Permian Palynoflora from Lower Gondwana Sediments of Godavari Valley Coalfield,

Journal of Natural Sciences Research

ISSN 2224-3186 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0921 (Online)Vol.2, No.7, 2012

Permian Palynoflora from Lower Gondwana Sediments of

Godavari Valley Coalfield, Andhra Pradesh, South India

L. Mahesh Bilwa

Department of Earth Science, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore

*E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Palynological investigation of Lower Gondwana sediments of Goutham Khani Open Cast Mine (GKOCM) from

Kothagudem sub basin of Godavari Valley Coalfield, Andhra Pradesh of Peninsular India have revealed two

palynoassemblages are related to Early Permian (Barakar Formation). Palynoassemblage

occurrence of Scheuringipollenites along with other common taxa like

Sulcatisporites, Rhizomaspora, Densipollenites

Scheuringipollenites along with sub dominance of

Tiwariasporis, Rhizomaspora, Verticipollenites

Ibisporites and Distriatites. The above demarcated palynoassemblages are applied to correlate with other

horizons of Lower Gondwana deposits of India and a

investigation.

Key words： Permian Age, Lower

1.Introduction

Gondwana sediments of India can be broadly classified under two main geographic areas like Peninsular and

Extra Peninsular regions. Presently based o

be applied to divide in to Lower Gondwana and Upper Gondwana sometimes Middle Gondwana with remains of

Dicardium floral (mixed characters of both Monocot and Dicots) remains.

Godavari Valley coalfield is a store house for non coking coal varity in Southern India. Covers an area of

about 17000 sq. km (350 kms. strike length and width 50 kms) are bounded by North Latitude 16

and East Longitude 790 12’ to 81

0 39’ covers in the

West Godavari of Andhra Pradesh eastern region of India. Its aerial extent covers about 27% of the total area.

Kothagudem coal belt is located in Southern part of Godavari valley coal field. Goutham

(GKOCM) is located in Southeastern part of Kothagudem coal belt of Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh.

The total area covers of about 2.85 sq. km (designated block) only 2.57 sq km only as quarry limit, lying

between North Latitude of 170 27’18’’ and 17

the survey of India topo sheet no. 65

2.Geology of the study area

Present open cast coal mine is a rectangular block with long axis approximately aligned

direction and located at Bolligutta hills from Northern region. While in the southern boundary of the block is

manifested with parallel inclined tunnels are driven for the purpose of coal exploration. Whereas in western

region bounded with 9 and 10 numbers of incline tunnels and while on the eastern region with faults are noticed.

Basinal structures are complex in nature, manifested with 34 faults with 10 to 200 m throw pinching and

swelling behaviour of seams and all coal seams are inclined towa

seam comprises with white and red sandstone beds with an average thickness of 45 m.

part of sandstone bed intercalated with shaly coal and in some area covered with the brownish red sandsto

Below the sand stone upper part is occupied by top coal seam which is non workable because of its high ash

content in it and also with intercalation with the overburden of sandstone beds.

with cyclic sedimentation of sequences of sandstone beds.

From the evidence of field investigation Bolligutta hill area shows the Gondwana

stands up as a basement ridge all along the northern boundary. Topographically the area elevated upto 154.1 m

above mean sea level as per the field data.

Lower Gondwana sequence of Godavari Valley basin was first recorded by Walker (1841) near Kota

village later followed by a detail geological investigation was carried out by Wall (1857), Branford (1871), King

(1872, 1881) Hughes (1877) and Raja Rao (1982). The general Lithostratigraphy of Permian sequence of

Pranhita - Godavari basin was first described by King (1881). The maiden geological work on Pranhita

Godavari valley coal field carried out by King (1881). Later, by Sir Willi

mapping of entire coal field and he suggested based on field data proposed two fold stratigraphic division for

Gondwana sediments in to Lower and Upper Gondwana. Later, modified by various workers but recent

lithostratigraphic classification was proposed and published by Raja Rao (1982) (Table.1). Later Pranhita

Godavari basin has been revised by several workers including Raja Rao, 1982; Ramanamurthi, 1985, G.

