Latest carboniferous (Stephanian) and early Permian (Autunian) palynological assemblages from the intrasudetic basin, Southwestern Poland

Abstract

Shale layers from molasse deposits in the Intrasudetic Basin (northeastern periphery of the Bohemian massif) in southwestern Poland contain latest Carboniferous (Stephanian) to Early Permian (Autunian) palynological assemblages. Gradual climatic changes between the Stephanian and Autunian caused qualitative and quantitative changes in the assemblages. The late Stephanian assemblage (from the Plate sandstone) is relatively rich in spores indicative of a lowland flora. Progressively more arid conditions are indicated by the early (lower and upper Anthracosia shale) to late (Walchia shale) Autunian assemblages. In spite of some previous views, an Autunian rather than Stephanian age for the lower Anthracosia shale is indicated by the palynological evidence. The assemblages are similar in general to those from other western European coal basins.