bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Permian spores from the Gondwana Succession in India
Authors: Vijiya  , Murthy Srikanta
Published: September 2022

The deposits of Permian sediments (Figs 1 & 2) are spread in a wide spatial extent on the Indian Peninsula. Palynological studies of the glacial sediments of earliest Permian (Talchir Formation) through the coal horizon of Upper Permian represent a high degree of morphographical variations among spores and pollen grains. These adequately identified taxa exhibit many kinds of exinal features that include simple, cingulate and zonate spores. The spores recovered are the optimum representation of the producing plants in the contemporaneous flora. The Permian sediments in India are mostly deposited under terrestrial environment, and these deposits are variedly interrupted by regional breaks. The microstructures of exine among these spores have great potential that determine the primitive and advanced states in morphological lineages through time and this variability of exine structures are effectively used in biostratigraphy. The objective of this publication is to put together the available published data on the morphotaxonomy of spores from the Permian sediments in India. These spores are placed in accordance with classification proposed by Potonié, 1956. In the description part, each taxon includes its type species, salient features of the genus and the species described under the genus, locality, horizon and age. The holotype figure of each species has been scanned from the original publication. The species under a taxon are arranged in the ascending order of their year of publication (Pl. 1–10). Here, the geological age is dealt in the standard time scale. In the last chapter, stratigraphical occurrences along with the First Appearance Datum (FAD) of some distinct species are commented, which are significant in the Assemblage Zones of key pollen taxa described by Tiwari and Tripathi, 1992. The literature consulted herein is given in the bibliography that dates up to 2011.
Reduviasporonites indicus sp. nov. from the Late Permian strata of Mand Coalfield, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Ram-Awatar  , Rajanikanth A. , Gautam S.
Published: September 2022

Reduviasporonites considered as a fossil algal/fungal remain, is usually recorded at the proximity of Permian-Triassic boundary. Till date it has been reported from China, Australia, Russia, Greenland, Austria and Saudi Arabia. Here we report a new species of Reduviasporonites (R. indicus)-a very significant evidence for mass extinction event at PTB for the first time from Indian Lower Gondwana sediments of Mand Coalfield, Chhattisgarh. Recent geochemical study of Reduviasporonites suggests that it is of an algal origin rather than fungal. The size of the grain depends on the palaeolatitudational difference.
Precambrian life on land
Authors: Retallack G.J.
Published: September 2022

Although Precambrian landscapes have been regarded as barren as the surface of Mars, increasingly close inspection of fossil soils (palaeosols) is revealing a variety of fossils, comparable with those already documented in Cambrian to Ordovician (542–444 Ma) palaeosols. The biggest surprise was that some Ediacaran (550 Ma) fossils of South Australia grew in soils. Different kinds of palaeosols can be used to define Ediacaran terrestrial communities in Australia (550 Ma) and Newfoundland (565 Ma). Simple discoids such as Aspidella dominate communities of intertidal sulfidic palaeosols, whereas quilted forms such as Dickinsonia dominate communities of well drained palaeosols. The discoids may be simple microbial colonies, but complex quilted fossils may be lichenized fungi. Complex quilted fossils appear in palaeosols during the Ediacaran along with large “acritarchs” (such as Ceratosphaeridium, and Germinosphaera) comparable with fungal chlamydospores and vesicles like those of Glomales (Glomeromycota). Discoid fossils and microbial filaments also are found in Palaeoproterozoic palaeosols, for example, in the 2100 Ma Stirling Range Quartzite of Western Australia. Complex Palaeoproterozoic (2200 Ma) fossils in South African palaeosols include Diskagma, comparable with the living endocyanotic Geosiphon (Archaeosporales, Glomeromycota). Archaean (2800 Ga) palaeosols of South Africa contain fossils such as Thucomyces, comparable with modern columnar biofilms. Even older terrestrial fossils may be represented by un–named spindle–like fossils from the 3000 Ma Farrel Quartzite and 3420 Ma Strelley Pool Formation of Western Australia. These spindle–like forms are comparable in morphology with modern soil actinobacteria, such as Planomonospora. Life on land may extend well back into geological history. Positive feedback for soil stabilization by formation of clay and organic matter, and the metered supply of water and nutrients in soils, make soils attractive sites for theories concerning the origin of life.
Petrographic appraisal of coals of sub-surface seams from Belampalli Coalfield, Godavari Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Sarate Omprakash S.
Published: September 2022

The present paper incorporates a detailed information about the maceral composition and the rank (reflectance Ro mean %) assessment of eight sub–surface coal seams, viz. IB, IA, I, IIB, II, III, IV and V encountered in Bore–hole No. 561 from Belampalli Coalfield of the Godavari Valley. The mineral matter free (m.m.f.) maceral study has suggested that the seam IB contain vitrinite rich coal or vitric type of coal whereas, the seam IIB has inertinite affluent or fusic coal. However, the seams IV and V have shown almost similar proportion of vitrinite and inertinite maceral groups, thus their coal is of mixed type. The seams I and III are represented by vitric and mixed coal types, whereas, IA and II seams are marked by the presence of vitric, fusic and mixed coal types. Most of the coal seams in general have reached high volatile bituminous C rank, barring the basal portion of the seams IV and V which have reached high volatile bituminous B stage. Similarly, a wide range of variation in vitrinite reflectance (Ro mean%) 0.53–1.1% has been recorded in seam II and thus the coal is of heterogeneous nature, having reached high volatile bituminous C, B and A stage of rank. The facies model (based upon the maceral and mineral matter association) drawn for these coal seams has indicated that the depositional site has primarily experienced alternate oxic and anoxic moor conditions. Since the seams in Belampalli Coalfield have consistency in thickness, vitrinite and inertinite rich constitution, low mineral matter association and has shown wide range of rank (reflectance) variation, therefore, the study area has potential to emerge as a productive centre of economically viable and commercially exploitable Coalfield of the Godavari Valley in near future.
Fossil wood of Dipterocarpus from Nagri Formation (Middle Siwalik) of India: palaeoclimatic and phytogeographical significance
Authors: Srivastava Rashmi , Chandel Ratnesh Singh , Singh Shailendra
Published: September 2022

