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

Abstract

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.