bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity and distribution of Devonian Protolepidodendrales (Lycopsida)
Authors: Berry C.M.
Published: September 2022

A review of recent literature regarding Devonian Protolepidodendrales (Lycopsida) emphasises the progress that has been made in the understanding of this group of common fossils. They share complex microphylls, undifferentiated sporophylls and a presumed herbaceous habit. Maximum diversity occurred in the Middle and lowermost Upper Devonian. Usually only relatively well preserved materials can yield determinative characters. The genera Protolepidodendron, Colpodexylon, Haskinsia, Artschaliphyton, Minerodendron, Leclercqia, Archaeosigillaria and a new genus are discussed. A regional survey demonstrates that Leclercqia, Haskinsia and Colpodexylon are widely distributed across Laurussia, Siberia and Kazakhstan with more sporadic occurrences in Gondwana. Endemic forms may be found in South China and South Africa during the Middle and early Late Devonian.
The Cathaysian flora : An overview
Authors: Xingxue Li
Published: September 2022

Beginning with the first discovery of gigantopteroid fossils from the Permian coal formation in Hunan province, South China by Richthofen in 1870, the research history of the Cathaysian flora may be divided into three stages: 1. Initial Stage (1870-1926); 2. Founding Stage (1927-1959); 3. Flourishing Stage (1960- present). The paper emphasizes that a good progress has been made in the third stage mainly by the Chinese palaeobotanists and palynologists. An attempt is also made to carry out some problems and prospects for researches of the Cathaysian flora in the near future.
East-Asiatic element in the fossil flora of the salt mine at Wieliczka (S. Poland)
Authors: Zastawniak Ewa
Published: September 2022

East-Asiatic element is of particular significance in the Tertiary floras of Europe. This statement is also confirmed by the studies of carpological remains that have survived in the Tertiary deposits of the Wieliczka salt-mine. The East-Asiatic elements are represented in this fossil flora by the following families: Pinaceae, Cephalotaxaceae, Taxodiaceae, Cupressaceae, Magnoliaceae, Menispermaceae, Eucommiaceae, Fagaceae, Juglandaceae, Theaceae, Symplocaceae, Styracaceae, Ulmaceae, Sapindaceae, Staphyleaceae, Rutaceae, Vitaceae, Cornaceae, Mastixiaceae, and Alangiaceae. The taxon Palaeocarya salinarum (Zablocki 1930) comb. nov. is a new combination for the Tertiary floras.
Chrono-ecological vegetative assemblage and historical development of Neogene-Quaternary floras of Vietnam
Authors: Dzanh Trinh
Published: September 2022

Nine chrono-ecological vegetative assemblages are recognized in the Neogene and Neogene-Quaternary of Vietnam based on the evidence of megafossil plants. The assemblages may be referred to four developmental epochs: Middle-Late Miocene, Late Miocene, Pliocene and Pliocene- Early Pleistocene. The detailed composition and the spatial and geographical distribution of each plant assemblage are discussed.
Geochemical characterisation of the Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary sediments at Anjar, India
Authors: Shukla P.N. , Shukla A.D. , Bhandari N.
Published: September 2022

Geochemical, geochronological, palaeomagnetic and palaeontological evidences that show that the third Intertrappean bed at Anjar encompasses the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary are described. Presence of three well separated iridium rich horizons indicates multiple depositional events. Their origin in volcanic or multiple cometary impacts is discussed. The results are compared with the chemical anomalies observed in Um Sohryngkew River Section in Meghalaya.
Late Pleistocene/Holocene vegetation and environment in and around Marian shola, Palni Hills, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Bera S.K. , Farooqui Anjum , Gupta H.P.
Published: September 2022

This paper highlights the results obtained from fine resolution palynostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy of a 1.7 m deep sediment profile from Marian shola in Palni Hills. Palynological reports have unravelled a two-fold vegetation development, viz., shrub savanna-grassland-shrub savanna reflecting two-fold climatic oscillations such as warm and moist-cold and dry-warm and moist under tropical surroundings. Radiocarbon dates have revealed 30,000 years age for the total deposits. The sediments are mostly lacustrine and laid down under a reducing environment indicating a slow rate of deposition, i.e., top 1 m deposits were accumulated at the rate of 1 cm per 107.50 years while bottom 70 cm deposits were laid down at the rate of 1 cm per 275.70 years.
Surmaspora Singh & Rao from the Neogene sediments of southern India: its stratigraphic and botanical significance
Authors: Ramanujam C.G.K. , Reddy P.R. , Ramakrishna H.
Published: September 2022

The paper deals with the occurrence of Surmaspora (S. karii) from the subsurface Miocene sediments of Godavari Basin in Andhra Pradesh and Cauvery Basin in Tamil Nadu and highlights its stratigraphic and botanical significance.
Angiospermous fossil leaves from the Siwalik sediments (Middle Miocene) of Darjeeling District, West Bengal
Authors: Antal J.S. , Prasad M.
Published: September 2022

In the present paper some more angiospermous leaf-impressions recovered from Ghish River, Lish River and Sevok Road section in Darjeeling District, West Bengal have been described, These are-Flacourtia tertiara Prasad & Awasthi 1996, Alsodeia palaeoracemosa sp. nov. (Flacourtiaceae), Shorea bengalensis sp. nov. (Dipterocarpaceae), Zizyphus palaeoapetala sp. nov., Ventilago tistaensis sp. nov. (Rhamnaceae), Syzygium palaeocuminii Prasad & Awasthi 1996 (Myrtaceae) and Homonoia mioriparia sp. nov. (Euphorbiaceae). Out of these seven taxa, five are new records to the Siwalik flora. The dominance of evergreen and moist deciduous elements in the assemblage further confirms the prevalence of warm and humid climate during the deposition of the Himalayan foreland sediments.
Venation patterns in some early Glossopteris
Authors: Leary R.L.
Published: September 2022