The paper reports the occurrence of fossil wood of Dipterocarpus (Dipterocarpaceae) from sandstone of Nagri Formation (Middle Siwalik), Saharanpur District, Uttar Pradesh, India. Present distribution of nearest living relatives (NLRs) of the fossil wood in the evergreen forests of Indo–Malaysian region indicates prevalence of tropical moist conditions in the Himalayan foot–hills in the Miocene in contrast to present day drier and cooler climate.
Further palynological investigation of coaliferous sequences of Tura Formation of Nangwalbibra, East Garo Hills, Meghalaya: inferences on palaeovegetation and palaeoclimate
Authors: Monga Priyanka , Srivastava Gaurav , Kumar Madhav , Mehrotra R.C.
Published: September 2022

The coal and carbonaceous shales collected from the Tura Formation (late Palaeocene) of Nangwalbibra, East Garo Hills, Meghalaya, have been analysed for palynological study to deduce palaeovegetation and palaeoclimate. The palynoflora represented by pteridophytic spores and angiospermic pollen grains shows similarity with other contemporaneous deposits of the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. The palynoassemblage dominated by angiosperms depicts subtropical to tropical vegetation during the late Palaeocene in the region. The fossil pollen grains show their similarity with modern plants of various tropical angiosperm families, like Alangiaceae, Anacardiaceae, Annonaceae, Arecaceae, Bombacaceae, Clusiaceae and Gunneraceae, etc. which indicate the existence of tropical evergreen to moist deciduous forest. Some of the taxa resemble the floral elements growing near swamps in the tropical zone. The fossil palynoflora indicates warm and humid climate during the depositional period. The study is supported by plant megafossil data known from the same horizon.
Modern pollen spectra from Chamrajnagar District of Karnataka, India
Authors: Basumatary S.K. , Murthy Srikanta , Bera S.K.
Published: September 2022

A study on modern pollen rain from the Chamrajnagar District of Karnataka has been documented. The pollen study revealed the dominance of nonarboreals over arboreals. Among the arboreals, Syzygium, Eucalyptus, Meliaceae and Rutaceae are commonly represented taxa in the area. However, among nonarboreals grasses are predominant along with other typical associates namely, Tubuliflorae, Liguliflorae, Mimosa and Euphorbiaceae. The abundance of marshy taxa, viz. Cyperaceae, Polygonaceae and Onagraceae are indicative of the water logged condition in and around the area. The steady presence of cereals along with other cultural pollen, like Chenopodiaceae and Lamiaceae is strongly suggestive of the arable activity in the area. The occurrence of degraded pollen–spore along with adequate fungal elements especially Meliola, Microthyriaceae and Glomus is suggestive of aerobic microbial digenesis of rich organic debris during sedimentation. The studied palynodata will be helpful for the precise palaeoecological study in and around the study area.
Petrography and Diagenesis of the Jurassic Jara Dome sandstones, Kachchh, Gujarat
Authors: Khan Shaista , Ahmad A.H.M.
Published: September 2022

The sandstones of Ridge and Athleta members of Callovian and Oxfordian age exposed at Jara Kachchh, Gujarat have been studied for their petrography and diagenetic history. These sandstones are medium– to coarse–grained, moderately to well sorted, subangular to subrounded and show medium to low spherecity. These sandstones were derived from a mixed provenance including granites, granite–gneisses, low–and high grade metamorphic and some basic rocks of the Aravalli Range and Nagarparkar Massif.

A critical analysis of the various factors that have modified the original detrital composition of Ridge and Athleta sandstones indicates that tropical weathering under warm and humid conditions and long residence time at the sediment water interface in a shallow marine environment destroyed the labile grains and enriched the sandstones in quartz. The dominance of floating grains and point contacts in the sandstones indicate that detrital grains do not show much pressure affects is a result of either shallow burial or early cementation. The sandstones were cemented by iron oxide, carbonate, silica, dolomite, glauconite and clay in order of abundance at a depth of burial in the range of 670–2600 m and 762–2750 m.
Advent and decline of the genus Glossopteris Brongniart in the Talcher Coalfield, Mahanadi Basin, Odisha, India
Authors: Saxena Anju , Singh Kamal Jeet , Goswami Shreerup
Published: September 2022

The paper deals with the distribution of the genus Glossopteris and its fructifications in different Lower Gondwana formations of Talcher Coalfield of Odisha State. We demonstrate how this taxon appeared in this basin in the earliest Permian Talchir Formation and evolved and diversified through the Karharbari, Barakar, Barren Measures and lower part of Kamthi formations and ultimately vanished in the early Triassic in the upper part of Kamthi Formation. Amongst fifty-one species of the genus Glossopteris recorded in all, one species each has been found in the Talchir and upper part of Kamthi formations and two, sixteen and forty-seven species respectively are represented in Karharbari, Barakar and the lower part of Kamthi formations. Barren Measures Formation is devoid of any megaplant fossil. Similarly, out of twenty-seven taxa of fertile organs belonging to the Glossopteris, two each are found in the Talchir and Barakar formations respectively, whereas twenty-four are recorded from the lower part of Kamthi Formation. It is observed that Glossopteris is less diversified in Early Permian Karharbari Formation. However, it diversified and proliferated during Barakar and Late Permian lower part of Kamthi formations. Further, it shows declination in the Early Triassic upper part of Kamthi Formation. The study shows that the lower part of Kamthi Formation of Talcher Coalfield has the maximum diversity of Glossopteris (forty-seven species) among all the known localities of this formation exposed in Indian Gondwana.

