1994-95 - Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany

BSIP
A large number of chert blocks were cut into slices and slides prepared for analysing
the megafloral composition of Sonajori locality. The assemblage so far investigated includes
Lycoxyloll, Arauameyloll, Araucarites-cone, COllijerocauloll, Pagiophyllum,
Brachyphyllum, Mehtaia, Nipalliophyllum, Paradoxospernwm, Pakurispermum,
Sonajorispermum, Conites spp. and an indeterminate fruil.
Morphotaxonomic investigation of assemblage at Murlipahar in Rajmahal is being
done. The assemblage is dominated by cycadophytes and Filicalcs. Wilhin cycadophytes,
Ptilophyllum and Otozamites are encountered in the assemblage. Pteridophytes are represented
by Cladophlebis and Coniopteris. This assemblage is correlated with the Neocomian
fossil assemblage of Chunakhal locality, Rajmahal Basin.
.Jayasri Banerji
Morphotaxonomic study of plant megafossils from Onthea has been carried oul.
The identified forms are : Equisetites rajmahalense, Gleichellites sp., Todites indicus,
Ptilophyllum cUlchense, P aCUlijolium, Pterophyllum sp., Taeniopteris spatulata, Elatocladus
tenerrimus and Conites sp. The Onthea flora on the whole is dominated by cycadophytes
followed by pteridophytes. Conifers are rare in occurrence. The preliminary study of
Onthea flora with the known fossil flora of other localities of Rajmahal Hills shows its close
resemblance with the Chunakhal flora and suggests Early Cretaceous age.
Neeru Prakash
Programme 2.8
Objective
Palynological diversity and palaeoclimate through
Gondwana sequence in Rajmahal Basin
To study selected horizons, mainly from bore-cores to fill the
existing lacunae in the data for building a complete sequence
alld sedi­
To tag results with other data, such as megafloral
melllological information and geological set-up
To determine age and palaeoclimatic
spore and pollen patterns
condition as depicted by
The palynological studies of inteltrappe an sediments (45.00 to 163.00 111) in borehole
R.JNE-35 from the northern part of Rajmahal Basin have revealed the dominance of
Araucariasaccitesl Podocarpidites. The pteridophytic components are quantitatively poor
but qualitatively diversified represented by Cyathidites, Matonisporites, lschyosporites,
Cicatricosisporites and Contignisporites. The hilate spores - Aequitriradites and
Cooksonites are also recorded. So far no angiosperm pollen is found in this materia!. The
composition reveals Early Cretaceous age and is correlated with the palynoflora recorded
from intertrappean beds encountered in bore-hole R.JNE-32.
Archana Tripathi
Programme 2.9
88
Organic petrographic evaluation of Permian coal seams