0921 (Online)

65

ermian Palynoflora from Lower Gondwana Sediments of


L. Mahesh Bilwa* Nagamadhu. C. J Prameela. M

Department of Earth Science, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore – 570 006, Karnataka, Ind

mail: [email protected], [email protected]


ari Valley Coalfield, Andhra Pradesh of Peninsular India have revealed two

palynoassemblages are related to Early Permian (Barakar Formation). Palynoassemblage

along with other common taxa like Parasaccites, Ibisporites

Densipollenites and Corisaccites and Palynoassemblage

along with sub dominance of Faunipollenites, Striatopodocarpites,

Verticipollenites, Platysaccus, Primuspollenites, Lunatisporites

above demarcated palynoassemblages are applied to correlate with other

horizons of Lower Gondwana deposits of India and also to fix the relative age for the sediments under

Permian Age, Lower Gondwana, Palynoassemblage, Godavari Valley Coalfield, Sothern India.


Extra Peninsular regions. Presently based on Gondwana floral remains like mega and micro fossil evidences can


floral (mixed characters of both Monocot and Dicots) remains.

ey coalfield is a store house for non coking coal varity in Southern India. Covers an area of

about 17000 sq. km (350 kms. strike length and width 50 kms) are bounded by North Latitude 16

39’ covers in the districts of Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and


Kothagudem coal belt is located in Southern part of Godavari valley coal field. Goutham



27’18’’ and 170 28’04’’ and East Longitude of 80

0 37’30’’ and 80

the survey of India topo sheet no. 65C/11 (Fig.1).

Present open cast coal mine is a rectangular block with long axis approximately aligned



10 numbers of incline tunnels and while on the eastern region with faults are noticed.


swelling behaviour of seams and all coal seams are inclined towards centre of the basin. The roof of the coal

seam comprises with white and red sandstone beds with an average thickness of 45 m. In GKOCM, the middle

part of sandstone bed intercalated with shaly coal and in some area covered with the brownish red sandsto


with intercalation with the overburden of sandstone beds. Present field study witnesses

ences of sandstone beds.

From the evidence of field investigation Bolligutta hill area shows the Gondwana


el as per the field data.



1877) and Raja Rao (1982). The general Lithostratigraphy of Permian sequence of

Godavari basin was first described by King (1881). The maiden geological work on Pranhita

Godavari valley coal field carried out by King (1881). Later, by Sir William King, 1872



aphic classification was proposed and published by Raja Rao (1982) (Table.1). Later Pranhita


www.iiste.org

ermian Palynoflora from Lower Gondwana Sediments of


570 006, Karnataka, India

[email protected]


ari Valley Coalfield, Andhra Pradesh of Peninsular India have revealed two

palynoassemblages are related to Early Permian (Barakar Formation). Palynoassemblage – A abundantly

Ibisporites, Primuspollenites,

and Palynoassemblage – B dominated by

, Parasaccites, Striatites,

Lunatisporites, Latosporites,

above demarcated palynoassemblages are applied to correlate with other

lso to fix the relative age for the sediments under

Gondwana, Palynoassemblage, Godavari Valley Coalfield, Sothern India.


n Gondwana floral remains like mega and micro fossil evidences can


ey coalfield is a store house for non coking coal varity in Southern India. Covers an area of

about 17000 sq. km (350 kms. strike length and width 50 kms) are bounded by North Latitude 160 32’ to 19

0 33’

districts of Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and


Kothagudem coal belt is located in Southern part of Godavari valley coal field. Goutham Khani Open Cast Mine



37’30’’ and 800 39’45’’ falls in

Present open cast coal mine is a rectangular block with long axis approximately aligned in NE – SW



10 numbers of incline tunnels and while on the eastern region with faults are noticed.


rds centre of the basin. The roof of the coal

In GKOCM, the middle

part of sandstone bed intercalated with shaly coal and in some area covered with the brownish red sandstone.


Present field study witnesses

From the evidence of field investigation Bolligutta hill area shows the Gondwana – Proterozoic contact




1877) and Raja Rao (1982). The general Lithostratigraphy of Permian sequence of

Godavari basin was first described by King (1881). The maiden geological work on Pranhita-

am King, 1872-88 has completed the



aphic classification was proposed and published by Raja Rao (1982) (Table.1). Later Pranhita-




Lakshminaryana and Murti, 1990; Dasgupth,1993; Murthy and Madh

Godavari valley coal field of Lower Gondwana basin comprises more or less a complete succession of the

sedimentary sequence of Permo- Triassic and as well as some parts assigned to Jurassic age which comprises

thickness of around 4000-5000m (SCCL.1995).

The Goutham Khani open cast coal belts are mainly divided into three coal seams according to Singareni

Collieries Company Limited (1995). The three coal seams are termed as:

1. Bottom Upper seam thickness is around 8

2. Bottom Middle seam measures thickness is 15 to 17 m

3. Bottom Lower seam thickness is around 28 to 37 m

Present palynological studies pertain only to the open cast coal seams and top cover fine grained sandstone part.

