oC

rhdcwtBAt(

5

tiotGidP(sCosa

atPb

Table 3Checklist of spore-pollen species identified in the Raniganj Forma-tion, borehole RKK-1, Rakshitpur area, Raniganj Coalfield (Late PermianPalynoassemblages).

SIMPLE TRILETE SPOREGenus Brevitriletes Bharadwaj et Srivastava emend. Tiwari et

Singh, 1981Brevitriletes communis Bharadwaj et Srivastava emend.Tiwari et Singh, 1981Brevitriletes unicus Bharadwaj et Srivastava emend. Tiwariet Singh, 1981

Genus Brijrajisporites Tiwari, 1968Brijrajisporites distinctus Tiwari, 1968

Genus Callumispora Bharadwaj et Srivastava emend. Tiwari et al.,1989Callumispora barakarensis Bharadwaj et Srivastava emend.Tiwari et al., 1989Callumispora gretensis (Balme et Hennelly) Bharadwaj etSrivastava emend. Tiwari et al., 1989Callumispora fungosa (Balme) Bharadwaj et Srivastavaemend. Tiwari et al., 1969

Genus Cyclogranisporites Potonié et Kremp, 1954Cyclogranisporites gondwanensis Bharadwaj et Salujha,1964

Genus Cyclobaculisporites Bharadwaj et Salujha, 1964Cyclobaculisporites minutus Bharadwaj et Salujha, 1964

Genus Didecitriletes Venkatachala et Kar emend. Tiwari et Singh,1981Didecitriletes horridus Venkatachala et Kar emend. Tiwariet Singh, 1981

Genus Horriditriletes Bharadwaj et Salujha, 1964Horriditriletes bulbosus Tiwari, 1965Horriditriletes curvibaculosus Tiwari, 1965Horriditriletes unicus Tiwari, 1965

Genus Indospora Bharadwaj, 1962Indospora clara Bharadwaj, 1962

Genus Insignisporites Bharadwaj et Dwivedi, 1977Insignisporites barakarensis Bharadwaj et Dwivedi, 1977

Genus Lophotriletes (Naumova) Potonié et Kremp, 1954Lophotriletes frequensus Tiwari, 1965Lophotriletes rectus Bharadwaj et Salujha, 1964

Genus Microbaculispora Bharadwaj, 1962Microbaculispora barakarensis Tiwari emend. Tiwari etSingh, 1981Microbaculispora gondwanensis Bharadwaj, 1962Microbaculispora indica Tiwari emend. Tiwari et Singh,1981Microbaculispora villosa (Balme et Hennelly) Bharadwaj,1962

Genus Microfoveolatispora Bharadwaj, 1962Microfoveolatispora bokaroensis Tiwari, 1965Microfoveolatispora foveolata Tiwari emend. Tiwari etSingh, 1981Microfoveolatispora raniganjensis Bharadwaj, 1962

Genus Pseudoreticulatispora Bharadwaj et Srivastava, 1969Pseudoreticulatispora barakarensis Bharadwaj etSrivastava, 1969

Schizosporis reticulatus Cookson et Dettmann, 1959Schizosporis rugulatus Cookson et Dettmann, 1959

nter-trappean strata (Table 2). Hence, the supra-trappean strata179.70–185.70 m) have been dated as Barremian in age (a partf Early Cretaceous) based on the FO’s of F. asymmetricus and. striatus at 185.70 m (Fig. 3).

The inter-trappean strata (198.92–216.63 m), which are cor-elated with Foraminisporis wonthaggiensis Palynozone, showigh percentage of poorly preserved palynomorphs and very lowiversity. Despite these factors, the key species for Valanginianould be identified between 198.92 and 216.63 m and down-ards at 260.55 m depth in the Panchet Formation (underlying

he oldest Trap, presently inferred as the infra-trappean strata).ased on the marker species of F. wonthaggiens Palynozone inssemblage II, this part of the Rajmahal Formation is inferred to

he interval of Valanginian–Hauterivian in the Early CretaceousBurger, 1995; Vijaya, 1999).

.2. Panchet Formation

The Rajmahal Formation (the oldest Trap) is delineated fromhe Triassic deposits at 253.70 m (lithological boundary). But its noteworthy that the assemblage contains the palynomorphsf the Lower Cretaceous at 260.55 m, and the mixing of the keyaxa for the Lower Triassic (Arcuatipollenities, Playfordiaspora,oubinispora) with Upper Permian elements (Densipollen-

tes, Striatopodocarpites) between 261.20 and 262.40 m. Theseepths (260.55–262.40 m) lie close to chocolate facies of theanchet Formation, where the sediments are mixed faciesgrey to buff). Occurrences of Foraminisporis wonthaggien-is, Cicatricosisporites spp., Contignisporites fornicatus, and. multimuratus at 260.55 m depth exhibit continuity with theverlying inter-trappean strata (198.92–216.63 m) in having theimilar palyno-composition, rather with that of the Lower Tri-ssic (Figs. 2 and 3).

