Abstract Detail

Paleobotany

Baghai-Riding, Nine Lucille [1], Axsmith, Brian [2], Davis, Kendal [3].

Paleoclimate and Taphonomic Implications of a Palynological Sample from the Bucatunna Formation.

The Bucatunna Formation (early Oligocene, 30.5-30.3 Ma) outcrops from Vicksburg, Mississippi into Alabama and occurs in the subsurface of western Florida. This formation is regarded as a coastal/nearshore, low energy, marine depositional environment comprising of sparsely to nonfossiliferous, dark, lagoonal, bentonitic, carbonaceous clays. Recently, assorted megafossils of Lauraceae and Quercoid leaves, and other undescribed morphotypes of leaves, fruits and flowers have been reported from several clay lenses in the upper part of this formation. One random palynological sample was acquired from one of the rich megafossil leaf sites in Monroe County, Alabama. Well-preserved palynomorphs obtained from this sample are suggestive of an oak-hickory, riparian, coastal vegetation forest. Some palynomorphs were acquired from long-distance airborne transport, others had characteristics of plants growing along local river banks, and several palynomorphs were indicative of a marine influence. In a 300 point count, angiosperms represented 79.5%, conifers 5.3%, pteridophyte spores 13.6%, and dinoflagellates cysts, acritrachs and freshwater algal forms 1.7%. Dominant pollen types include Alnus, Carya, Ilex, Juglans, Nyssa, Pinus, Quercus, and Tilia. Common sporomorphs are assignable to Cyatheaceae, Lycopodiaceae, Polypodiaceae, Schizeaeceae and Dictyophyllum. Some of the more common dinoflagellate cysts include Homotryblium plectilum, Cleistosphaeridium placacanthum, and Spiniferites. Overall the palynological assemblage is considerably different from the regional vegetation implied by the megaflora. The palynomorphs may be indicative of more time-averaging and help signify what the local vegetation comprised of during the early Oligocene.

1 - Delta State University, Biological Sciences, Caylor Hall, room 234B, Cleveland, MS, 38733, USA
2 - University Of South Alabama, Biology Department, 5871 USA Drive North, Room 124, MOBILE, AL, 36688-0002, USA
3 - Delta State University, Biological Sciences, Cleveland, MS, 38733, USA

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Paleobotanical Section Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PPB004
Abstract ID:872
Candidate for Awards:None