Glossopterids were the dominant plants in Gondwana during the Late Permian. They characterized the plant assemblages and gave their name to the flora of the time. Although Glossopteris is characterized by anastomosing secondary venation, the oldest known forms placed within this form-genus often have only rare cross connections between adjacent parallel secondary veins or possibly none. At least some of the taxa placed within the form-genus probably evolved from plants that bore leaves with dichotomously branched secondary veins.
Plant fossil orientation in Early Permian Barakar Formation of eastern-central India Gondwana basins
Authors: Tewari R.C.
Published: September 2022

The long axis orientation of plant fossils including Glossopteris, Gangamopteris and Vertebraria preserved in carbonaceous shale/siltstone lithofacies of Early Permian Barakar Formation from nine coalfields of eastern-central India has been analysed for preferred elongation. The resultant average suggests northeast-southwest trends in Raniganj, Jharia, East Bokaro, North Karanpura, Talchir, Korba and Singrauli coalfields, and east-west in the Saharjuri and Jainti coalfields. The preferred linear trends in the long axis of plant fossils indicate their genetic relationship with the attending flow. It is argued that the plant debris which decomposed to form coal in Early Permian Barakar Formation of eastern-central Gondwana basins was largely of transported or drifted nature. The linear trends of plant fossils are closely comparable to ripple asymmetry, and exhibit oblique or near transverse relationship with the dominant current system. It would imply an angular relation in the deposition of fine clastic and coarse grade lithofacies, respectively. The fine clastic lithofacies of carbonaceous shale/siltstone containing oriented plant fossils is attributed to deposition in overbank subenvironment of the fluvial system.
Morphotaxonomic study of some more fossil leaves from the Lower Siwalik sediments of West Bengal, India
Authors: Antal J.S. , Prasad M.
Published: September 2022

The leaf-impressions from the Lower Siwalik sediments exposed near Oodlabari in Darjeeling District, West Bengal belonging to extant genera, viz., Uvaria Linn., Alsodeia Thouars., Hopea Roxb., Grewia Linn., Beddomea Hook.f. and Terminalia Linn. of the families Anonaceae, Flacourtiaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Tiliaceae, Meliaceae and

Combretaceae, respectively have been described in this paper. Of them four species, viz., Uvaria ghishia sp. nov., Alsodeia palaeoechinocarpa sp. nov., Grewia tiliaefolia sp. nov. and Beddomea palaeoindica sp. nov. are new records to the existing Siwalik flora. Amongst these six taxa four are found in the evergreen forests and the remaining two in the moist evergreen forests of India and Malaya Peninsula, which collectively suggest the prevalence of warm and humid climate in the area during deposition of these sediments.
On an enigmatic fossil plant from the Early Permian of South Karanpura Coalfield, India
Authors: Bajpai Usha , Singh Shiv Mohan
Published: September 2022

An apparent whorl of heterophyllous leaves is reported from the Barakar Formation of south Karanpura Coalfield, Bihar. The leaves are heterophyllous and their non-stomatiferous cuticle shows cells in longitudinal series with thick anticlinal walls. The specimen presents a superficial resemblance with leaf whorls of the sphenophylls; the latter, however, differ in having sinuous-walled cells in the epidermis of both surfaces. There is a distinct possibility that this specimen represents a bunch of immature leaves of a taxon related either to Euryphyllum or Pantophyllum, regarded as members of the cordaitean group of plants.
Subduction and collision related magmatism in the Shyok Suture and eastern Karakoram
Authors: Chandra Rakesh , Upadhyay Rajeev , Sinha Anshu K.
Published: September 2022

The Shyok Suture is represented by distinct sets of volcano-plutonic rock assemblages. The high-Mg tholeiitic basalt and calc-alkaline andesites of the Shyok Volcanics have a subduction zone chemical signature. The REE data on tholeiitic basalt suggest a chemical affinity between primitive N-MORB to E-MORB. The calc-alkaline andesites, however, resembles to transitional nature of basalt between E-MORB to OIB. The geochemical data and regional tectonic setting suggest a close similarity between the Shyok Volcanics of northern Ladakh and the Chalt Volcanics of Kohistan.

The mildly deformed trondhjemite-tonalite-granodiorite of the Tirit Granitoids are composite plutons located south of the Shyok Suture melange. These granitoids are subalkaline, I-type and represented by volcanic arc chemical signatures. The regional tectonic setting, the nature of occurrence and the composition of Tirit Granitoids are similar to the plutonic suites of northern Kohistan (Gindai, Matum Das and Nomal plutons).

The eastern Karakoram Batholith is dominated by quartz monzonite-tonalite-granodiorite and granite. The subalkaline to calc-alkaline Karakoram Batholith is constituted by both I-and S-type granitoids with volcanic arc and syn-collision chemical signatures. REE data suggest that the I-type granitoids of eastern Karakoram are calc-alkaline magmatism of a subduction zone environment. In contrast, most of the S-type granitoids are crust-derived peraluminous granitoids. New Rb/Sr isotopic whole rock age data indicates that an S-type intrusive phase was active in the eastern Karakoram region during 83±9 Ma. The syn-collision nature of these granitoids are similar to those of north Sost pluton and Karambar pluton of northern Kohistan.