Abundance of Densipollenites magnicorpus, along with Stri-

topodocarpites, Faunipollenites spp. and spores (Table 3), athe level of 261.20–262.40 m suggests the reworking of Upperermian taxa from the underlying sediments below the pebbleed (262.40–262.80 m) in the chocolate facies of Panchet For-

Genus Verrucosisporites Ibrahim emend. Smith, 1971Verrucosisporites distinctus Tiwari, 1965Verrucosisporites narmianus Balme, 1970

72 Vijaya / Palaeoworld 20 (2011) 61–74

Table 3 (Continued)

CINGULATE-ZONATE TRILETE SPOREGenus Dentatispora Tiwari, 1964

Dentatispora mammoida Tiwari et Ram-Awatar, 1988Dentatispora gondwanensis Tiwari, 1965

Genus Gondisporites Bharadwaj, 1962Gondisporites raniganjensis Bharadwaj, 1962Gondisporites reticulatus Tiwari et Ram-Awatar, 1988

Genus Indotriradites Tiwari, 1964Indotriradites korbaensis Tiwari, 1964Indotriradites sparsus Tiwari, 1965

Genus Lundbladispora Balme emend. Playford, 1965Lundbladispora microconata Bharadwaj et Tiwari, 1977

Genus Potonieitriradites Bharadwaj et Sinha, 1969Potonieitriradite barakarensis Bharadwaj et Sinha, 1969Potonieitriradite tuberculatus Sinha, 1972

MONOSACCATE POLLENGenus Callialasporites Dev emend. Maheshwari, 1974

Callialasporites microvelatus Schultz, 1966

Genus Barakarites Bharadwaj et Tiwari, 1964Barakarites indicus Bharadwaj et Tiwari, 1964Barakarites triquetrus Tiwari, 1965

Genus Densipollenites Bharadwaj, 1962Densipollenites densus Bharadwaj et Srivastava, 1969Densipollenites indicus Bharadwaj, 1962Densipollenites invisus Bharadwaj et Salujha, 1964Densipollenites magnicorpus Tiwari et Rana, 1980

Genus Goubinispora Tiwari et Rana, 1981Goubinispora indica Tiwari et Rana, 1981

Genus Kamthisaccites Srivastava et Jha, 1986Kamthisaccites kamthiensis Srivastava et Jha, 1986Kamthisaccites ringus Vijaya et Tripathi, 2008

Genus Parasaccites Bharadwaj et Tiwari, 1964Parasaccites bilateralis Bharadwaj et Tiwari, 1964Parasaccites densicorpus Bharadwaj et Tiwari, 1964Parasaccites korbaensis Bharadwaj et Tiwari, 1964

Genus Playfordiaspora Maheshwari et Banerji emend. Vijaya,1995Playfordiaspora cancellosa Maheshwari et Banerji emend.Vijaya, 1995

Genus Plicatipollenites Lele, 1964Plicatipollenites gondwanensis (Balme et Hennelly) Lele,1964Plicatipollenites indicus Lele, 1964

Genus Potonieisporites Bharadwaj emend. Bharadwaj, 1955Potonieisporites concinnus Tiwari, 1965

Genus Striomonosaccites Bharadwaj, 1962Striomonosaccites ovatus Bharadwaj, 1962Striomonosaccites circularis Bharadwaj et Salujha, 1964

NON-STRIATE BISACCATE POLLENGenus Krempipollenites Tiwari et Vijaya, 1995

Krempipollenites indicus Tiwari et Vijaya, 1995

Genus Platysaccus Naumova emend. Potonie et Kremp, 1954Platysaccus densus Kar, 1968Platysaccus ovatus Maithy, 1965

Genus Sahnites Pant emend. Tiwari et Singh, 1984Sahnites elongatus (Lele et Karim) Tiwari et Singh, 1984

Table 3 (Continued)

Genus Scheuringipollenites Tiwari, 1973Scheuringipollenites maximus (Hart) Tiwari, 1973Scheuringipollenites tentulus (Tiwari) Tiwari, 1973Scheuringipollenites barakarensis (Tiwari) Tiwari, 1973