The existence of meagre Glossopteris species against many Gangamopteris species in the needle shale confirms its association with the lower floral zone of Talchir Formation instead of the upper floral zone established by previous workers in this basin. Very low diversity of Glossopteris in the upper part of Kamthi Formation of Talcher Basin demonstrates that this palaeogeographic area would have experienced more arid conditions in early–middle Triassic period as compared to the mellowing climatic conditions prevailing during the same time period in the Panchet Formation (=Upper Kamthi Formation) of other areas of Son–Mahanadi Basin and the Damodar Basin.
Oldest South Asian tapiromorph (Perissodactyla, Mammalia) from the Cambay Shale Formation, western India, with comments on its phylogenetic position and biogeographic implications
Authors: Kapur Vivesh V. , Bajpai Sunil
Published: September 2022

A new tapiromorph perissodactyl (Cambaylophus vastanensis gen. et sp. nov.) from the basal Eocene (~54–55 Ma) Cambay Shale Formation, Vastan Lignite Mine, Gujarat, western India, is described for the first time. The new taxon, which represents the earliest known tapiromorph from South Asia and the second perissodactyl group in the Vastan mammal fauna after cambaytheres, is based on a partial maxilla with molars and deciduous premolars. Cambaylophus differs from Eocene tapiromorphs from the Indian Subcontinent mainly in having relatively narrow and less lophodont upper molars with a small, low and lingually shifted parastyle. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Cambaylophus forms a clade with the early Eocene tapiromorph Gandheralophus from Pakistan, and that it is closely nested with the early Eocene (Bumbanian) tapiromorph Orientolophus from China. The study points out the importance of Cambaylophus in evaluating the evolutionary relationships of early radiation of tapiromorphs and ascertaining the degree of connectivity/isolation of the Indian Subcontinent around the Palaeocene–Eocene boundary, especially in the context of India–Asia collision.
Geobotany-biogeochemical prospecting
Authors: Prasad M.N.V.
Published: September 2022

Sediment and soil functions show close semblance. Without soil no plant can exist. Thus, correlation and analysis of plant occurrence on sediment/soil provides useful information about edaphic conditions and mineral richness in the substratum. Plants can accumulate metals and may play a significant role in biogeochemical prospecting. In this article the following aspects are dealt:

a) What are the metallophytes and their significance.

b) How can metallophytes be applied to economic geology.

c) The potential of geobotanical studies for phytomining?

d) The significance of the role of metallophytes in environmental management.

e) The role of “metallophytes” in emerging phytotechnologies (= plant based technologies) with elected examples.
Petrographic analysis and depositional environment of subsurface coal seams of Koyagudem area, Godavari Valley Coalfield, Telangana, India
Authors: Sarate Omprakash S.
Published: September 2022

The study area marks the south-eastern extremity of the Mulug Coal Belt of Godavari Valley Coalfield, Telangana. The Bore-hole No. KYG-353, containing Index above Queen and Queen seams, is located in north-western direction from Kothagudem Town of Khammam District. The petrographic analysis has been done to ascertain their rank by random vitrinite reflectance (Ro mean %) measurements and quality estimation through maceral analysis, in order to interpret the environment of deposition as well as economic significance. The Index above Queen Seam has vitrinite group of maceral in dominance therefore, contains vitric type of coal whereas; the top and a band in the middle part of the Queen Seam contain coal which is fusic (inertinite rich) in nature. The bottom part of this seam has shown vitrinite in abundance indicating its vitric nature. The random vitrinite reflectance (Ro mean %) study has revealed that the coals of Index above Queen and the Queen seams have attained high volatile bituminous C stage of rank, except for a coal band located between 161.44 m and 162.44 m depth range, which has reached high volatile bituminous B rank. It is also inferred that the vegetal resource of Index above Queen Seam has been deposited during oxic and anoxic moor conditions; however, a distinct change in the climatic conditions to oxic moor with intermittent moderate to high flood situation occurred in the depositional phase of the Queen Seam. The study also suggests that coal deposits in this region have significantly high economic potentials.
Vertebrate fauna from the Late Triassic Tiki Formation of India: new finds and their biostratigraphic implications
Authors: Ray Sanghamitra , Bhat Mohd. Safi , Mukherjee Debarati , Datta P.M.
Published: September 2022

