A Lower Cretaceous palynoflora from Carregueira (Lusitanian Basin, westernmost Iberia): taxonomic, stratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental implications. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mendes, Mário Miguel; Vajda, Vivi; Cunha, Pedro Proença; Dinis, Pedro; Svobodová, Marcela; Doyle, James A.
• Is Part Of: Cretaceous research. Volume 130(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Spores -- Pollen -- Cretaceous -- Albian -- Figueira da Foz Formation -- Portugal; Geology, Stratigraphic -- Cretaceous -- Periodicals; 551.77
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2021.105036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6671

Abstract

Abstract: Here we describe a new Lower Cretaceous palynoflora from the Lusitanian Basin, located in the westernmost sector of the Iberian Peninsula. The spore-pollen assemblage was extracted from samples collected in the Carregueira clay pit complex, located near the village of Juncal, western Portugal, from sedimentary deposits belonging to the Figueira da Foz Formation. A rich and well-preserved palynoflora, typical of non-marine fluvial environments, was recovered. Fifty-eight species and morphological groups of palynomorphs in 43 genera were recognized. The palynoflora is dominated by fern spores and conifer pollen. Angiosperm pollen is scarce and mainly represented by Afropollis, Clavatipollenites, Stellatopollis and Senectotetradites . Comparisons with described marine sections in Portugal suggest that the fossil horizon is lower Albian, corresponding to a hiatus between Zone I and Zone II in the Potomac Group of the eastern USA. The same beds contain a mesofossil flora dominated by angiosperm seeds, fruits and flowers. A similar contrast in the relative abundance of angiosperm mesofossils and pollen is seen at other Portuguese localities but is not evident in the Potomac Group. The palynoflora and the sedimentological data suggest deposition in wet lowland environments in a moderately humid regional setting. Highlights: A new palynoflora of early Albian age is described. Adds new data on vegetation and climate during the Early Cretaceous in the region. The palynoflora includes some Gondwanan elements. Supports the importance of palynological data as paleoenvironmental proxies.