Genus Vesicaspora Schemel, 1951Vesicaspora distincta Tiwari, 1965Vesicaspora indica Tiwari, 1965

Genus Vestigisporites Balme et Hennelly emend. Tiwari et Singh,1984Vestigisporites nigratus Lele et Karim, 1971Vestigisporites notus (Lele et Karim) Tiwari et Singh, 1984

STRIATE BISACCATE POLLENGenus Crescentipollenites Bharadwaj, Tiwari et Kar, 1974

Crescentipollenites amplus (Balme et Hennelly) Tiwari etRana, 1980Crescentipollenites fuscus (Bharadwaj) Bharadwaj, 1974

Genus Distriatites Bharadwaj, 1962Distriatites bilateralis Bharadwaj, 1962Distriatites indicus Sinha, 1972

Genus Distriamonocolpites Bharadwaj et Sinha, 1969Distriamonocolpites ovalis Bharadwaj et Sinha, 1969

Genus Faunipollenites Bharadwaj, 1962Faunipollenites bharadwajii Maheshwari, 1967Faunipollenites perexigus Bharadwaj et Salujha, 1965Faunipollenites singrauliensis Sinhas, 1972Faunipollenites varius Bharadwaj emend. Tiwari, 1989

Genus Rhizomaspora Wilson, 1962Rhizomaspora costa Venkatachala et Kar, 1968Rhizomaspora indica Tiwari, 1965Rhizomaspora monosulcata Tiwari, 1968Rhizomaspora singula Tiwari, 1965

Genus Schizopollis Venkatachala et Kar, 1964Schizopollis disaccoides Venkatachala et Kar, 1964Schizopollis distinctus Sinha, 1972

Genus Striapollenites Bharadwaj, 1962Striapollenites obliquus Bharadwaj et Salujha, 1964

Genus Striasulcites Venkatachala et Kar, 1968Striasulcites ovatus Venkatachala et Kar, 1968

Genus Striatites (Pant) Bharadwaj, 1962Striatites communis Bharadwaj et Salujha, 1964Striatites densus Maithy, 1965Striatites notus Bharadwaj et Salujha, 1964

Genus Striatopodocarpites Soritschewa et Sedova emend.Bharadwaj, 1962Striatopodocarpites decorus Bharadwaj et Salujha, 1964Striatopodocarpites diffusus Bharadwaj et Salujha, 1964Striatopodocarpites magnificus Bharadwaj et Salujha, 1964Striatopodocarpites rotundus (Maheshwari) Bharadwaj etDwivedi, 1981Striatopodocarpites subcircularis Sinha, 1972

Genus Verticipollenites Bharadwaj, 1962Verticipollenites gibbosus Bharadwaj, 1962Verticipollenites oblongus Bharadwaj, 1962Verticipollenites secretus Bharadwaj, 1962

TAENIATEGenus Arcuatipollenites Tiwari et Vijaya, 1995

Arcuatipollenites pellucidus (Goubin) Tiwari et Vijaya,1995

Vijaya / Palaeoworld 2

Table 3 (Continued)

Genus Dicapipollenites Tiwari et Vijaya, 1995Dicapipollenites crassus (Sinha) Tiwari et Vijaya, 1995

Genus Guttulapollenites Goubin, 1965Guttulapollenites hannonicus Goubin, 1965Guttulapollenites balmei Goubin, 1965

MONOLETEGenus Striatosporites Bhardwaj, 1954

Striatosporites brazilensis Bharadwaj, Kar et Navale, 1976

ALETEGenus Maculatasporites Tiwari, 1964

Maculatasporites gondwanensis Tiwari, 1965Maculatasporites indicus Tiwari, 1965

Genus Pilasporites Balme et Hennelly emend. Tiwari et Navale,1965Pilasporites bharadwajii Balme, 1970Pilasporites plurigenus Balme et Hennelly, 1956

SULCATEGenus Ginkocycadophytus Samoilovich, 1953

Ginkocycadophytus korbaensis Tiwari, 1965

Genus Marsupipollenites Balme et Hennelly, 1956Marsupipollenites triradiatus Balme et Hennelly, 1956Marsupipollenites striatus (Balme et Hennelly) Foster, 1975

Genus Praecolpatites Bharadwaj et Srivastava, 1969Praecolpatites nidpurensis Bharadwaj et Srivastava, 1969

Genus Tiwariasporis Maheshwari et Kar, 1967Tiwariasporis flavatus Maheshwari et Kar, 1967Tiwariasporis gondwanensis (Tiwari) Maheshwari et Kar,1967

Genus Vittatina (Luber) Wilson, 1962Vittatina sp.