The seam wise coal analysis

seams are given. The seams are not uniform in thickness but also bottom seam thickness is maximum with

maximum moisture and with ash percentage decreases accordingly. Top and Midd

grade coal and Bottom coal seam as ‘E’ grade of coal. All coal seams in the open cast mining are workable in

nature.

Seam Thickness(m)

Top 8 to 11(3)

Middle 15 to 17 (2)

Bottom 28 to 37 (9)

3.Material and methods

Eighteen representative samples were collected from

bottom, middle and top seams of GKOCM. A fresh cleaned

contaminations if any are digested with HCl (10%) to remove all carbonate materials, further treated with HF

(40%) to digest silica materials from the sample and finally treated with conc.HNO

materials if present in the samples. Acid treated samples were sieved with 20 micron sieve cloth, avoiding heavy

liquid separation stage. In this sieving stage palynofossils yield will be more than in heavy liquid / oil floatation

stage. Three to four palynoslides were p

as permanent palynoslides were prepared and labelled. All palynoslides are observed all detail palynomorphic

structures under phase contrast binocular microscope and micro photographed.

4.Palynological analysis

Eighteen samples are analyzed from the GKOCM for the palynological investigated thoroughly. Out of eighteen

samples eight samples were yielded sufficient palynomorphs from top seam and fine grained sandstone

intereticulation of thin layer of shaly coal beds. During the palynological slide observation that the amount of

palynofossils were less in yielded but only in bottom and middle seams. Recovered palynotaxa from coal seams

and also from fine grained sandstone are well distrib

and observed palyno taxa are illustrated through photographic plate I.

During palynological investigation that the palynoassemblages are present in GKOCM which includes highly

diversified palyno forms like non striate bisaccates followed by monosaccates and striate bisaccates from the

area under consideration. The palynomorphs monosaccate, alete, non striated bisaccates, striate bisaccates are

recovered from the bottom, middle, top seams and also fin

also projected statistically as sketch showing percentage according to lithological succession (Fig.3). From this

palynological analysis it is interesting to note that the trilete forms are not to be found

from any of the samples. This strongly suggests Barakar age for the sediments under investigation.

account on samples, order of superposition, percentage of taxa and palynoassemblages wise of GKOCM have

supplemented (Fig.4).

4.1.Palynoassemblage A

The retrieved palynotaxa forms from the top seam reveals the abundance of

other common taxa like Parasaccites

(6.2%), Rhizomaspora (6%), Densipollenites

4.2.Palynoassemblage B

The palynotaxa from sandstone intercalated with bands of shaly coal comprises with high percentage of

Scheuringipollenites (42.2%) along with sub

and Parasaccites (6.65%) and other taxa

Verticipollenites (2%), Platysaccus

Ibisporites (1%) and Distriatites (1%) falls in palynoassemblage

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66

Lakshminaryana and Murti, 1990; Dasgupth,1993; Murthy and Madhusudan Rao,1996; R.C.Tewari,1998 . The


Triassic and as well as some parts assigned to Jurassic age which comprises

5000m (SCCL.1995).


Collieries Company Limited (1995). The three coal seams are termed as:

1. Bottom Upper seam thickness is around 8 to 11 m

2. Bottom Middle seam measures thickness is 15 to 17 m

3. Bottom Lower seam thickness is around 28 to 37 m


The seam wise coal analysis reveals the following characters like moistures, ash contents in the coal


maximum moisture and with ash percentage decreases accordingly. Top and Middle coal seams are fixed ‘F’


Moisture (%) Ash (%)

4.8 46.19

5.11 41. 27

6.51 25.68

(After SCCL 1995)

Eighteen representative samples were collected from following order of super position from seam wise like

bottom, middle and top seams of GKOCM. A fresh cleaned sample burnt with alcohol avoiding external


(40%) to digest silica materials from the sample and finally treated with conc.HNO3

esent in the samples. Acid treated samples were sieved with 20 micron sieve cloth, avoiding heavy


stage. Three to four palynoslides were prepared from each sample by mounting and cooking with canadabalasam


structures under phase contrast binocular microscope and micro photographed.


samples eight samples were yielded sufficient palynomorphs from top seam and fine grained sandstone

thin layer of shaly coal beds. During the palynological slide observation that the amount of


and also from fine grained sandstone are well distributed according to the coal seams wise (Fig.2). Recovered

and observed palyno taxa are illustrated through photographic plate I.


ms like non striate bisaccates followed by monosaccates and striate bisaccates from the


recovered from the bottom, middle, top seams and also fine grained sandstone with thin shaly coal bands and


palynological analysis it is interesting to note that the trilete forms are not to be found

from any of the samples. This strongly suggests Barakar age for the sediments under investigation.


