Palynology of the subsurface sediments of Manhera tibba structure, Jaisalmer, Western Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Palynological studies on the sub-surface sediments namely the Shumar, Kirthar, Laki, Ranikot, Parh and Goru sediments from the Manhera Tibba Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, have been carried out. The sporomorphs recorded in the sediments have been listed according to the successive rock units and the age and environment of the sediments have been discussed. The results are based on the data obtained from the study of 370 samples.

The study indicates that the Tertiary and the Mesozoic sediments were deposited mainly in shelf zone environments and there has been repeated transgression and regression of the sea. The data further tend to suggest a warm, humid climate and a luxuriant flora during the deposition of Goru sediment (Albian-Cenomanian), changed to a semi-humid to semi-arid climate during the deposition of Parh (Upper Cretaceous) is subsequently changed over to an arid climate with considerably poor vegetation during the deposition of Tertiary (Ranikot, Laki, Kirthar) sediments (Paleocene- Middle Eocene) had changed over to desert conditions during the deposition of Shumar formation.