Stratigraphy and palynology of the Permian at Waterloo Bay, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia.

This item is only available electronically.The Permian microflora from Waterloo Bay is systematically described and quantified. One microfloral assemblage-zone is present and is dominated by monosaccate and monocolpate pollen. The low frequency of taeniate disaccate pollen indicates that the microflora is of pre-late 'Sakmarlan' age. The assemblage is equated with Evans’ (1959) Stage 2 microflora. Resulting from this the sediments from Waterloo Bay are correlated with the Nangetty Formation of the Perth Basin, also of 'Sakmarian' age. A reworked Devonian microflora is recorded and its excellent preservation suggests a local origin. It is postulated that the microflora was recycled in a sub aqueous environment during or at the end of deglaciation. This and the presence of arenaceous foraminifera, spinose acritarchs, and Botryococcus suggest a low salinity environment of deposition. Palynological correlation of this suite of sediments with other South Australian Permian deposits shows a general marine influence during ‘Sakmarian’ time. Subsidence and rifting (McGowran, 1972) is postulated to explain this ingression which is recorded in all continents of Gondwanaland, with the exception of Antarctica.Thesis (B.Sc.(Hons)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Physical Sciences, 197