Palynodating and correlation of subsurface sediments from bore-hole CMWY-95 of Wardha Valley Coalfield, Maharashtra, Central India

Abstract

Palynological studies have been carried out in the subsurface sediments of borehole CMWY-95 drilled near Pisagaon in Chandrapur District of Maharashtra. The studies have been aimed to palynologically date and correlate the sediments. On the basis of the statistical analysis of the spores and pollen from the productive samples, two palynoassemblages have been demarcated: Assemblage I recognised at a depth of 149.00 m is characterised by the dominance of the monosaccate genus Parasaccites and subdominance of Plicatipollenites which is typical of the Early Permian Upper Talchir palynoflora and Assemblage II identified between the depths 147.00-133.00 m is characterised by the dominance of Parasaccites and subdominance of Callumispora which corresponds to the Early Permian Lower Karharbari palynoflora. Therefore, palynologically these sediments have been dated to be of Early Permian age. Further, within India, an inter and intra basinal correlation has been attempted while with the continents of the Gondwanaland- Africa, Australia, Antarctica and South America, it is observed that the correlation with Antarctica is closest when compared to other continents suggesting a closer genetic relationship with Antarctica. A close similarity with the Early Permian palynosequences of Africa than that of Australia has also been noticed due to regional differences amongst eastern and western Australia, while in South America correlation was feasible only in broader pattern of group occurrences as the differences were pronounced at finer levels.