Palynological investigation of Arthungal bore-hole, Alleppey District, Kerala

Abstract

Palynological assemblage from the Arthungal bore-hole (Alleppey District, Kerala) consists of 49 genera and 65 species of pteridophytic spores and angiospermous pollen. Dinoflagellate Cysts and fungal remains have also been reported. Liliacidites keralaensis and Jacobipollenites arthungalensis have been established as new species. The palynological succession has been divided into three cenozones, viz., Triangulorites bellus Cenozone, Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni Cenozone and Malvacearumpollis bakonyensis Cenozone. Palynological data depict a warm and humid tropical climate with plenty of rainfall during the time of deposition. Palynofossils belonging to lowland, freshwater swamp and water edge, back mangrove and coastal floras have been identified. Palynological succession ranges from Eocene-Early Miocene in age.