Palynostratigraphy of the Exposed Section of Patti Formation Ahoko Quarry, Southeastern Bida Basin, Nigeria

Abstract

Palynological investigation was carried out on thirteen samples obtained from the exposed section of Patti Formation of a quarry face at Ahoko area, southeastern, Bida basin, Nigeria. The samples were processed and analysed for their palynomorphs content.The samples were moderately rich in pollen, spores and dinoflagellates. Based on regular and abundant occurences of some Maastrichtian restricted species like Auriculiidites reticulatus, Longapertites marginatus,Foveotriletes marginatus,and Ephedripites ambonoide and Echitriporites trianguliformis, Maastricthian age was assigned to the section. Paleoenvironmental interpretation based on the recovered palynomorphs in the light of their ecological preferences revealed two depositional environments: the lower shallow marine section and upper freshwater section based on the occurence of Lygodium sp ,Operculodium sp, Dinocyst indeterminate and Proteacidites longispinosus and Foveotriletes margaritae respectively. The shallow marine environment goes to affirm the connection of the basin with the marine transgression of Tethy sea during the Maaastrichtian time.