This indicates that the collision between Kohistan-Ladakh arc and Karakoram block was active during 83±9 Ma.
Late Lower Jurassic palynomorph assemblage in the Dubrajpur sediments, Birbhum District, West Bengal, India
Authors: Vijiya  , Roy Atanu
Published: September 2022

This is the first palynological study of the Dubrajpur sediments exposed near the village Murgadangal within the Birbhum Coalfield of West Bengal. The grey shales and off-white sandy claystones have yielded characteristic palynomorph assemblages. At the base of the succession, which consist of coaly shales. The genus Densipollenites is prominent along with striate bisaccate pollen (Palynozone I). In the same assemblage, the first occurrence of Kremipollenites indicus, Arcuatipollenites pellucidus and Goubinispora indica, is significant. This suggests the end Permian level for the Barakar coal deposits. Subsequently, genus Callialasporites makes its first occurrence at the transition of Barakar and Dubrajpur formations and attains fair presentation in the up-section (Palynozone II) replacing Densipollenites. Definite occurrence of Callialasporites turbatus/dampieri in the presently investigated Dubrajpur strata along with Foraminisporis tribulosus, Klukisporites sp. suggest late Lower Jurassic age for Dubrajpur Formation, and the non-diversified palynomorph composition evidences shallow deposition for this outcrop section.
Stratigraphic significance of some angiosperm pollen from the Tinali Oilfield, Upper Assam, India
Authors: Mandal J. , Kumar Madhav
Published: September 2022

Twelve fossil pollen taxa Polygonacidites frequens, Perfotricolpites neyvelii, Lanagiopollis eocaenicus, Tiliaepollenites cf. rotundus. Tiliaepollenites sp. A. Durgaipollenites galsii, Strobilanthidites cf. africanus, Retitrescolpites africanus, Retitricolporites cf. guianensis, Corsinipollenites jussiaeensis, Discoidites borneensis and tinalipollenites duttae gen. et sp. nov. are described from the Barail Group to Dhekiajuli Formation (mid Tertiary to Quatenary) of the subsurface Tinali area. Upper Assam. The fossil pollens are compared with similar pollen types from extant dicotyledonous species. The geological record and stratigraphic and palaeoecologic significance of the fossil forms are considered in relation to the geographic distribution and habitat of modem taxa with similar pollen.
On the species of genus Glossopteris from barakar formation of Karanpura and Bokaro coalfields, India
Authors: Singh Shiv Mohan , Maheshwari H.K.
Published: September 2022

The assemblage of fossil plants of Barakar Formation from North Karanpura. South Karanpura and West Bokaro Coal fields contain thirty-two species of the genus Glossopteris. Among these three species are new, twenty-one species are recorded for the first time from the Barakar Formation of South Karanpura, nine species from North Karanpura and eight species from West Bokaro group of coalfields. The range of variation within species have been observed by taking more than one specimens as complex, from different collieries of these three coal fields. The comparison. diagnosis and range of distribution of species in context of other coalfields have also been given.

In the present study. the speciation of genus Glossopteris is based on morphography and cuticular features. Here, morphographical characters have been critically analysed in order to find a reasonable basis for precise specific delimitations. Morphographical circumscriptions are further verified by characters of the cuticle wherever available but only as associated or supportive characters.
Contributions to the deccan intertrappean flora of Nawargaon, Wardha District, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Khare E.G. , Prasad Mahesh , Awasthi N.
Published: September 2022

Eight fossil wood species are described from the Deccan Intertrappean beds of Nawargaon, Wardha District, Maharashtra. India. The fossil flora, so far, recovered from the Nawargaon area indicates that tropical evergreen forests with some moist deciduous plants were nourishing around Nawargaon area in Central India during Early Tertiary in contrast to mixed deciduous type of present day forest. The habit and habitat of the modem comparable taxa suggest prevalence of tropical humid climate in the area during Early-Tertiary.
Tree Ring analysis of Abies Pindrow around Dokriani Bamak (Glacier), Western Himalayas, in relation to climate and glacial behaviour: Preliminary results
Authors: Bhattacharya A. , Chaudhary Vandana , Gergan J.T.
Published: September 2022

Analysis of tree ring data of Abies pindrow has been made from seven sites (Din Gad Valley) close to the Dokriani Bamak Glacier (Latitude 30°50' to 30°52' N and 78°47' to 78°50' E Longitude). Total 299 cores from 157 trees were collected from seven sites representing different glacially formed geomorphic features and elevation zones to study the growth behaviour of trees in relation to climate change and glacial fluctuations in the Western Himalayas. A tree ring chronology of this site for the last 371 years extending from 1625 AD to 1995 AD has been established. Analysis of tree growth trend during this period indicates that the trees of this region experienced several periods of reduced growth that might have coincided with positive mass balance and glacial advance.
Seasonal temperature reconstruction from Central China based on Tree-Ring data
Authors: Liu Yu , Ma Limin , Cai Qiufang , An Zhisheng , Hughes Malcolm K. , Garfin-Woll Gregg M. , Leavitt Steven W.
Published: September 2022

Mean temperature of March and April for the Qinling Mountains has been reconstructed based on Abies chensiensis tree-ring width for the last 250 years, with good chronology replication since 1828 to 1991 A.D. The explained variance of the reconstruction was 50.8%. Eight relative cold and 8 warm periods for early spring have been found. Power spectrum analysis displays 24, 21.82, 20.00, 18.46, 2.76, 2.73, 2.26, 2.11 and 2.09 yrs cycles. The reconstruction was significantly negatively correlated to dryness/wetness indices, which were derived from historical documents, with r = -0.297 (N3 = 229, p < 0.0001) after 10 year moving average. After 1900, r reached -0.718 (N4 = 75, p < 0.0001). This suggests that the lower mean temperature of March-April could be a signal of drought for the year, and vice versa.
A note on geological explorations through early expeditions to the Eastern Karakoram, the Shaksgam Valley and the Western Tibet since early half of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Upadhyay Rajeev , Sinha A.K.
Published: September 2022