The retrieved palynotaxa forms from the top seam reveals the abundance of Scheuringipollenites

Parasaccites (12.65%), Ibisporites (8.25%), Primuspollenites

Densipollenites (4%) and Corisaccites (3%) reported as assemblage


(42.2%) along with sub dominance of Faunipollenites (18.2%), Striatopodocarpites

(6.65%) and other taxa Striatites (4%), Tiwariasporis (3%),

Platysaccus (2%), Primuspollenites (2%), Lunatisporites (1%),

(1%) falls in palynoassemblage B.

www.iiste.org

usudan Rao,1996; R.C.Tewari,1998 . The


Triassic and as well as some parts assigned to Jurassic age which comprises



reveals the following characters like moistures, ash contents in the coal


le coal seams are fixed ‘F’


Coal Grade

F

F

E

following order of super position from seam wise like

h alcohol avoiding external


to remove any humic

esent in the samples. Acid treated samples were sieved with 20 micron sieve cloth, avoiding heavy


repared from each sample by mounting and cooking with canadabalasam



samples eight samples were yielded sufficient palynomorphs from top seam and fine grained sandstone with

thin layer of shaly coal beds. During the palynological slide observation that the amount of


uted according to the coal seams wise (Fig.2). Recovered


ms like non striate bisaccates followed by monosaccates and striate bisaccates from the


e grained sandstone with thin shaly coal bands and


during the observation

from any of the samples. This strongly suggests Barakar age for the sediments under investigation. A detail


Scheuringipollenites (52.5%) with

(7.6%), Sulcatisporites

(3%) reported as assemblage A.


Striatopodocarpites (11%)

(3%), Rhizomaspora (3%),

(1%), Latosporites (1%),



5.Comparison and Correlation

Palynoassemblage of Scheuringipollenites

Korba coalfield (Zone-3, Bharadwaj and Srivast

Scheuringipollenites rich assemblage has also been reported from Johilla Coalfield (Zone

Srivastava 1984), Umaria coalfield (zone

comparable with Godavari Valley coalfield palynoassemblages of Ramagundam area (Assemblage

and Jha 1989), Ramakrishnapuram area (Srivastava and Jha 1992), Manuguru area (Palynoassemblage

Srivastava and Jha 1992a), Budharam area (palynozone 5 of Srivastava and Jha 1995) and from Koyagudem area

(Palynozone 2 of Srivastava and Jha 1996). Kar (1973) investigated palynozone from bore core KB 21. Tiwari

et. al., (1981) recorded Scheuringipollenites

The present palynoassemblage - A & B

of Gundal area of Godavari valley coalfield were found to be dominance with

& Neha Aggarwal, 2011) and also with palynoassemblage

(Neerja Jha & Neha Aggarwal, 2010). Palynoassemblage

Scheuringipollenites with other taxa from borehole GSP

& Neha Aggarwal, 2010). All above mentioned Palynoassemblages reported by various authors from other areas

are comparable with the present Scheuringipollenites

and B supports that similar floral

distribution pattern in the present area of investigation.

6.Conclusion

Palynological data reveals that an interesting point to note that the GKOCM of Kothagudem sub basin of

Godavari suggest very rich diversi

assemblage during the deposition of sediments. According to Tiwari and Chandra Das (1996) the occurrence of

cyclic sequence of sandstone reveals braided depositional environment condit

also with similar cyclic sequence of sandstone occurrence suggest that under braided depositional environment

condition found in Kothagudem sub basin too.

palynoassemblages of GKOCM suggests the abundance of

Khani open cast mine (GKOCM) belongs to

towards Early Permian age. Scheuringipollenites

intrareticulation / intercalation of shaly coal beds of Goutham Khani Open Cast Mine (GKOCM) belongs to

palynoassemblage – B strongly supports

sequence in open cast mine is fine grained sandstone beds reveals host for good number of palynofossils during

the deposition but the sequence of medium grained sandstone reveals very poor in occurrence palynofossils may

be due to medium grain size of sandstone. Diff

as the controlling factor. All the data through palynological investigations were seems to suggest Early Permian

period of Indian Lower Gondwana coal formation.

