1996-97 - Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany

1996-97
pollen. The fungal remains are represented by Illapertisporites, Lirasporis,
Parmathyrites and Phragmothyrites. Rich representation of pollen belonging to
Alangiaceae, Bombacaceae and Arecaceae suggests existence of thick evergreen forests
in the vicinity of the area of deposition. Occurrence of mangrove element, viz.,
Paleosalltalaceaepites and dinocysts suggests near shore environment of deposition.
Abundance of pteridophytic spores and fungal remains indicates a warm-humid (tropicalsubtropical)
climate with heavy rainfall.
Palynological study of the Tura Formation exposed in Nongwal Bibra area in
East Garo Hills District was finalized and submitted for publication.
R.K. Saxena & M.R. Rao
Samples from the Oligocene-Lower Miocene sediments exposed along Tura­
Dalu Road Section in West Garo Hills District were investigated. Study of palynoflora
recovered from the Kherapara Formation (Oligocene) of this section has been completed.
The assemblage is dominated by pteridophytic spores followed by angiospermous and
gymnospermous pollen. Dinoflagellate cysts and fungal remains are also present. The
assemblage also cqntains reworked Permian and Cretaceous palynofossils, e.g.,
Parasaccites, Rouseisporites, Callialasporites, Plicatipollellites and
Striatopodocarpites. Present day distribution of the families represented in the
assemblage, dominance of pteridophytic spores and presence of fungal remains
(Phragmothyrites, Trichothyrites, Parmathyrites, Multicellaesporites, etc.) indicate
tropical-subtropical (warm and humid) climate. Representation of dinoflagellate cysts
(Achomosphaera and Spinijerites) mangrove and back-mangrove elements
(Paleosantalaceaepites and Malvacearumpollis) and coastal plants (Spinizonocolpites)
suggests a near-shore environment of deposition.
Palynofloral study of the Boldamgiri Formation exposed along Adugiri­
Purakhasia Road near Boldamgiri in West Garo Hills District was finalized for
publication.
PROJECT 7
Programme' 7.1
RECONSTRUCTION OF QUATERNARY VEGETATIONAL
PATTERNS
History of vegetation and climate in tropical montane
forests in south India
H.P. Gupta, S.K. Bera & Anjum Farooqui
Pollen analysed 5 modern surface samples collected from Konalur and Kuntan
Shola, Palni Hills. The vegetational composition has enabled to understand the interplay
of pollen/spores and also to interpret the face value of the pollen diagram to be
constructed from the area. Pollen analysed two sediment profiles, one each from Konalur
swamp (2.0 m) and Kuntan Shola (1.5 m) dating back to 4000 yrs BP and 1000 yrs BP,
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