Palynozonation and Correlation of the Permo-Triassic Succession in the Negev, Israel

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Abstract
A Permo-Triassic succession about 1400 m thick was palynologically studied from the Makhtesh Qatan 2 well, northern Negev, southern Israel. Nine palynozones (all assemblage zones) were defined in an interval that begins in the Lower Permian and terminates in the Upper Triassic (Carnian). The uppermost Triassic section is truncated and the Liassic Mishhor Formation unconformably overlies the Mohilla Formation of Carnian age. Ninety-two species of sixty-two genera were defined. The Permian and Lower Triassic assemblages are similar to those reported from equivalent sections in Gondwanian localities while the Upper Triassic assemblages show greater similarity to those reported from Laurasia. Results of this study serve to extend the informal palynozonation proposed by Cousminer for the Triassic subsurface rocks of central and northern Israel to the section sampled in the Makhtesh Qatan 2 well, southern Israel.