Based on informations available, through early expeditions since the early half of the nineteenth century, on the Central Asian mountain massifs, the present document is aimed towards depicting the significance of these poorly known regions in a larger framework of palaeogeography and accretion of the Indian and Peri-Gondwanian microcontinents with the Asian landmass.
Plant megafossil remains from Shemshak Formation of Jajarm area, NE Alborz, Iran
Authors: Javadi F. Vaez , Syooki M. Ghavidel
Published: September 2022

The basal part of Shemshak Formation contains abundant well-preserved plant megafossils belonging to 17 taxa of various orders viz., Equisetales, Filicales, Bennettitales, Cycadales and Coniferales. On the basis of the present study specially Dictyophyllum exile, Equisetites arenaceus, Podozamites latissimus and Nilssonia polymorpha, this part of the Shemshak Formation is dated as Rhaetian.
Depositional environment of Bagra Formation (Upper Triassic), Satpura Basin, India: a palynological approach
Authors: Kumar Pramod
Published: September 2022

Bagra Formation is the youngest lithounit of non-marine Mahadeva Group in Satpura Basin. The recorded palynological assemblage from Bagra Formation contains prominence of fungal and algal remains. Palynomorphs of Denwa Formation such as Falcisporites, Satsangisaccite, Samaropollenites, Arcuatipollenites, Strialopodocarpites including Callialasporites, Cycadopites, Corollina (=Classopollis) simplex and Haradisporites are also represented in the Bagra Assemblage. The palynological assemblage (as a mixed flora) suggests a lateral continuity of the Denwa Formation with younger Bagra Formation, and the difference could be facies variations. The recovered palynological assemblage suggests a Rhaetian age of Upper Triassic to the Bagra Formation. The palynological associations indicate that Bagra Formation was deposited in lacustrine set up near shoreline under cool-temperate climate with derivation of palynomorphs from heavy rain forest upland areas.
A new Archaean stromatolite from the Chitradurga Group, Dharwar Craton, India and its significance
Authors: Sharma Mukund , Shukla Manoj
Published: September 2022

The present paper deals with the systematics, morphogenesis and depositional environment of a new stromatolite morphotype Batiola indica from the ~ 2.6 Ga old Archaean sediments of the Chitradurga Group, Dharwar Craton, India. It has been grouped under family Cryptophytonidae. Its morphological features are attributed to both biotic and environmental factors and considered to have been formed in a tidal regime.
Age and depositional environment of the Upper Bhuban Formation of Champhai area (Eastern Mizo hills) India - A palynological approach
Authors: Mandaokar B.D.
Published: September 2022

Palynological analysis of outcropping claystone, shale and alternation of sandstone -siltstone, Upper Bhuban Formation from Champhai, eastern Mizoram, India has been attempted. In all total 47 genera and 60 species are recognised in the assemblage. Of these 8 genera and 11 species are represented by pteridophytic spores and 27 genera and 35 species belong to angiospermic pollen, 6 genera and 6 species to gymnospermous pollen, fungal remains are also encountered. Some significant constituents of the assemblage are Dictyophyllidites, Pteridacidites, Polypodiisporites, Lycopodiumsporites, Compositoipollenites, Polygonacidites, Malvacearumpollis, Hibisceapollenites, Cupuliferoipollenites, Alnipollenites, Engelhardtioidites, Pinuspollenites, Piceaepollenites and Podocarpidites. Quantitative dominance of angiospermous pollen is a conspicuous feature of the assemblage. The recorded palynological assemblage indicates the prevalence of wet semi evergreen type of vegetation with warm and humid tropical-temperate climate with plenty of rainfall during sedimentation. On the basis of comparison of the present assemblage with the palynoassemblages known from Indian Tertiary sediments. An Upper Miocene age has been assigned to the Tertiary sediments of Champhai area of Mizoram.
Occurrence of Jiangsupollis from the Upper Cretaceous of North Eastern India and its Significance
Authors: Zhichen Song , Weiming Wang , Fei Huang
Published: September 2022

Jiangsupollis striatus was widely distributed in the Upper Cretaceous of southern China. Some species assignable to this genus were also reported from eastern part of India, which indicate that unknown parent plants of the pollen grains were also growing in India and geographically there was certain connection between southern China and eastern India in the Late Cretaceous for migration. This also reveals the fact that the taxa Aquilapollenites and Integricorpus which is morphologically identical to Jiangsupollis species in eastern India might have migrated from Asian Plate rather than northern African Plate at that time.
Light microscopic studies on pollen grains of selected Cyperaceae species from southern Tamil Nadu, India: Relevance in Holocene sediment studies
Authors: Prasad S. , Anupama K.
Published: September 2022

Seven species of Cyperaceae have been selected for quantitative pollen morphological studies through light microscopy as a practical application in the reconstruction of Late Holocene vegetation. Such a study has been taken up because this large family has so far been referred to as one pollen type by the palynologists most of whom have attributed wet lands/marsh lands as the habitat of the members. Though most of the members are found in wet lands, some are found in drier habitats also, making it essential that this family be sub-classified, for which a preliminary attempt has been made in this paper in the study area in southern Tamil Nadu, India, that offers a diversity of habitats. The species chosen are Bulbostylis barbata (Rottb.) Kunth ex Clarke, Cyperus compressus Linn., C. rotundus Linn., Fimbristylis argentea (Rottb.) Vahl., F. ovata (Burm. f.) Kern, Kyllinga bulbosa Beauv. and Scirpus articulatus Linn. Two subtypes were identified among these seven species, with Fimbristylis having distinctive pollen morphological characters.
A petrified female strobilus from Mohgaonkalan, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Upadhye E.V. , Tidke J.A. , Patil G.V.
Published: September 2022

