08.06.2013 Views

OFR 151.pdf - CRC LEME

OFR 151.pdf - CRC LEME

OFR 151.pdf - CRC LEME

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

Inferred climate<br />

Dettmann et al. (1992) propose these microfloras are evidence for seasonal but relatively<br />

warm (possibly lower mesotherm) and dry climates. This reconstruction, which is based on<br />

the prominence of Gleicheniaceae along modern subtropical and tropical rivers (M.E.<br />

Dettmann pers. comm.), is consistent with global warming at high latitudes. Dry conditions<br />

however are difficult to reconcile with microfossil data from the Duntroon Basin located<br />

further to the east within the same narrow seaway (see below).<br />

3.2.5 Central southern Australia<br />

1. Duntroon Basin<br />

Limited pollen evidence (Morgan and Hooker 1993a, 1993d) indicate that ferns (Cyathidites,<br />

Cicatricosisporites, Ruffordiaspora) dominated the coastal, riparian vegetation at about<br />

palaeolatitude 70 0 S whilst pteridosperms (Alisporites) and podocarps (Microcachrys) may<br />

have formed forests and woodlands in adjacent uplands.<br />

Araucariaceae (Agathis/Wollemia) appears to become common to abundant in Austral Conifer<br />

Forest close to the top of the A. distocarinatus Zone in some offshore wells (possibly due to<br />

the Neves Effect). Cheirolepidacean conifers are uncommon relative to north-west Western<br />

Australia. A contributing factor may be low light levels during winter months.<br />

Inferred climate<br />

The data strongly imply climates were humid and seasonally cool (upper microtherm-lower<br />

mesotherm) rather than cold. The expansion of araucarians towards the end of the<br />

Cenomanian is not inconsistent with more temperate conditions (higher mean minimum<br />

temperatures) in marine flooded regions in the rift valley between Australia and Antarctica<br />

(Australo-Antarctic Seaway).<br />

3.2.6 South-East Australia<br />

1. Otway Basin<br />

Pollen evidence from marine sediments in the western Otway Basin (palaeolatitude ~75 0 S),<br />

indicate that Austral Conifer Forest communities were more diverse than those found in the<br />

Duntroon Basin (Macphail and Hos 1990). For example, the podocarp component included<br />

frequent to common Podocarpidites and Podosporites as well as Microcachrys although<br />

araucarians never become frequent.<br />

Conversely, fern spores (Anemia, Cyatheaceae, Gleicheniaceae) are only sporadically<br />

frequent, although this may reflect limited opportunities for the development of fern-heath<br />

along the coast rather than climate per se. Spores of the important fern genus Lophosoria<br />

(Cyatheacidites tectifera) first appear in low numbers towards the top of the A. distocarinatus<br />

Zone.<br />

Inferred climate<br />

Climates were as humid, but probably seasonally cooler, (upper microtherm-possible lower<br />

mesotherm) than regions further to the west along the Australo-Antarctic Seaway.<br />

184

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!