Palynological investigation of the Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene) exposed at Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

A diversified palynofloral assemblage has been recovered from the Sindhudurg Formation exposed at Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra. The palynoflora consists of fungal remains (18 genera and 26 species), pteridophyte spores (5 genera and 5 species) and angiosperm pollen (12 genera and 13 species). Two new species of fossil angiosperm pollen are proposed: Lakiapollis ratnagiriensis and Tricolporopollis sindhudurgensis. A quantitative analysis of the spores and pollen recovered shows a dominance of fungal remains is a conspicuous feature of the assemblage. The palynomorphs in the assemblage has been compared with pollen and spores of modern taxa. The distribution of the families represented by the fossil assemblage suggests a tropical-subtropical (warm and humid) climate with high rainfall. The depositional environment is interpreted as near shore, coastal with brackish swampy lagoon.