A conifer female strobilus is described from the Deccan Intertrappean beds of Mohgaonkalan, Madhya Pradesh, India. The description is based on two specimens exposed tangentially in silicified cherts. The female strobilus shows many bract scales arranged in a compact helix around the central axis. In the axil of each bract scale there is a dwarf shoot bearing a group of six megasporophylls with two inverted ovules on each, arranged spirally on condensed axis. The occurrence of dwarf shoot in the present cone distinguishes it from the earlier reported cones.
Palynological records of mangrove degradation around Chilka Lake, Orissa, India
Authors: Khandelwal Asha
Published: September 2022

The pear shaped Chilka Lake lying along the eastern coast of Orissa State, is one of the ecological and socioeconomical important wetlands of India. This open lagoon is identified as a nationally important and internationally renowned ecosystem, which harbours a range of marine, brackish and fresh water biodiversity. Palynological syntheses based on the results of investigated mid-late Holocene profiles (Balugaon, Rambha, Nalabana, Dangmal, Solari, Chandrapur, Geokhala, Bhowania) are compared with the upper part of core CHI-9 encompassing period of 13,000 years. It has been observed from the pollen record that tropical dense mangrove forest thriving luxuriantly during early Holocene has decreased considerably with the passage of time.

The present mangrove ecosystem, though more restricted, is fairly stable with maintenance of conserved mangrove forests in protected prograding bays in Mahanadi delta and in estuaries kept open by adequate river flow. However, siltation, eutrophication and industrial development are major threatening factors affecting the sensitivity of lake resulting in shrinkage and total disappearance of surrounding vegetation. It has been indicated that certain metals, such as Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, V, Zn As, Pb, Cd are responsible for the environmental stress of the ecosystem which are continuously incorporated by the use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture. There should be an appeal and educational effort to stop the destruction and fragmentation of mangroves. The planned eco-friendly rehabilitation of mangroves, along with harmonious urban development and industrialization is required in order to restore the past glory of Chilka Lake.
A Teredolites infested fossil wood from the Lower Eocene sediments of the Vastan Lignite Mine of Gujarat, western India
Authors: Guleria J.S. , Sahni Ashok , Shukla Anumeha , Singh Hukam
Published: September 2022

The Vastan Lignite Mine, situated about 30 km northeast of Surat in Gujarat, preserves a fairly continuous record of near shore lignites interbedded with lagoonal and open marine sediments bearing foraminifera and molluscs. This paper reports a teredo-infested fossil dicotyledonous wood belonging to Family Meliaceae from the carbonaceous shale sequence near the top of the Lower Eocene section. The wood is well preserved and shows resemblance with the extant woods of the genus Aglaia Lour. The presence of wood suggests a fluvial transport from its natural habitat of an inland moist tropical forest to a nearby coastal region. The profuse infestation of the wood by teredos further indicates considerable exposure before burial probably in a near shore lagoon or tidal flat area where it was bored by Teredolites.
Morpho-cuticular study of Glossopteris stenoneura Feistmantel from the Barakar Formation of Raniganj Coalfield, West Bengal
Authors: Srivastava A.K. , Tewari Rajni , Agnihotri Deepa
Published: September 2022

The morphological and cuticular features of well-preserved leaves of Glossopteris stenoneura Feistmantel collected from Barakar Formation of Churulia area, Raniganj Coalfield are analyzed. The study indicates that spathulate shaped leaves are distinct in having narrow-elongate trapezoidal meshes near the midrib and short, narrow meshes near the margin of leaves. Cuticle is amphistomatic, the surface of upper cuticle characteristically shows fine striations over the vein area. Stomata are anomocytic, ovalelongate with cutinized guard cells. Subsidiary cells of lower cuticle demonstrate papillae overhanging stomata.
Tatapania gen. nov., a possible cone of Schizoneura gondwanensis Feistmantel from the Late Permian in the Tatapani-Ramkola Coalfield, India
Authors: Singh Kamal Jeet , Chandra Shaila , Saxena Anju
Published: September 2022

Tatapania-a new genus of equisetalean fructifications, is represented by oblong-ovate bractless cones recorded from the Late Permian strata exposed in Banki Rivulet in Tatapani-Ramkola Coalfield, Chhattisgarh State, India. This is the first record of compact, conical and possibly terminal sphenophyte cones from the Lower Gondwana. The cones may have been related to Schizoneura gondwanensis as these are found in association with sterile equisetalean stems and leaves of Schizoneura gondwanensis in the same beds.

Two new species, viz. Tatapania indica and T. obcordata, have been instituted for the genus. Both species closely resemble cones of modern Equisetum. The presence of a compact cone similar to that of an extant Equisetum as early as Late Permian of Gondwana is interesting, especially when no member of Palaeozoic sphenophytes possessed such compact cones. The present find also supports the hypothetical model of Naugolnykh (2004a) wherein he proposed the evolution of the compact strobilus and peltate sporangiophore in modern Equisetum from the Late Palaeozoic ancestors. The double or single cones of Tatapania have been placed intermediate between Equisetites arenaceus with three cones attached together and Neocalamites carreri having single cone in the Naugolnykh’s evolution model of Equisetum. A reconstruction of Schizoneura gondwanensis plant having Tatapania cones attached on the apices of the leaf bearing branches has been attempted.
Palynodating of sub-surface sediments from Kuraloi Block, Ib-River Coalfield, Jharsuguda, Odisha, Son-Mahanadi Graben, India
Authors: Meena K.L. , Pillai S.S.K.
Published: September 2022