Recent work on the Tiki Formation has resulted in the collection of new and varied vertebrate micro–and megafossils, including a new bonebed containing low diversity, mono–dominant, multitaxic vertebrate accumulation where the rhynchosaur, Hyperodapedon tikiensis constitute the dominant component. This bonebed has also yielded a large traversodontid cynodont Ruberodon roychowdhurii. In addition, there are several diagnostic postcrania such as vertebrae and incomplete limb bones belonging to a basal saurischian dinosaur. Systematic exploration and collection has yielded numerous isolated teeth and postcrania of small vertebrates such as different types of freshwater sharks, bony fishes, archosauriforms, lepidosauromorphs, cynodonts and other reptiles. Based on its fossil flora and fauna, the Tiki Formation is globally correlated with other coeval horizons such as the lower member of the Maleri Formation of the Pranhita–Godavari basin, the upper part of the Santa Maria Formation of Brazil, the Camp Springs and lower Tecovas formations of the Chinle Group, USA. A Carnian (Otischalkian to early Adamanian) age is proposed for the Tiki Formation.
Glossopteridales: An intricate group of plants
Authors: Srivastava A.K. , Srivastava Rashmi
Published: September 2022

The earliest representative of Glossopteridales is known by the leaves discovered from India and Australia (Brongniart 1822–28) under the genus Glossopteris as Glossopteris browniana var. australasica and Glossopteris browniana var. indica. Later discovery proved the presence of similar leaves in all the Gondwana continents, i.e. India, Australia, Antarctica, South America and Africa ranging from late Carboniferous to entire span of Permian to early Triassic. Such distribution pattern provides major evidence for the theory of continental drift. As a unified character, these tongue–shaped leaves show reticulate venation pattern and a midrib. Later, non reticulate and non midrib leaves were also considered as ally due to their close association with the leaves of Glossopteris and together they are assigned to Glossopteridales consisting of different genera, e.g. Gangamopteris, Rubidgea, Euryphyllum, Palaeovittaria, Maheshwariphyllum, Rhabdotaenia, Sagittophyllum, Pteronilssonia, Surangephyllum, Gondwanophyllites, Laceyphyllum, Belemnopteris, etc. Later, cuticular study, discovery of fertile structures in attachment with leaves increased the number of species. In addition, permineralized leaf fossils with anatomical features have also been described under new species of Glossopteris.

Fertile structures of glossopterids are mainly discovered in attachment with leaves or in attachment with scale leaves or bracts. Leaf borne fertile structures are known by multiovulate ovule/ seed bearing organ with or without stalk, e.g. Ottokaria, Dictyopteridium, Scutum, Senotheca, Cistella, Plumsteadiostrobus, Jambadostrobu, Lanceolatus, Vanus, Pluma, Hirsutum, etc. Scales or bracts showing branched and unbranched cupulate organs are other mode of fertile structures, e.g. Lidgettonia, Partha, Denkania, Bifariala, Nogoa, Gladiopomum, Rusangea, Rigbya, Mooia, etc. Distinct seed bearing Arberia, Dolianitia–type of fructifications, Eretmonia, Glossotheca type of sporangia bearing scale leaf or bract, Arberiella–sporangial mass and a variety of dispersed seeds are also accredited to glossopterids.

Ironically, leaves and fructifications have not yet been found in attachment with stem, however, fossil woods with araucariod pits, e.g. Dadoxylon/ Araucarioxylon found in alliance demonstrate their affiliation with glossopterids. Vertebraria–axes commonly observed in the sediments exemplify the rooting behaviour of the glossopterids.

Combination of different types of leaves consisting of more than 130 species under closely allied genera, thirty-five to forty types of fructifications grouped under multiovulate and branched types together with seed–bearing structures, varied type of morphological, cuticular and structural features amply demonstrate that Glossopteridales had sundry approach for development, endurance and evolution and in all likeness represent different taxonomic characteristics.
Provenance, tectonic setting and palaeoclimate of the Ridge Sandstone of Jumara Dome, Kachchh, Gujarat
Authors: Khan Zuhi , Ahmad A.H.M.
Published: September 2022

This study deals with petrography, provenance, tectonic setting and palaeoclimate of the Ridge Sandstone Member encountered in the Jumara Dome, Kachchh, Gujarat. The sandstones in this member are medium to coarse grained, poorly to moderately sorted and sub angular to sub rounded. Framework grains are sand–sized to silt–sized particles of mainly detrital origin. Among the main detrital framework grains, quartz constitutes 55.42–96.09%, feldspar 4.9–27.76%, and lithic fragments 0–3.73%. These sandstones have been classified as sub–arkose to arkose in composition and were deposited in continental block provenance with stable craton in rifted continental margin basin setting in a humid climate with the source material from either the Aravalli or Nagar Parker massif.
A petrified fossil leaf of Hydrocharitaceae from Deccan Intertrappean exposures of central India
Authors: Nagrale V.D. , Borkar S.U. , Meshram S.M. , Korpenwar A.N.
Published: September 2022

The paper deals with the anatomical description of a fossil leaf collected from the Deccan Basalt Intertrappean Sequence of Singhpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. However, petrified Elodea leaves showing mature and young condition are studied for anatomical details for the first time from this exposure. The anatomical details were studied by taking peel sections. The leaf is isobilateral with central midrib and lateral lamina. Mesophyll is undifferentiated and its cells are large and contain air cavity. Vascular bundle of midrib is collateral and closed.

