Dinoflagellate and spore pollen biostratigraphy of the S.A.D.M.E. MC63 bore, western Murray Basin

Abstract

Spores, pollen and dinoflagellates have been recovered from all strata from the Mid-Late Eocene to the Early Pliocene in borehole MC63. The sequence includes the Early-Mid Miocene marine transgression.

The Mid-Late Eocene and Oligocene part of the sequence is similar to that of the eastern part of the Basin; there are a few dinoflagellates throughout. The Early-Mid Miocene marine transgression has relatively few spores and pollen but the dinoflagellate flora is diverse. About 30 species of dinoflagellates have been described. The Late Miocene-Early Pliocene part of the sequence is generally similar to that in the Lachlan River Valley. The Late Miocene-Early Pliocene Nothofagus phase, which forms an excellent marker horizon in the river valleys of the western slopes of the Eastern Highlands has been identified here, albeit in a modified form in accordance with the drier climate of this locality.

Key words:

• Dinoflagellates
• Spore/pollen
• Murray Basin
• Marine transgression
• Middle Tertiary
• South Australia