The sub-surface samples for the present study were collected from the Bore-Core No. IBK-A2 which was drilled at south-west part (Kuraloi block) of Ib-River Coalfield, Jharsuguda District, Odisha. Two Palynoassemblages have been identified in the 529.18 m deep bore core. The Palynoassemblage-I showing dominance of Faunipollenites - Striatopodocarpites, followed by Scheuringipollenites, Cyclogranisporites, Cyclobaculisporites, Rhizomaspora, Microbaculispora, Striatites, Alisporites, Ibisporites, Falcisporites, etc. belongs to upper Barakar Palynoflora (Late Early Permian). Palynoassemblage-II having the dominance of Striatopodocarpites and sub-dominance of Faunipollenites followed by Verticipollenites, Crescentipollenites, Rhizomaspora, Striatites, Alisporites, Densipollenites, Distriatites, Striamonosaccites, Scheuringipollenites, Striapollenites, Ephedripites, Callumispora, Cyclogranisporites, Cyclobaculisporites, Ibisporites, Parasaccites, etc. belongs to Raniganj Palynoflora (Late Permian). The dominance of striated disaccates and sub-dominance of non-striated palynoflora along with enormous distribution of triletes and taeniate spores, such as Densoisporites, Lundbladispora and Arcuatipollenites shows Late Permian (Raniganj) affinity.
Gymnospermous woods from the Late Cenozoic sediments of Rajasthan, western India
Authors: Guleria J.S. , Shukla Anumeha
Published: September 2022

The paper describes two gymnospermous woods, namely Araucarioxylon Kraus, 1870 and Podocarpoxylon Gothan, 1905 from the Late Cenozoic sediments (Shumar Formation) of district Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, western India. The woods indicate favourable climatic conditions for the growth of mesic vegetation in Rajasthan till Plio-Pleistocene time compared to the xeric vegetation and drier conditions in the area today.
Palaeobotanical evidence of wildfire in the Upper Permian of India: Macroscopic charcoal remains from the Raniganj Formation, Damodar Basin
Authors: Jasper Andre , Guerra-Sommer Margot , Uhl Dieter , Bernardes-de-Oliveira Mary E.C. , Ghosh Amit K. , Tewari Rajni , Secchi Mariela Inês
Published: September 2022

Macroscopic fossil charcoal has been discovered in the carbonaceous shales associated with Seam-VI of Raniganj Formation, Upper Permian, Damodar Basin, India. A pycnoxylic gymnosperm wood is described and confirms the occurrence of palaeo-wildfire in this area during the Late Permian. The integration of the data presented in the current study with previously published data for the Raniganj Formation, principally related to the occurrence of (pyrogenic) inertinites within coal layers, demonstrates that palaeo-wildfires were common events during the deposition of the preserved material. In addition, the presence of charcoal in Permian sediments associated with coal levels at different Gondwana localities demonstrates that wildfires have been relatively common events across the continent during this period.
Palaeobiodiversity of the Lower Gondwana rocks in the Korba Coalfield, Chhattisgarh, India and observations on the genus Gangamopteris McCoy
Authors: Singh Kamal Jeet , Saxena Anju , Goswami Shreerup
Published: September 2022

The Korba Coalfield occupies the south-central part of Son-Mahanadi Master basin and is situated in the Korba and Bilaspur districts of Chhattisgarh State. With five open cast mines (Gevra, Dipika, Manikpur, Kusmunda and Laxman) spreading over 530 sq. kms, this coalfield is the biggest coal producing unit in India, however it was never explored for megafloral studies. Extensive investigations were recently conducted in this coalfield to discover the fossiliferous beds in the Lower Gondwana deposits and as a result a large number of plant fossils were recovered from these collieries and their extension sites belonging to the Barakar Formation.

The complete flora includes 38 taxa, representing 13 genera of the orders Equisetales, Cordaitales and Glossopteridales. The order Glossopteridales is highly diversified with 34 taxa and the genus Glossopteris with 22 species dominates the flora followed by the genera Vertebraria, Sakoarota (equisetalean stems), Cordaites, Dictyopteridium, scale leaves of fertile organs, Gangamopteris, Noeggerathiopsis, Euryphyllum and Rubidgea. This is the first ever collection and record of any mega plant fossil from this coalfield. The groups Lycopodiales, Sphenophyllales, Filicales, Ginkgoales, Cycadales and Coniferales are completely absent in this area which shows that the area might not be adequately cool and humid to facilitate the growth of these shade loving under-story plants. The genus Cordaites, which is a northern hemisphere taxon has been reported along with Glossopteris floral elements. An equisetalean genus Sakoarota, described from Madagascar has been reported for the first time from the Indian Gondwana.

The genus Gangamopteris comprising six species, viz. G. cyclopteroides, G. cyclopteroides var. subauriculata, G. angustifolia, G. rajaensis, G. clarkeana and Gangamopteris sp. has been systematically described and discussed in this paper. The occurrence of Rubidgea, Euryphyllum, Noeggerathiopsis, Cordaites and Gangamopteris along with Glossopteris is indicative of the presence of Karharbari sediments (Early Permian=Lower Artinskian) in the lower part of the Barakar Formation exposed in the Gevra and Dipika collieries. The recovered plant assemblage indicates an Early Permian age, Lower Artinskian (Early Barakar) in the case of the Gevra and Dipika collieries and Upper Artinskian (Late Barakar) for the Manikpur, Kusmunda and Laxman collieries.
Petro-chemistry and diagenesis of sandstones of Patherwa Formation, Son Valley, India
Authors: Khan M. Shamim , Ahmad A.H.M. , Agarwal R.
Published: September 2022