The comparison is made with the recorded fossil leaves from the Deccan Intertrappean beds of India as well as living modern taxa, like Typhaceae, Pandanaceae, Sparganiaceae, Potamogetonaceae, Alismaceae and Hydrocharitaceae. The fossil leaf shows affinity to the family Hydrocharitaceae, specially with Elodea and named as Elodeophyllum deccanii gen. et sp. nov., the specific name after the Deccan trap. The finding indicates tropical conditions during the Deccan Intertrappean episode.
Palynostratigraphy of the Middle Jurassic sediments in Hojedk Formation, Tabas Block, East-Central Iran
Authors: Javadi Fatemeh Vaez
Published: September 2022

Diverse and moderately preserved palynofloras occur in the Middle Jurassic sediments of the Hojedk Formation in the South Kouchekali, southwestern of Tabas, east central Iran. The palynofloras comprise thirty–nine species including spores (fourteen species allocated to nine genera) and various types of pollen (twenty–five species designated to thirteen genera). Vertical distribution of miospores allows erection within the Hojedk Formation of one biozone–Klukisporites variegatus Assemblage zone–and two distinctive stratigraphically successive biozones, viz. Callialasporites trilobatus–Parcisporites cacheutensis Assemblage zone, and Contignisporites problematicus Taxon range zone based on the first observed occurrence (FOO) and the last observed occurrence (LOO) of selected taxa. These biozones are compared with palynozones from ±coeval strata in Iran and elsewhere. Based on the association of key miospore species such as Klukisporites variegatus, and Callialasporites dampieri within the Hojedk palynofloras, the host strata are assigned to the Middle Jurassic. Abundance of ferns and cycadophytes in parent floras implies that the host strata accumulated under a moist warm climate during the Middle Jurassic in this locality.
Coal petrographic characteristics and depositional conditions of the subsurface Barakar Formation (Early Permian) in Belampalli Coalfield, Godavari Valley, Telangana
Authors: Sarate Omprakash S.
Published: September 2022

The coal analytical studies have been taken up, to ascertain the rank on the basis of maceral composition and depositional environment of different seams namely Index, Index below top, Index below bottom, IA, I and the lowermost II (top section) intersected in Bore–hole No. SBS–182, from Sravanapalli area.

The random vitrinite reflectance (Ro mean %) study of coal from Index and Index below bottom seams ranges between 0.61% and 0.63%, whereas IA and Seam I have shown lower reflectance which ranges between 0.52% and 0.54%. Thus, all these seams have attained high volatile bituminous C stage of rank. However, III (top section) seam has shown low reflectance (0.45%–0.46%), which indicates attainment of Sub–bituminous B stage. The coal maceral study has revealed that the Index, Index below Top, Index below Bottom seams contain vitric type of coal, whereas IA seam has vitric, fusic and mixed type of coal constitution. The lowermost III top and I seam, however, are represented by both vitric and fusic coal types. The facies study suggests that the vegetal resource of the Index, Index below top and Index below bottom seam has been accumulated during wet moor with intermittent moderate to high flooding. The resource for IA and III Top seam has been deposited during the prevalence of alternate oxic and anoxic moor conditions, which in due course of time changed to wet moor with intermittent moderate to high flooding whereas, I seam has witnessed wet moor with intermittent moderate to high flooding with shift to oxic (dry) moor with sudden high flooding. It has also been noticed that coal quality of III seam has shown deterioration towards the south–western direction of the Belampalli Township.
Cretaceous calcareous nannofossils from Tanot #1, Jaisalmer Basin, Rajasthan, Western India: morphotaxonomy and biostratigraphy
Authors: Singh Abha , Rai Jyotsana
Published: September 2022

The present paper deals with the record of rich and highly diversified calcareous nannofossil assemblage of Late Albian to Early Maastrichtian age from the subsurface sediments of Jaisalmer Basin, western India. The nannofossil assemblage include, 222 species belonging to 86 genera and 22 families including 6 nannolith families which are Braarudosphaeraceae, Ceratolithaceae, Lapideacassaceae, Microrhabdulaceae, Nannoconaceae, Polycyclolithaceae and one holococcolith family Calyptrosphaeraceae. An alpha–numeric zonal scheme has been proposed in the present study which will be useful for shallow shelf areas of low latitude. 17 Zones are assigned on the presence of last occurrence (LO) of zonal markers and 5 subzones of basal most zone (TA1) are demarcated on the basis of first occurrence (FO) of subzonal markers with due nomenclature procedures.
A preliminary study of the modern pollen of Tripura, Northeast India
Authors: Mehrotra Nivedita , Shah Santosh K.
Published: September 2022

The vegetation distribution in Tripura, Northeast India was studied from the modern pollen assemblages at various sites in the region. Sediment samples and moss cushions were collected along transects from North to South Tripura to assess the modern pollen taxa dominant in the region. A number of taxa showing a modern day distribution of moist deciduous mixed vegetation dominant in Tripura were observed in the modern pollen data. Statistical significance of the modern–pollen data was verified using one–way ANOVA technique. Despite the limited pollen taxa recorded in the surface samples the analysis proved the potential of the pollen data and scope for future palynological studies. The impact of anthropogenic activity is clearly visible through the low sample yield and presence of taxa such as Poaceae, Amaranthaceae, Solanaceae, etc. Other factors such as entomophilous tendency and/or low yield of pollen in tropical plants, excessive rainfall, sediment distribution and jhum cultivation could contribute to the lack of pollen preservation in the region.
Latest Maastrichtian palaeoclimatic and depositional environmental perturbations, a record from Micula prinsii Zone of Meghalaya, northeastern India
Authors: Singh Abha
Published: September 2022