Acknowledgment


Godavari suggest very rich diversified vegetation remains as marks with the presence of rich palynofossil

assemblage during the deposition of sediments. According

cyclic sequence of sandstone reveals braided depositional environmental condition. During present investigation

also with similar cyclic sequence of sandstone occurrence suggest that under braided deposit

condition found in Kothagudem sub basin too.

palynoassemblages of GKOCM suggests the abundant occurrence of

Goutham Khani open cast mine (GKOCM

Formation affinity towards Early Permian age.

with intrareticulation / intercalation of shaly coal beds of Goutham Khani Open Cast Min

palynoassemblage – B strongly supports

sequence in open cast mine is fine grained sandstone beds reveals that host for good number of palynofossils

during the deposition but the sequence of medium grained sandstone reveals very poor in occurrence of

palynofossils may be due to grain size as controlling factor of sandstone. Differential in palynofossils yield

may be due to sandstone grain size as the controlling factor

were seems to suggest Early Permian period of Indian Lower Gondwana coal formation.

Acknowledgment

Authors are thankful to Mr. Y.S.Babu Rao, Former Chief General Manager, Singareni Collieries, Co. Ltd

(SCCL), Kothagudem, Andhra Pradesh, who have granted permission to visit and to collect samples from the

field. Mr. D. Satya Prasad, Geologist, SCCL, who gave all support and facilities to carryout field investigation.

0921 (Online)

67

Scheuringipollenites A & B Palynoflora compared with Lower Barakar Formations of

3, Bharadwaj and Srivastava 1973) and Zone – 2 of Giridih coalfield (Srivastava 1973a).

rich assemblage has also been reported from Johilla Coalfield (Zone

Srivastava 1984), Umaria coalfield (zone-3 Srivastava and Anand Prakash 1984). Palynoassemblage

comparable with Godavari Valley coalfield palynoassemblages of Ramagundam area (Assemblage

and Jha 1989), Ramakrishnapuram area (Srivastava and Jha 1992), Manuguru area (Palynoassemblage

, Budharam area (palynozone 5 of Srivastava and Jha 1995) and from Koyagudem area


Scheuringipollenites dominant zone form Katrinala section of Jharia coalfield of MP.

A & B is correlates with palynoassemblage – D of boreholes MLG

of Gundal area of Godavari valley coalfield were found to be dominance with Scheuringipollenites

& Neha Aggarwal, 2011) and also with palynoassemblage – III of bore hole MMK – 19 of Mamakannu area

(Neerja Jha & Neha Aggarwal, 2010). Palynoassemblage - A & B is correlates with dominance of

with other taxa from borehole GSP – 9 of Satrajpalli area of Godavari Graben


Scheuringipollenites A and B. Presence of Scheuringipollenites

distribution pattern in the present area of investigation.




cyclic sequence of sandstone reveals braided depositional environment condition. During present investigation


condition found in Kothagudem sub basin too. Palynological studies from the present area also the

ges of GKOCM suggests the abundance of Scheuringipollenites from the top seam of Goutham

Khani open cast mine (GKOCM) belongs to Palynoassemblage - A indicates Lower Barakar Formation affinity

Scheuringipollenites shows rich in abundance from the sandstone with


strongly supports Lower Barakar Formation affinity suggests Early Permian age. The top

open cast mine is fine grained sandstone beds reveals host for good number of palynofossils during


be due to medium grain size of sandstone. Differential in palynofossils yield may be due to sandstone grain size


period of Indian Lower Gondwana coal formation.

ical data reveals that an interesting point to note that the GKOCM of Kothagudem sub basin of




also with similar cyclic sequence of sandstone occurrence suggest that under braided deposit

condition found in Kothagudem sub basin too. Palynological studies from the present area also the

palynoassemblages of GKOCM suggests the abundant occurrence of Scheuringipollenites

Goutham Khani open cast mine (GKOCM) belongs to Palynoassemblage - A indicates

Formation affinity towards Early Permian age. Scheuringipollenites shows rich in abundance from the sandstone

with intrareticulation / intercalation of shaly coal beds of Goutham Khani Open Cast Mine (GKOCM) belongs to

strongly supports Lower Barakar Formation affinity suggests Early Permian age. The top


ion but the sequence of medium grained sandstone reveals very poor in occurrence of


may be due to sandstone grain size as the controlling factor. All the data through palynological investigations


Authors are thankful to Mr. Y.S.Babu Rao, Former Chief General Manager, Singareni Collieries, Co. Ltd



www.iiste.org

Palynoflora compared with Lower Barakar Formations of

2 of Giridih coalfield (Srivastava 1973a).

rich assemblage has also been reported from Johilla Coalfield (Zone-3, Anand Prakash and

lynoassemblage - A & B is

comparable with Godavari Valley coalfield palynoassemblages of Ramagundam area (Assemblage C Srivastava

and Jha 1989), Ramakrishnapuram area (Srivastava and Jha 1992), Manuguru area (Palynoassemblage 3 of

, Budharam area (palynozone 5 of Srivastava and Jha 1995) and from Koyagudem area


atrinala section of Jharia coalfield of MP.

