Abstract Detail

Paleobotanical Section

Locklear, Jared [1], Mickle, James [2].

Fossil Taxodium seeds of Pleistocene age from Southeastern North Carolina, USA.

A recently discovered locality in an open aggregate mine pit owned by the Martin Marietta Corporation near Wilmington, North Carolina, USA (34" 22.368' N, 77o50.356' W), has produced abundant macrofossil remains that show a wide range of diversity. The exact environmental setting is uncertain,but appears to be channel-fill or lacustrine deposit, based on the matrix. Fossils are preserved in loose clay and were recovered from the spoil heap. Palynological analysis and comparisons to other southeastern sites suggests a Pleistocene age and also shows a wide range in diversity. Pollen types found include, but are not limited to, Pinus,Taxodiaceous types, Picea, Alnus, Liquidambar, Betula, Quercus, llex, monolete fern types, Ambrosia spp., and other Asteraceae. Fungal, diatom, and protozoan palynomorphs are also present, which presents evidence of a wetland or riverine setting. The locality lacks lsoetes spores,considered to be an indicator of an interglacial period. Macrofossil specimens were recovered by maceration and include abundant well preserved seeds, fruit, flowers, conifer and angiosperm wood, cones, and insect fossils. Plant fossils include cf. Fagus, Pinus, Quercus,and Vitus. A dominant seed type in the fossil flora is Taxodium, based on key characteristics such as overall size, raised marginal features, and lack of wings. Comparisons with other species in the genus and statistical analysis suggest that this may be a new fossil species of Taxodium. Little is known of Pleistocene macrofossil floras of the southeastern United States and interglacial palynological assessments are absent for North Carolina. The study of this locality will add to our knowledge of this time period in this region.

Broader Impacts:

1 - North Carolina State University, Dept Of Plant Biology, Box 7612, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7612, USA
2 - North Carolina State University, Plant Biology, Campus Box 7612, 2115 Gardner Hall, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7612, USA

Keywords:
Pleistocene
wetland
palynology
North Carolina
Taxodium.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Battelle South/Convention Center
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PPB003
Abstract ID:192