A significant latest Maastrichtian calcareous nannofossil assemblage is recorded from the exposed section near Syndai Village, Meghalaya. A total of twenty two samples from sedimentary succession consisting of shales and sandy shales, calcareous at places, were studied; out of which ten samples were found productive in terms of calcareous nannofossils recovery. The presence of Micula prinsii in all the productive samples along with the other latest Maastrichtian nanno taxa suggests that the assemblage belongs to Micula prinsii Zone and well correlates with the CC26b Zone of Perch Nielsen and UC20dTP Zone of Burnett which are an amalgamation of old and new biozonation schemes from a range of palaeolatitudes and biogeographic provinces from both oceanic and shelf palaeoenvironments. Micula prinsii Perch–Nielsen, the latest Maastrichtian marker all over the globe, is recorded from both deep–sea sections and shelf areas. It is most evolved form of the genus Micula and got extinct just before K– Pg boundary. The Micula prinsii Zone is marked by the first occurrence of Micula prinsii to the last occurrence of unreworked, non–survivor Cretaceous taxa. In the present study, cluster analysis envisaged the palaeodepositional environmental changes within the Micula prinsii Zone in northeastern India. In the lower part of the section, the abundance of Micula concava and Micula staurophora with the increased numbers of Watznaueria barnesiae indicates environmentally stressful conditions with low productivity in surface water. However, in the upper part the increased numbers of Calculites obscurus with the decrease in Micula concava and Micula staurophora abundance indicates relatively increased productivity in surface water in marginal marine depositional environment.
Plant macroremains from Sarethi: An Early Historic site in Saryu region of Ganga Plain, Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Pokharia Anil K. , Singh Pushp Lata , Mishra Neelam , Kumar Anoop , Singh Upendra , Srivastava Alka , Trivedi Anjali , Patel Himani , Shukla Dipak Kumar , Gupta Chandra Bhushan , Md. Afroz
Published: September 2022

The paper highlights additional data on the carbonized remains of crop plants, weeds and wild taxa recovered from excavations at Sarethi, a multicultural site in district Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh. The field–crops are represented by the grains and seeds of Oryza sativa (rice), Hordeum vulgare (barley), Triticum aestivum (bread wheat), T. sphaerococcum (dwarf wheat), Pisum arvense (field pea), Lens culinaris (lentil), Lathyrus sativus (grass pea), Vigna sp. (green/black gram), Macrotyloma uniflorum (horse gram), Linum usitatissimum (linseed), and Gossypium arboreum/herbaceum (cotton) dating back to 200 BCE–700 CE. In addition, few weeds and wild taxa denotative of cultivated fields and surrounding vegetation have also been recorded in the assemblage. The plant remains have been discussed and compared with the information on plant based subsistence economy from other sites in the region.
Study of slope instability on the Bhaderwah–Bani Highway, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Authors: Farooq Imran , Bhat G.M. , Pandita S.K. , Sangra Rameshwar , Singh Arjun , Hussain Gulzar , Singh Yudhbir , Ahsan-ul-Haq
Published: September 2022

Northwest Himalaya has witnessed lot of mass movements during the Quaternary period which have led to palaeoenvironmental degradation and deposition of erratic size sediments. These sediments have developed as fossil slides along the mountain slopes. In last few decades, the frequency of landslides has increased due to various factors such as complex geology, geotechnical properties of the rocks and anthropogenic activities. The investigation of rock slopes require geo–engineering evaluation to assess the instability of critical slopes leading to landslides particularly in the Himalayan region, where rocks are highly folded, faulted, jointed and weathered. In the present study, a total of 15 rock slopes have been selected for rapid assessment of instability condition using rock mass rating basic (RMRb), slope mass rating (SMR) and kinematics analysis techniques along Bhaderwah–Bani Highway in Jammu and Kashmir. Field surveys were conducted regarding required input data collection followed by laboratory works. The results of RMRb show two classes of rock mass, i.e., Class II–Good (86.58%) and Class III–Fair (13.42%). The SMR index classify rock slopes into different stability class results, which infers completely unstable (L4 and L14), unstable (L1, L2, L3, L8, L9, L11, L12 and L13), partially stable (L5, L6 and L7) and stable (L10 and L15) categories. The final output of kinematic analysis verify different modes of structurally controlled slope failures i.e., planar (30.72%), wedge (57.6%) and toppling (11.52%), representing all 15 sites in the study area.
Pollen evidence of vegetation succession, climatic changes and human impact in southern Madhya Pradesh during last ca 6,700 years
Authors: Chauhan M.S. , Bhandari Yachana , Sharma Anupam
Published: September 2022