D of boreholes MLG – 23 and 28

Scheuringipollenites (Neerja Jha

19 of Mamakannu area

is correlates with dominance of

of Satrajpalli area of Godavari Graben (Neerja Jha


Scheuringipollenites assemblage A


fied vegetation remains as marks with the presence of rich palynofossil


ion. During present investigation


Palynological studies from the present area also the

from the top seam of Goutham

Lower Barakar Formation affinity

bundance from the sandstone with


Lower Barakar Formation affinity suggests Early Permian age. The top

open cast mine is fine grained sandstone beds reveals host for good number of palynofossils during


erential in palynofossils yield may be due to sandstone grain size


ical data reveals that an interesting point to note that the GKOCM of Kothagudem sub basin of


to Tiwari and Chandra Das (1996) the occurrence of



Palynological studies from the present area also the

Scheuringipollenites from the top seam of

indicates Lower Barakar

shows rich in abundance from the sandstone

e (GKOCM) belongs to

Lower Barakar Formation affinity suggests Early Permian age. The top


ion but the sequence of medium grained sandstone reveals very poor in occurrence of


. All the data through palynological investigations


Authors are thankful to Mr. Y.S.Babu Rao, Former Chief General Manager, Singareni Collieries, Co. Ltd.,





Our sincere gratitude to Mr. K.V.B

Southern Region, Chennai, for providing Lab technician to prepare palynological slides at our Department. Prof.

B. Basavalingu, Chairman, Department Of Studies in Earth Science for their co

during carrying out research. Finally to acknowledge the University Grants Commission for providing

fellowship to take up this work to complete. Our deep sense of gratitude to the administrative authorities of

University of Mysore for providing all facilities to carry out this research work.

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Graben, Andhra Pradesh, India. The Palaeobotanist. v. 37, No. 2. pp. 199

Suresh C. Srivastava and Neerja Jha. (1992) Permian palynostratigarphy in Ramakrishnapuram Area, Andhra

Pradesh, India. Geophytology. v. 20, No.2. pp. 83

Suresh C. Srivastava and Neerja Jha. (1992a) Permian palynostratigarphy in Ramakrishnapuram Area, Andhra

Pradesh, India. Geophytology. v. 20, No.2. pp. 83

Suresh C. Srivastava and Neerja Jha. (1995) Palynostratigarphy and Correlation of Permian

in Budharam Area, Godavari Graben, India. Jour. Geol. Soc. Ind. v. 46.pp. 647

Suresh C. Srivastava and Neerja Jha. (1996). Palynology of Subsurface Permian sediments in Koyagudem Area,

Godavari Graben, Andhra Pradesh. Geophytology. V. 25. pp. 131

Tewari, R.C. (1998) Permian Gondwana Sedimentation in Yellandu (Singareni) Coalfield, Andhra Pradesh,

India with notes on Regional Paleogeography and Tectonic History. Jour. Geol. Soc. India. v. 52, pp.

569-578.

Tewari. R. C and M. Chandra Das. (1996) Early Permian Barakar (Gondwana) Sedimentation Viz

‘ Mailaram Basement High’ in Chintalpudi Sub

Jour. Earth Sci. v .23, No. 3 & 4, pp. 133

0921 (Online)

68

Our sincere gratitude to Mr. K.V.Bhaktavatsala, Deputy General Manager, Oil Natural Gas Corporation,


B. Basavalingu, Chairman, Department Of Studies in Earth Science for their cooperation and encouragement



re for providing all facilities to carry out this research work.


Coalfield, Madhya Pradesh, India; Palaeobotanist, 32 (3), pp. 243- 252.

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Pradesh, India, Palaeobotanist v. 20 No, 2, pp. 137-151.

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Lakshminarayana. G and K. S. Murthi. (1990) Stratigraphy of the Gondwana Formation in the Chintalpud

Basin, Godavari Valley, Andhra Pradesh. Jour. Geol. Soc. Ind. v. 36. pp. 13 – 25.


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Jour. Geol. Soc. India. v. 26, pp. 43-55.