The sandstone of Patherwa Formation, (Semri Group) is constituted by quartz, feldspar, micas, rock fragments and heavy minerals. Abrupt changes in the grain size are recorded and sandstone is grouped as fine–grained (FGS), medium–grained (MGS), coarse–grained (CGS) and very coarse–grained (VCGS). The field and petrographic divisions are equally reflected in their chemistry. CGS shows highest SiO2 content (mean 86.59 wt%) followed by MGS (mean 80.78 wt%), VCGS (mean 76.51 wt%) and FGS (mean 75.21 wt%). SREE content is highest in FGS (180.51 ppm) and lowest in CGS (129.64 ppm). VCGS possesses anomalously high SREE values (2070.62 ppm). Range of weathering indices including CIA, CIW, PIA and ICV indicates moderate to strong chemical weathering in the provenance. Large range of variation in weathering indices suggests that physical weathering facilitated chemical weathering, under subtropical humid climate. Mechanical compaction led the rearrangement of grains forming point and long contacts while diagenesis dissolved mobile grains which made sandstone highly quartzose. The progressive compaction getting initiated at the sediment–water interface continued till deep burial in a rapidly subsiding basin. Geochemical provenance modelling suggests production of detritus from a predominately granite–gneissic terrain bearing some mafic rocks. Palaeocurrent data indicates sediment supply from two source terrains, i.e. BGC and Bijawar. Synthesis of petrochemical attributes and diagenesis history, assigns a tectonically active setting where generation of positive relief and its desecration was taking place in quick tandem. The most likely such setting is tectonic uplift due to continental collision.
Floral diversity and implications in palaeoenvironment of Vemavaram Formation (Krishna Depression), Krishna-Godavari Basin, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Chinnappa Ch. , Rajanikanth A. , Rao Y.V.
Published: September 2022

The present study deals with the plant megafossil assemblage and associated environment of the Vemavaram Formation (Krishna Depression), Krishna–Godavari Basin, Andhra Pradesh, India. The plant fossils are collected from Vemavaram (currently known as Ommevaram), Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh. Sixteen taxa are recognised including four new species, namely Dictyozamites ommevaramensis, Ptilophyllum heterophylla, Pagiophyllum ommevaramensis and Elatocladus loyolii alongwith twelve known species. The Early Cretaceous flora from the Vemavaram Formation is compiled and compared with the floras of Budavada Formation (Krishna Depression), Golapalli and Raghavapuram formations (Godavari Depression). The floral components of the two depressions are broadly similar and together can be referred as Krishna–Godavari basinal flora. The associated environments are reconstructed by taking into account evidences from micro–flora–pollen and spores, phytoplankton and also foraminifera.
Reappraisal of the genus Dicroidium Gothan from the Triassic sediments of India
Authors: Pal Pankaj K. , Ghosh Amit K. , Kar Ratan , Singh R.S. , Sarkar Manobika , Chatterjee Reshmi
Published: September 2022

The genus Dicroidium Gothan, belonging to Corystospermaceae, is characterised by pinnately compound leaves with proximally forked primary rachis. The genus was earlier included under the genus Thinnfeldia Ettingshausen. Dicroidium is the most consistent macrofloral element in the Triassic strata of Southern Hemisphere. The present reassessment deals with the morphotaxonomy and stratigraphic significance of the species of Dicroidium in India. A critical review of the literature reveals that the specimens of Dicroidium described so far from India require reassessment, because same morphotypes have often been placed under different species names and sometimes dissimilar elements have been assigned to the same species. In view of this, a thorough analysis of Indian Dicroidium was undertaken based on fresh collections along with the species described earlier by previous workers.

The present reappraisal reveals that the genus in the Triassic of Peninsular India is represented by eight species. These are D. hughesii (Feistmantel) Lele, D. zuberi (Szajnocha) Archangelsky, Dicroidium sp. cf. D. crassinervis (Geintz) Anderson & Anderson, D. townrovii Retallack, D. nidpurensis Bose & Srivastava, D. gopadensis Bose & Srivastava, D. giarensis Pal and Dicroidium sp. In Indian peninsula, appearance of Dicroidium heralds the onset of Triassic sediments belonging to the early Triassic Panchet Formation (Induan). In the younger sequence of Triassic, i.e. during late Triassic Tiki and Parsora formations (Carnian to Norian–Rhaetian), the diversity and species richness of the genus gradually enhanced and Dicroidium foliages became the most predominant component of Triassic macroflora of India. The genus does not occur in strata younger than the Triassic and thereby the total extinction of Dicroidium signifies the end of the Triassic Period.
Tectono-sedimentary and climatic setup for Dhosa Sandstone Member (Chari Formation) of Ler dome, Kachchh, western India
Authors: Ghaznavi Asma A. , Alam M. Masroor , Ahmad A.H.M.
Published: September 2022

The Ler Dome situated in the south of Bhuj District, Kachchh, holds a well exposed Dhosa Sandstone Member which is a unit of Chari Formation. Petrographical studies of the sandstones exposed in the river section near Ler Village were carried out to analyse the petrofacies, tectono-provenance and palaeoclimate. The Dhosa Sandstones are composed dominantly of monocrystalline and variable amount of polycrystalline quartz, potassium and plagioclase feldspars with meta-sedimentary rock fragments. The identified petrofacies suggest a hybrid continental block-cum-recycled provenance comprising granite-gneiss with metamorphic supra crustals, exposed in the craton interior. The source rocks were exposed in the early stage of thermal doming prior to incipient rifting and drifting associated with Gondwanaland breakup. Sediments underwent short transportation under moderate relief condition and humid-semi humid to temperate climate, complying with the climatic setup of this region during the Jurassic times.
Pollen based vegetation and climate change records deduced from the lacustrine sediments of Kikar Tal (Lake), Central Ganga Plain, India
Authors: Saxena Anju , Trivedi Anjali
Published: September 2022

