Abstract Detail

Paleobotanical Section

Iqbal, Farhat [1], Axsmith, Brian [2].

Palynology of the Late Miocene sediments (Mauvilla site), South Alabama.

This paper presents the first detailed palynological analysis of rock samples obtained from the Late Miocene (Mauvilla site) of South Alabama. The Palynoflora is well preserved and diverse. A large number of Angiosperm Dicot and Monocot pollen types along with Gymnosperms, Ferns, Bryophytes and Fungal Spores and Fungal fruiting bodies have been identified. The Angiosperm Dicots were the dominant plants represented by the families Betulaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fagaceae, Juglandaceae, Apiaceae, Magnoliaceae, Hippocastanaceae, Asteraceae, Nyssaceae, etc. The Monocots were minor in number. The Bryophytes and Pteridophytes were subordinate in the flora of the region represented by Polypodiaceae and Andiantaceae-type families during the depositional phase of the Late MioceneSediments (Mauvilla Site), South Alabama. The Gymnosperms were mainly dominated by the Taxodiaceae along with minor Pinaceae and Podocarpaceae. Diverse Fungal spores and fruiting bodies were also recovered along with cutical and wood fragments. Resolution of palynological data in terms of Palaeoclimate and Environment of Deposition revealed that the climate during the depositional phase of Late Miocene Sediments, South Alabama was temperate to subtropical. The environment of deposition is suggested to be transitional Marine to Fluvial.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Department of Biological Sciences, Ferozepur Road, , Lahore, 54600, Pakistan
2 - University Of South Alabama, Biology Department, 5871 USA Drive North, Room 124, MOBILE, AL, 36688-0002, USA

Keywords:
Miocene
pollen
paleoclimate
Neogene.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 49
Location: Union A/Hyatt
Date: Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
Time: 11:45 AM
Number: 49007
Abstract ID:249