SCCL. (1995) Geological Report on Sattupalli Block-I (OCP), Sattupalli-Chintalpudi Coalbelt, Godavari


SCCL. (2008) Geological Report on Sattupalli Block-I (OCP), Sattupalli-Chintalpudi Coalbelt, Godavari Valley


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in Umaria Coalfield, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Palaeobotanist. v. 32, No.1, pp. 26


Graben, Andhra Pradesh, India. The Palaeobotanist. v. 37, No. 2. pp. 199 – 209.

ha. (1992) Permian palynostratigarphy in Ramakrishnapuram Area, Andhra

Pradesh, India. Geophytology. v. 20, No.2. pp. 83 – 95.


tology. v. 20, No.2. pp. 83 – 95.

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in Budharam Area, Godavari Graben, India. Jour. Geol. Soc. Ind. v. 46.pp. 647 – 653.

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Godavari Graben, Andhra Pradesh. Geophytology. V. 25. pp. 131 – 136.


a with notes on Regional Paleogeography and Tectonic History. Jour. Geol. Soc. India. v. 52, pp.

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‘ Mailaram Basement High’ in Chintalpudi Sub – Basin of Pranhita – Godavari Basin, Andhra Pradesh. Ind.

Jour. Earth Sci. v .23, No. 3 & 4, pp. 133 – 138.

www.iiste.org

haktavatsala, Deputy General Manager, Oil Natural Gas Corporation,


operation and encouragement




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eol. Surv. India.v.18, 115-116.

Rec.Geol.Surv.India.

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25.


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bearing horizons in Gundala area,

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Mantheni area, Godavari Valley basin.

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256-269.

Fig.1. Geological and location map of God

Densipollenites

Vestigisporites

Playfordiaspora

Tiwariasporis

Latosporites

Sulcatisporites

Virkkipollenites

Parasaccites

Plicatipollenites

Lueckisporites

Lunatisporites

Corisaccites

Striatites

Verticipollenites

Striatopodocarpites

Faunipollenites

Distriatites

Rhizomaspora

Primuspollenites

Crescentipollenites

Scheuringipollenites

Ibisporites

Fig. 2. Coal seam wise distribution of palynotaxa present in GKOCM

0921 (Online)

69


sediments in Jharia Coalfield, Bihar. Geophytology, v,11(2): 220-237.

Walker. (1841) Coal resources of India.Mem.Geol.Surv.India. 88-336.


Fig.1. Geological and location map of Godavari valley Coalfield (After: SCCL 2008)

Bottom seam Middle seam Top seam

x x x

x

x

x x

x

x

x x

x

x x

x

x

x x

x x


www.iiste.org



avari valley Coalfield (After: SCCL 2008)

Top seam Sandstone

x

x

x

x

x x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x x

x x

x x

x x




Fig. 3. Sketched illustration showing percentage and distribution of Palynoforms from lithology of GKOCM

Age

Gr

ou

p

Format

ion

Maximum

Thickness

(m)

L

O

W

E

R

G

O

N

D

W

A

N

A

500

Upper

Permian to

Lower

Triassic

Kamth

i

600

200

Late Permian Barren

Measu

res

500

Upper part of

Lower

Permian

Baraka

r

300

Early Permian Talchir 350

? Late

Proterozoic

Sullav

ai

545

Early

Proterozoic

Pakhal 3355

Precambrian - -

0921 (Online)

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Maximum

Thickness

Lithology

500 Upper Member: Coarse-grained, ferruginous sandstones with

Lower Triassic clay, clasts and pebbles and subordinate violet

cherty siltstones and pebble beds.

600 Middle Member: Alternating Sequence of medium

greenish grey white sandstones and buff to greenish grey clays.

200 Lower Member: Medium to coarse-grained, greyish white

calcareous sandstones with a few coal seams.

500 Medium to coarse-grained, greenish grey to greyish white Measures

felspathic sandstones with subordinate variegated and micaceous

sandstones.

300 Upper Member: Coarse, white sandstones with sub

Permian shales and coal seams.

Lower Member: Coarse-grained sandstones with lenses of

conglomerates, subordinate shales/clays and a few thin bands of

coal.

350 Fine-grained sandstones, splintery green clays/shale

coloured clays, pebble beds and tillite.

- - - - - - - -Unconformity - - - - - -

545 Medium to coarse-grained, white to brick red sandstones, at place

quartzitic and mottled shales.