A 2.0 m thick sediment profile from Kikar Tal, Raebareli District is studied for the pollen assemblage to infer the vegetation and climate variability scenario during the Holocene period. Four distinct palynozones were demarcated based on the palynological succession in the core sediment. However, the radiocarbon dates for the profile could not be procured; therefore, the lake profile is corroborated with the chronology of adjacent lake ‘Chaudhary–Ka–Tal’, Raebareli District. It is envisaged that during 8,000–7,200 cal yrs BP, (Pollen Zone KT–I), forest groves with Holoptelea, Acacia, Madhuca indica, Syzygium and Prosopis as major tree taxa were present in the adjoining area of the lake. The forest groves were interspersed with wider stretches of open vegetation comprising grasses, Tubuliflorae, Liguliflorae, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, etc. and shrubs of Adhatoda vasica and Acanthaceae. This vegetation scenario reflects that the region was under a warm and humid climate during that time. The existence of lake is also envisaged by the presence of aquatic elements, Lemna and Typha. Subsequently, during 7,200–4,200 cal yrs BP (Pollen Zone KT–II), the forest groves became more diversified and dense in composition as evidenced by the expansion of most of the existing trees as well as presence of Emblica officinalis, Aegle, Adina cordifolia, Symplocos and Sapotaceae and thickets of Adhatoda vasica and Mimosa pudica. This significant change in the vegetation mosaic as a whole implies the initiation of a warm and more–humid climatic condition, owing to climate amelioration. The encounter of Cerealia and concomitant cropland weeds, viz. Cheno/Am. Cannabis sativa, Brassica, etc. suggests that the vicinity of the lake was under agrarian practice and other anthropogenic activities. The ground flora was still dominated by grasses; however, it also turned more profuse than before. The increasing trend of Cerealia coupled with concomitant cropland weeds signifies the augmentation in Cereal–based agrarian practice owing to favourable climatic condition. The lake expanded as manifested by the increase in aquatic elements, such as Typha, Potamogeton and Lemna during this period. During the time bracket of 4,200–1,800 cal yrs BP (Pollen Zone KT–III), the arboreals reveal a decrease in their frequency and diversity of major tree taxa with incursion of Moringa and Bombax ceiba suggesting warm and moderately humid climate with reduced monsoon. The last zone (Pollen Zone KT–IV), from 1,800 cal yrs BP–Present, elucidates open grassland vegetation corresponding to reduced monsoon precipitation, with the shrinkage of lake area. The presence of Cerealia and other culture pollen taxa suggests the prevalence of intense agrarian practice in the vicinity of the lake.
Some new fossil woods from the Cuddalore Sandstone of south India
Authors: Awasthi N. , Mehrotra R.C. , Shukla Anumeha
Published: September 2022

Five petrified woods showing affinities with Hopea of the family Dipterocarpaceae, Berrya of Malvaceae, Eucalyptus of Myrtaceae and Diospyros of Ebenaceae are systematically described from the Cuddalore Sandstone Formation exposed near Puducherry, Tamil Nadu. Among them, four are new species, namely Hopenium tertiarum sp. nov., Berryoxylon cuddalorensis gen. et sp. nov., Eucalyptoxylon cuddalorensis sp. nov. and Ebenoxylon cuddalorensis sp. nov. Their modern counterparts indicate the existence of wet evergreen forests in the region during the depositional period. However, most of the modern comparable forms of the fossils are absent from the region today and found in the Western Ghats and northeast India having equable climate thereby indicating a change in the climatic conditions in the eastern coast of south India since the late Cenozoic.
Study on modern vegetation distribution in Sevan Tal area, Raebareli District, Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Trivedi Anjali , Saxena Anju , Chauhan Mohan Singh
Published: September 2022

Pollen analysis of ten surface sediment samples from Sevan Tal, Raebareli District (U.P.) reveals a good assemblage of arboreals (trees & shrubs) comprising Holoptelea integrifolia, Acacia nilotica, Syzygium cumini, Madhuca indica and Shorea robusta, etc. However, plant diversity in forest groves has been observed in eastern and southern fringes but are less diversified in northern and western flanks due to arable and heathland, respectively in the area. Together with av. 4% shrubs, the trees constitute av. 23.3% arboreal pollen. Even then, in general, the reduced frequencies of the trees could be ascribed to their low pollen productivity since they portray a strong tendency of entomophily. Among the non–arboreals, Poaceae with av. 35% pollen subdues the other herbaceous elements. The substantially increased frequencies of cultural taxa, viz. Cerealia, Chenopodiaceae/ Amaranthaceae (Cheno/Am), Artemisia, Cannabis sativa and Brassicaceae, more particularly on the northern and western flanks, truly reflect the intensive agriculture practice in the region. The consistent presence of marshy taxa such as Cyperaceae coupled with Polygonum plebeium, P. serrulatum and Liliaceae suggests the intermittent wetlands in the proximity of the lake. In all, the representation of the non–arboreals corresponds closely with their factual occurrence in the ground flora, constituting the largest chunk of av. 75% pollen. The frequent record of Potamogeton together with Lemna, Typha, etc. denotes the existence of the lakes around the sampling provenance. This comparative database on pollen vis–à–vis vegetation relationship serves as modern analogue for the appropriate assessment of the pollen sequence from the sediment deposit in terms of past vegetation and climate change in the Central Ganga Plain. Moreover, the representation of the arboreals, particularly trees, in the spectra symbolizes the prevailing climatic condition in the study area.