Genus Weylandites Bharadwaj et Srivastava, 1969Weylandites bilateralis Bharadwaj et Srivastava, 1969Weylandites circularis Bharadwaj et Srivastava, 1969

m2celPiw

tdPddtFcfi

5

Pmcwt(iF

5

an(Pa

scao

6

til

(

(

basalmost Cretaceous in the study area (Fig. 5).

Weylandites irregularis Bharadwaj et Srivastava, 1969

ation. The probability of the mixed elements at these depths60.55 and 261.20–262.80 m is suggested because of the vol-anic activity. Moreover, the absence of the Triassic deposits isvidenced from the lack of palynological record from the interca-ated sediments of chocolate shales and sandstones facies of theanchet Formation between 262.80 and 471.70 m, and approx-

mately 209.00 m thick strata are rich in distorted plant matter,hich supports the above observation (Fig. 5).Furthermore, it seems that the high degree of vegetal mat-

er devoid of the spore-pollen is accountable for many levels ofiscontinuity in the presently studied litho-successions of theanchet and Rajmahal formations. And this does not allow gra-ational connectivity in the two assemblages (II to III), recovereduring the time span from the end Permian to the basalmost Cre-aceous in the study area. The un-productive part of the Panchet

ormation (262.80–471.70 m) is exclusively delineated by aonglomerate bed (262.40–262.80 m) on the top of chocolateacies. Above that, a sudden change in spore-pollen compositions noted (at 262.40 and 260.55 m, Fig. 5).

(

0 (2011) 61–74 73

.3. Hiatus in Panchet Formation

Present study has re-defined the stratigraphic status of theanchet Formation (253.70–471.70 m). Near the Panchet For-ation lies a thin layer of pebble bed (262.40–262.80 m), which

ertainly demarcates the hiatus from the underlying strata evenithin the Panchet Formation. Therefore, it is proposed here

hat the sediments (253.70–262.40 m) overlying the pebble bed262.40–262.80 m) might be referred as the infra-trappean sed-ments, a part of the Rajmahal Formation instead of the Panchetormation (Fig. 5).

.4. Raniganj Formation

In the Coal horizon (471.70–610.00 m), presence of key taxand species identifies two palynozones, Densipollenites mag-icorpus (521.80–528.40 m) and Gondisporites raniganjensis531.50–610.00 m), which equate the studied strata with the Lateermian Raniganj Formation (Vijaya and Tiwari, 1987; Tiwarind Tripathi, 1992) (Fig. 3).

The un-productive strata exist at intervals in the litho-uccession (Fig. 5), where only wood shreds, plant tissues,uticles were found. The poor preservation of these elementsnd absence of palynomorphs indicate low- to high-energy flowf water-bodies during the deposition of these sediments.

. Conclusions

The palynological data show conspicuous changes throughhe 495.00 m thick litho-succession (Fig. 2). The assemblagesdentified here (Figs. 3–5), respectively, characterise eachithounit:

(i) The Rajmahal Formation is between 119.00 and 262.40 m,including parts of the Tertiary sediments and Panchet For-mation (Fig. 5).

(ii) Present study recognises the infra-trappean sediments, apart of the Rajmahal Formation, by the occurrence of F.wonthaggiensis Palynozone at 260.55 m, just above thepebble bed (262.40–262.80 m); the strata are lithologicallygrouped in the Panchet Formation (Fig. 2).

iii) High degree of mixing among the key elements of LatePermian, basalmost Triassic, and Early Cretaceous in thechocolate facies of the Panchet Formation (Fig. 4) mightbe the result of volcanic eruption in the study area.

iv) The low diversity/unproductivity and sudden changes in thepalynomorph composition in the 495.00 m thick depositssuggest the varied depositional characteristics during sed-imentation.

(v) Lack of a definite palynoflora in the Panchet Formationsuggests absence of the deposits of Triassic and Jurassic to

vi) The Coal horizon, Raniganj Formation, between 471.70and 610.00 m is dated as Late Permian by containing twoassemblages—Densipollenites magnicorpus and Gondis-porites raniganjensis.

7 orld 2

A

r(tMtd

R

B

B

B

H

N

T

T

V

V

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4 Vijaya / Palaeow

cknowledgements

The author extends her sincere gratitude to Dr. P.R. Gutier-ez (Argentina), Dr. J. Utting (Canada), and Siwei ChenChina) for their critical suggestions, which have improvedhe presentation of data. Further thanks are due to Dr. N.C.

ehrotra, Director of BSIP for providing working facili-ies as well as for granting permission to publish theseata.

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