AR 1978-79.pdf - Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany

5.3.6. Studies in the Geomorphology if the Kashmir Valley
and Rajasthan
The botanical analysis of the oxidised layer at the base
of a sand dune near Budha Pushkar Lake revealed the
presence of Chara nucules suggesting its deposition under
fresh water conditions. It has been dated by radiocarbon
to 800 years B. P. (B5-80, 825 ± 115) whereas on typological
evidence it should be much older (Upper Palaeolithic).
The grain ,analysis of a profile from Pokharan Rano
has revealed the bottom sediments of fluvial origin and the
overlying thick clay bed of fluvial and lacustrine origin.
The top fine grained sands coated wi th iron oxide in the
sand dunes suggest an arid aeolian environment for their
deposition.
5.3.7. Plio/Pleistocene boundary in GuJarat
The geomorphological studies of the classical Pleistocene
sections around Kumarpura, Rajpipla and Chandod 10
southern Gujarat were carried out and the samples were
collected for pollen analysis.
In contrast to Zeuner's (1950) observations the cemented
gravel has not been found to be the lowermost bed as it rests
in the laterite or trap derivatives. Further a black kankar
bed has been found between the mottled clay and the brown
fossilized soil. Charcoal samples at depths of 3.5 m and 1 m
in the Rajpipla ,ections have been dated to 380 ± 140 and
160 ± 95 yrs B. P. respectively suggesting that the deposition
has been rapid. From the upper gravel bed, a few handaxes
of Palaeolithic man have been collected.
6. RADIOCARBON DATING LABORATORY
19
The Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory has processed 120