Pollen records of a 2.0 m deep sediment profile from Barehata Tal portray the vegetation scenarios and contemporaneous climatic events of southern Madhya Pradesh prior to Mid–Holocene. Between 6,700 and 6,015 cal yr BP, the region supported open mixed tropical deciduous forests comprising sparingly distributed trees, viz. Moringa oleifera, Acacia, Trewia nudiflora, Madhuca indica, Terminalia and Aegle marmelos under a warm and less–humid climate than today. The record of Cerealia pollen from the beginning of the pollen sequence denotes the cereal–based arable crop economy in the region. The lake did exist, but it was of small expanse as depicted by the deficient aquatic element, Potamogeton. Around 6,015 to 4,848 cal yr BP, the enhancement in Acacia, Moringa oleifera, Trewia nudiflora, Madhuca indica coupled with moderate increase in Terminalia, Aegle marmelos, Holoptelea, etc. suggest the proliferation of mixed deciduous forests with the arrival of a warm very humid climate attributed to active SW monsoon. The agrarian activities also intensified with the initiation of favourable climatic condition as testified by the increase in Cerealia and cropland weeds. The lake turned bigger in stretch as documented by the improvement in Potamogeton and Typha along with sporadic appearance of Zygnema. The abrupt decline in the number as well as frequencies of the trees existing earlier implies that the forest became sparse around 4,848 to 3,671 cal yr BP with the onset of a warm and dry climate, most likely due to weak SW monsoon. Between 3,671 and 2,450 cal yr BP, the expansion forests took place with the substantial rise of Acacia, Madhuca indica and Holoptelea and re–incursion of Tectona grandis, Buchanania lanzan, Schleichera oleosa, Schrebera, Aegle marmelos, Grewia, etc. This diversification of the forests signifies the advent of a warm and moderately–humid climate. There was augmentation in the agricultural practice and other human activities as evidenced from the consistent encounter of Cerealia and culture pollen. The lake attained a wider spread as a result of increased monsoon precipitation. Around 2,450 to 1,230 cal yr BP, the forests declined, which is manifested by the depletion in the prominent ingredients, excepting Grewia, Schleichera oleosa, Tectona grandis and Aegle marmelos. This change in the vegetation scenario reflects the prevalence of a warm and less–humid climate again. However, from 1,230 cal yr BP onwards, the enrichment of forests elucidates that a warm and humid climate prevailed in response to increased monsoon precipitation.
Correspondence between South African geologist Alex L. du Toit and Birbal Sahni concerning Gondwana Palaeobotany (1925–1944)
Authors: Master Sharad
Published: September 2022

Birbal Sahni (1891-1949) was well known as the first Indian palaeobotanist, and he established the Institute that was named after him, now the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences. Alexander L. du Toit (1878-1948) was the most famous South African geologist, known internationally for advocating the idea of Continental Drift, and for his work on Gondwana geology and palaeobotany. Du Toit was introduced to Sahni by Albert Seward, who was Sahni’s mentor at Cambridge University. They started a correspondence in 1925, involving the exchange of papers, books, and samples, which lasted at least until 1944. Du Toit and Sahni met in 1938 at the Indian Science Congress in Calcutta. Their preserved letters deal with the palaeobotany, correlations, and age of the Rajmahal beds, and later with the palynological investigations of Karoo Dwyka samples sent by du Toit to Sahni, which were worked on by D. D. Pant, who had been a student of Sahni. This correspondence reveals in detail just how these geoscientists involved with problems of Gondwana palaeogeography tackled these questions in spite of the long distances, and slow communications of the time. Information, especially that published in local journals, was disseminated by means of sending reprints, proof copies, and sometimes by handwritten lists of fossils. Although, initially, Sahni had obtained South African and Australian fossil material through the British Museum in London, he later obtained South African samples specially collected for him by du Toit. Samples were also exchanged between South Africa, England, India and Australia.
The fossil flora of the Dead Sea region, Jordan – A late Permian Garden of Delights
Authors: Kerp Hans , Blomenkemper Patrick , Abu Hamad Abdalla , Bomfleur Benjamin
Published: September 2022

The Umm Irna Formation, Jordan, holds one of the most peculiar late Permian plant–fossil assemblages worldwide. Over the last decades of field work, several localities close to the eastern shore of the Dead Sea have yielded a highly diverse ‘mixed flora’ of mesic to xeric environments encompassing elements that are typical either for different floral realms or for different time periods of Earth History. Taxa typical for particular floral realms include, e.g. Cathaysian gigantopterids and Lobatannularia, Euramerican conifers such as Otovicia hypnoides, or the characteristic Gondwanan seed ferns Glossopteris and Dicroidium. Moreover, most taxa are typical for the Permian, some assemblages have also yielded precocious occurrences of taxa that have so far been considered typical for the Mesozoic, such as Umkomasiaceae, Bennettitales, and podocarp conifers. In most cases, fossils from the Umm Irna Formation show well–preserved cuticles that allow sound systematic placement and contribute to the reconstruction of dispersed plant parts into whole–plant–taxa. Altogether, the Umm Irna Formation provides an exceptional window into depositional environments and vegetation types that are rarely preserved in the fossil record but that are crucial for our understanding of plant evolution.
Progress and challenges in understanding Asian palaeogeography and monsoon evolution from the perspective of the plant fossil record
Authors: A. Spicer Robert , Farnsworth Alex
Published: September 2022

Land surface elevation, climate and vegetation are intrinsically linked at a range of spatial and temporal scales. In the case of Asia, complex relief hosts some of the richest biodiversity on our planet and is dominated by a system of monsoons, the features of which are determined in large part by topography and land surface characteristics, including vegetation. Such regions have not only acted as an incubator for evolving species but also as refugia during periods of environmental crisis. The exceptional topography of Asia includes the largest and highest elevated region on Earth, the Tibetan Plateau, along with the Himalaya and the Hengduan mountains, collectively referred to here as the THH region. In recent years there has been a revolution in thinking as to how the THH was formed, how the several monsoons systems that affect it have changed, and how it has influenced regional, even global, biodiversity evolution. Accurately dated plant fossils have played key roles in these advances. Here we review the complex evolution of the THH landscape, the modernization of the biota in the Paleogene, and the transition to the modern landscape and monsoon systems in the Neogene. We show how these changes in understanding have been brought about by recent fossil discoveries and new radiometric dating of previously known assemblages, methodological advances arising from integrating improved proxy data, and numerical palaeoclimate modelling. Significant knowledge gaps remain, however, which demand further advances in proxy and numerical methodologies, as well as new fossil discoveries in key locations for specific time intervals.
Distraction osteogenesis for treatment of iatrogenic shortening of the first ray
Authors: Drogomiretskiy Olga , Rockhill Stephen , Reber Tyler , Hutchinson Byron , Clifford Craig
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study is to present a surgical treatment option following iatrogenic shortened first ray pathology and report the postoperative outcomes. Retrospective analysis of two surgeon’s patients (N=5) who underwent gradual distraction osteogenesis following previously failed first ray surgery was conducted.  Surgical outcomes were measured including time in the external fixator and amount of distraction achieved. Complications measured included neurovascular complications, non-union, mal-union, infections, mal-alignment, pain, wound dehiscence, stiffness and transfer metatarsalgia. The average time spent in an external fixator was 78.8 (34-108) days. Average distraction achieved was 12.2 (2-22) mm. Four of the 5 patients experienced at least one of the following postoperative complications: pin site infections, wound dehiscence, non-union and postoperative pain. This study suggests that distraction osteogenesis may be a feasible surgical treatment option for iatrogenic shortened first ray with the right patient selection, but needs further evaluation.
Proletariaatin vallasta yhteistyöhön porvarillisten demokraattien kanssa
Authors: Ihalainen Pasi
Published: September 2022

