Palynology and Palynofacies of the Maastrichtian Gombe Formation, Northern Benue Trough, Nigeria

Abstract

The palynoforms and palynodebris of the Gombe Formation as revealed from the analysis and study of core samples obtained from boreholes drilled within the Maiganga coal are herein documented. The boreholes were drilled for coal exploration. A total of 73 core samples (70 formation samples and 3 coal samples) from three boreholes were analyzed and studied for their palynoforms content. The samples were prepared following the conventional acid maceration method. The 3 boreholes (BA-7, BA-16 and BA-17) are considerably rich in palynomorphs and palynodebris. The dominant pollen and spores include Proteacidites sigalii, Retidiporites magdalensis, Monoporites annulatus, Cingulastisporites ornatus, Rugulatisporites caperatus, Scabratriporites annellus, Proteacidites longispinisis, Distaverrusporites simplex and Foveotrilete margaritae. Palynodebris found were Amorphous Plant Matter (PMI), Vitrinitic Brown and Black wood (PM II), Cuticle and Membranous Debris (PMIII) and Platy Tricheidal Debris (PM IV). The recovered marker species were used to date the studied sections as Early-Late Maastrichtian. The results of the analysis were used to zone the studied section into two palyzones, namely; Proteacidites sigali-Echitriporites trianguliformis and Cyathidites spp-Laevigatosporites haardtii range zones. The paleoclimatic conditions were interpreted based on the palynoforms to belong to the Late Cretaceous Palmae province.