Reflection on relationship of Tethyan palynoflora

Abstract

The Early Carboniferous palynoassemblage from Spiti in Tethyan Himalaya has a restricted comparability with that of Cathaysia, more pronounced relationship with that of Australia and Middle-East while apparent form similarity with the western Tethyan region. During the Permian, few elements are definitely common between Himalaya Tethys zone and the Angara-Cathaysia assemblages but there are strong indications of an influence of Indian palynoflora on Himalayan Tethys belt. Towards western Tethys wedge, the resemblance decreases gradually and new palynotaxa are observed indicating the European affinity. A similar type of relationship among palynofloras of Tethys realm exists during Triassic. The Jurassic palynoassemblage of Tethyan Himalaya region also exhibits greater affinity with those of the Indian Peninsula, although more uniform pattern appears in the assemblages of the globe during the Jurassic. It has been concluded that distinct provinciality existed during Carboniferous, Permian and Triassic times. The Himalayan Tethys belt has some relationship with Cathaysia, Middle East and Western Tethyan region; it has a few elements of its own but main thrust of influence is from the Indian Peninsula. The palynological relationship of a greater Indian Plate is thus indicated up to northern Tibet and narrower Tethys sea could have been the cause of such a qualified reflection.