Pasi Ihalainen tarkastelee artikkelissaan vuosien 1917–1920 eduskunta- ja lehdistöpuhetta diskurssihistoriallisesta näkökulmasta. Hän osoittaa, miten molemminpuolinen epäluottamus ja kärjistynyt retoriikka osaltaan vaikuttivat sodan syttymiseen ja miten sodan jälkeen työväenliikkeen maltillisempi siipi päätyi yhteistyöhakuisempaan linjaan ja parlamentarismiin.
Sosiaalidemokraatit, kansakunnan eheytys ja demokratia 1920-luvulta 1930-luvun alkuvuosiin
Authors: Valtonen Pekka
Published: September 2022

Pekka Valtonen analysoi sotienvälisen ajan keskustelua kansallisesta eheyttämisestä sekä työväenliikkeen suhtautumista siihen. Artikkeli tuo esiin sisällissodan jälkeisen jakautuneen ilmapiirin, jossa eheyttämispuheesta huolimatta osapuolilla oli hyvin erilaisia käsityksiä demokratiasta ja yhteiskunnan suunnasta. Oikeistoryhmät pyrkivät pikemminkin integroimaan työväestöä valkoisen Suomen käsityksiin kansakunnasta ja demokratiasta kuin huomioimaan näiden omat näkemykset. Kansakunnan eheyttämisen problematiikka sisällissodan jälkeen on hyvä esimerkki siitä, miten pakotettu konsensus ei välttämättä ole hedelmällisin tapa toteuttaa kansanvaltaa. Monet tutkijat ovat korostaneet pikemminkin kompromissien etsimistä ristiriitaisten intressien ja maailmankuvien välillä niin, että kaikki osapuolet voivat kokea tulevansa kuulluiksi.
Kajian Hukum Pembentukan UU Cipta Kerja Dalam Perspektif UU No.25 Tahun 2019
Authors: Muhammad Dahlan Harahap
Published: September 2022

The process of establishing the Job Creation Law has established a series of principles, both formally and materially. The formation of the Job Creation Law tends to ignore the principles of the formation of laws and regulations, both formal and material principles. The formulation of the problem is how the design and ratification of Law No.11/2020 is in accordance with Law No.15/2019 concerning the Formation of Legislations, what is the position of Law No.11/2020 in the perspective of Law No.15/2019, and what is the impact of its implementation. Law No.11/2020 on the system of laws and regulations in force in Indonesia The research method used is descriptive analysis that leads to normative juridical legal research, namely research conducted by referring to legal norms, namely researching library materials or secondary materials . Secondary data by processing data from primary legal materials, secondary legal materials and tertiary legal materials. The results of the study indicate that the design and ratification of Law No. 11/2020 on Job Creation is not in accordance with Law no. 12/2011 Jo. Law No. 15/2019. With the Constitutional Court Decision No. 91/PUU-XVIII/2020, the Job Creation Law is considered conditionally unconstitutional. The impact of the implementation of Law No.11/2020 on the system of laws and regulations in force in Indonesia is that the Job Creation Law has procedural defects because in the process the public does not know the standard and official text relating to the Job Creation Act.
Wanprestasi Dengan Penipuan Dalam Perjanjian Hutang Piutang
Authors: Hari Panri NST  , Tri Reni Novita
Published: September 2022

Analysis of Default with Fraud in Debt Agreements in Deli Serdang Regency. The purpose of this study is to determine the difference between default and fraud in accounts payable agreements. To find out what efforts are being made in resolving cases of default with fraud in accounts payable agreements. The type of research used is normative and empirical legal research. The difference between default and fraud in the accounts payable agreement is that the debtor continues to make achievements but is only able to pay off part of his debt to the debtor and cannot pay off all his debts to the debtor. In this case, there were several obstacles that occurred the contents of the plaintiff's special power of attorney were incomplete. In this case Defendant 1 could not complete the construction because the building permit was not issued for the land contained in the Certificate of Ownership no. 520 By the Department of Settlement and Spatial Planning Medan City. And in this case also Defendant II could not submit the Certificate of Ownership No. 520 to the plaintiff because there was no agreement from the defendant I. The legal settlement in the case of default on the debt agreement carried out by Zulkarnai against Mr. Salim and Mrs. Devi Juliastuti was pursued through the courts. Mr. Salim and Mrs. Devi Juliastuti as defendants never attended the trial even though they had been legally and properly summoned, so the judge decided to impose a versteeek verdict on this case.