- - - - - - - -Unconformity - - - - - -

3355 Greyish white to buff quartzites, grey shales, phyllites and marble.

-- - - - - - - -Unconformity - - - - -

Granites, banded gneisses, biotite gneisses, hornblende gneisses,

quartz magnetite schists, biotite schists, quartz and pegmatite veins.

www.iiste.org


grained, ferruginous sandstones with

Lower Triassic clay, clasts and pebbles and subordinate violet

Alternating Sequence of medium-grained white to

greenish grey white sandstones and buff to greenish grey clays.

grained, greyish white

calcareous sandstones with a few coal seams.

grained, greenish grey to greyish white Measures

felspathic sandstones with subordinate variegated and micaceous

Coarse, white sandstones with subordinate Lower

grained sandstones with lenses of

conglomerates, subordinate shales/clays and a few thin bands of

grained sandstones, splintery green clays/shales, chocolate

grained, white to brick red sandstones, at place

Greyish white to buff quartzites, grey shales, phyllites and marble.

Granites, banded gneisses, biotite gneisses, hornblende gneisses,

agnetite schists, biotite schists, quartz and pegmatite veins.



Table 1. Lithostratigraphy of Godavari Valley Coalfield (After Raja Rao, 1982).Sl.

No.

OCM

Seam

Lithology of

the samples

Dominant taxa

1 Sandstone Scheuringipolleni

tes,

Faunipollenites,

Striatopodocarpit

es, Striatites,

Tiwariasporis and

Lunatisporites

2 Sandstone

with shaly

coal

Scheuringipolleni

tes (42.2%)

3 Top Carbonaceo

us coal

Scheuringipolleni

tes (52.5%)

4 Middl

e

Carbonaceo

us coal

Densipollenites,

Latosporites,

Ibisporites,

Playfordiaspora,

Rhizomaspora

and

Scheuringipolleni

tes

5 Botto

m

Carbonaceo

us coal

Densipollenites,

Latosporites,

Parasaccites and

Virkkipollenites

0921 (Online)

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Table 1. Lithostratigraphy of Godavari Valley Coalfield (After Raja Rao, 1982). Dominant taxa Subdominant

taxa

Other taxa Palyn

oflora

Scheuringipolleni

Faunipollenites,

Striatopodocarpit

es, Striatites,

Tiwariasporis and

Lunatisporites

Not yielded.

Scheuringipolleni

tes (42.2%)

Faunipollenites

(18.2%),

Striatopodocarpi

tes (11%) and

Parasaccites

(6.65%).

Striatites (4%),

Tiwariasporis

(3%),

Rhizomaspora

(3%),

Verticipollenites

(2%), Platysaccus

(2%),

Primuspollenites

(2%),

Lunatisporites

(1%),

Latosporites

(1%), Ibisporites

(1%) and

Distriatites (1%).

Barak

ar

Scheuringipolleni

tes (52.5%)

Parasaccites

(12.65%),

Ibisporites

(8.25%),

Primuspollenites

(7.6%),

Sulcatisporites

(6.2%),

Rhizomaspora

(6%),

Densipollenites

(4%) and

Corisaccites

(3%).

Barak

ar

Densipollenites,

Latosporites,

Ibisporites,

Playfordiaspora,

Rhizomaspora

Scheuringipolleni

Not

yielde

d

Densipollenites,

Latosporites,

Parasaccites and

Virkkipollenites

Not yielded

www.iiste.org

Palyn

oflora

Assem

blage

Age

Barak

B

Early

Permian

Barak

A

Early

Permian



Fig. 4. Table showing details of samples, depth control and characters of palynoassemblages in Gautham Khani

Palte I Explanation of Photographic Plate

(All the photographs are taken under 1000 x magn

1,2. Faunipollenites perexiguus, 3. Scheuringipollenites ovatus, 4. Scheuringipollenites tentulus,

5.Straiatipodocarpites labrus, 6.Faunipollenites varius, 7. Tiwariasporis sp., 8. Rhizomaspora monosu

Striatites tentulus, 10. Platysaccus densus, 11. Striatites cf reticuloidus 12.Lunatisporites cf amplus, 13.

Plicatipollenites gondwanensis, 15. Platysaccus sp.,

0921 (Online)

72


Open Cast Mine

Explanation of Photographic Plate

(All the photographs are taken under 1000 x magnifications in oil immersion until and unless mentioned)


5.Straiatipodocarpites labrus, 6.Faunipollenites varius, 7. Tiwariasporis sp., 8. Rhizomaspora monosu


Plicatipollenites gondwanensis, 15. Platysaccus sp., 14, 16. Rhizomaspora costa.

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ifications in oil immersion until and unless mentioned)


5.Straiatipodocarpites labrus, 6.Faunipollenites varius, 7. Tiwariasporis sp., 8. Rhizomaspora monosulcata, 9.


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Permian Palynoflora from Lower Gondwana Sediments of Godavari Valley Coalfield,