Palynostratigraphy of late Paleozoic glacial deposits of the Arabian peninsula with special reference to Oman

Abstract

This paper provides palynostratigraphic information concerning the Late Paleozoic Gondwana glaciation in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula, based on examination of several sections of glacial deposits in the Al Khlata area of Oman. Two distinctive Assemblage Groups were recognized: Group A which is characterized by common trilete zonate spores and rare bisaccate pollen; and Group B which contains common striate and non‐striate bisaccate pollen along with common trilete zonate spores. Both groups contain common aquatic forms such as Botryococcus spp. Similar microfloras are known from Saudi Arabia and the Yemen Arab Republic.

The palynological assemblages from the Arabian Peninsula have been interpreted within the wider context of regional Gondwana floras. Assemblage Group A of Oman, and related assemblages from Saudi Arabia and the Yemen Arab Republic, can be referred to the (Western) Australian Unit II and are interpreted as middle to late Stephanian in age. Assemblage Group B of Oman can be compared with Australian Unit III and is interpreted as Sakmarian in age. Two isolated assemblages which occur immediately below palaeontologically dated Sakmarian/Artinskian limestone units in Oman and undated limestones in Saudi Arabia can also be referred to Australian Unit III, and are interpreted as Sakmarian in age.

In addition, paleogeographic and paleophytogeographic implications of the assemblages are briefly discussed. The microfloral data from the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula supports the notion that this area is part of the Gondwana floral province.

Notes

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