Spore-Pollen Correlation of the Cretaceous Rocks of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres1

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This paper summarizes palynological data from Upper Jurassic and Cretaceous sediments of Northwest Europe, Russia, North and Central America, North and West Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Many distinctive forms of spores and pollen grains embodying various steps in development of structure and sculpture appear during Upper Jurassic and Cretaceous times. A compilation of results from published works together with unpublished results from Royal Dutch/Shell Group palynologists suggests the following generalized sequence of spore and pollen floras and their approximate correlation with the standard biostratigraphic units: Valanginian-Lower Hauterivian—Characterized by abundant specimens of Cicatricosisporites and related forms together with a number of species of gymnosperm and pteridosperm pollen known from the Jurassic. Upper Hauterivian-Barremian—Generally characterized by co-occurrence of Jurassic and older Cretaceous forms together with Ephcdra-like pollen and monosulcate pollen grains with clearly differentiated exine (Clavatipolleniles). Aptian-AIbian—First appearance of tricolpate dicotyledonous pollen grains and last ap pearance in many areas of a number of typical Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous forms. Upper Cretaceous—Floras with increasing numbers of species of dicotyledonous pollen grains. In most areas considered, a broad 4-fold palynological subdivision is apparent, which is correlated generally with the Cenomanian, Turonian, Lower Senonian and Upper Senonian. The palaeontological and stratigraphic evidence used in the correlation of local palynological subdivisions with the standard biostratigraphic units, is summarized in the form of range charts and some of the more distinctive species of spores and pollen are illustrated by photomicrographs.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: