Acta Peleobotanica (Suplement 2 - 1998)    

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TECTONICS, TROPICAL FOREST DESTRUCTION AND GLOBAL WARMING IN THE LATE PALAEOZOIC.

Key words: Carboniferous, coal forests, tectonics, climate change, atmospheric

• Cristopher J. Cleal, Department of Biodiversity & Systematic Biology, National Museums & Galleries of Wales, Cardiff CF10 3NP, UK, e-mail: chriscleal@cs.com
• Barry A. Thomas, Department of Geography, University of Wales Lampeter, Lampeter, Ceredigion SA48 7ED, UK; e-mail: b.thomas@lamp.ac.uk

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PLANT FOSSILS FROM THE LATE DEVONIAN TOE HEAD SANDSTONE FORMATION, WEST CORK, IRELAND: A PRELIMINARY REPORT.

Abstract: Three plant fossil localities from the late Famennian Toe Head Sandstone Formation (LL-LE Miospore Biozone) at the type area of Toe Head, west Cork, Ireland have yielded good carbonised compressions. One of these localities proved prolific and it is this locality which is described in this report. The assemblage at Toe Head comprises three distinct components. Initial studies reveal these to be; (1) Disarticulated fertile and vegetative examples of the progymnosperm genus Archaeopteris, (2) Megaphyllous leaves of a Sphenopterid type, (3) Cupulate preovules. Plants are preserved within a very finely laminated muddy siltstone. The plant bearing horizon is interpreted as representing quiet deposition in ephemeral lakes or ponds within an extensive coastal plain environment.

Key words: fossil plants, Famennian, Toe Head, Ireland

• Toni Connery, Department of Geology, University College, Cork, Ireland; e mail: t.connery@ucc.ie

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LATE CARBONIFEROUS TROPICAL FIRE ECOLOGY: EVIDENCE FROM EASTERN CANADA.

Abstract: The facies distribution and botanical identity of Upper Carboniferous (Westphalian A-D) charcoal is described from four sites (Boss Point, Joggins, Clifton and Sydney) in Eastern Canada. These successions represent alluvial/coastal plain deposits. Two charcoal assemblages occur. Assemblage (1) consists of channel sandstone bodies containing cordaite and conifer wood charcoal. This assemblage records extra-swamp coniferopsid forest fires. Assemblage (2) consists of thin coals containing lepidodendrid tree stumps. Many of these stumps contain a 1–3 cm thick basal layer, composed entirely of lepidodendrid periderm charcoal. Lepidodendrid and medullosan charcoal is also scattered around the outside of these stumps. This assemblage represents fire in lowland peat-forming communities.

• Howard J. Falcon-Lang, Department of Geology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 OEX, U.K.; e-mail: falconlang@gl.rhbnc.ac.uk

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MEGASPORES AND CUTICULAR STUDY OF COAL PEBBLES FROM FLYSCH DEPOSITSOF THE POLISH CARPATHIANS.

Abstract: The megaspore studies were based on the examination of megaspores found in coal material from two coal pebbles and earlier results of J. Zerndt for four pebbles from the Polish Carpathians. A list of the megaspores present was compiled, comprising 15 megaspore taxa and including 4 long-lived species and groups of species and 11 species characteristic of Westphalian, particularly Upper Westphalian. Taxonomic studies and qualitative and quantitative character of the megaspores revealed similarities to those from the Upper Silesian Coal Basin and an atempt was made to assess the age of individual pebbles more accurately. 
Material for the cuticular studies came from the two coal pebbles examined for megaspores. Some tens of cuticular fragments were recovered; 30 were mounted in glycerine jelly with thymol as permanent microscope slides. Their analysis revealed 11 types of plant cuticles. 5 of these belong to the genus Cordaites. Several cuticles of animal origin and some wood fragments were also found.

Key words: megaspores, cuticular analysis, coal pebbles, Carboniferous, Polish Carpathians

• Sławomir Florjan, Department of Palaeobotany, Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, Lubicz 46, 31–512 Kraków, Poland;
• Ewa Żołdani, Department of Coal Deposits Geology, University of Mining and Metallurgy, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30–059 Kraków, Poland

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PALYNOLOGY, PETROGRAPHIC COMPOSITION AND DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENTS OF THE SELECTED WESTPHALIAN A COAL SEAMS FROM THE INTRASUDETIC BASIN (SW POLAND).

Key words: macerals, microlithotypes, miospores, mire, Carboniferous, Lower Silesian Coal Basin

• Anna Górecka-Nowak, University of Wrocław, Institute of Geological Sciences, ul. Cybulskiego 30, 50 205 Wrocław, Poland; e-mail: agor@ing.uni.wroc.pl
• Grzegorz J. Nowak, Polish Geological Institute, Lower Silesian Branch, al. Jaworowa 19, 53 122 Wrocław, Poland; e-mail: gjnowak@friko.sos.com.pl

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THE EARLY PERMIAN MEGAFLORA FROM THE REŞIŢA BASIN, SOUTH CARPATHIANS, ROMANIA.

Abstract: The Autunian deposits of the Reşiţa Basin (Getic Nappe) belong stratigraphically to the Ciudanoviţa Formation, with two members, the first (Gîrlişte Member) being represented by black shales and the second by red beds (Lişava Member). This paper presents the succession of the fossil flora that is well represented within the first member by mixed Autunian and Late Stephanian taxa (pteridosperms, arthropsids) while the second member bears a less well-preserved flora, represented almost exclusively by Walchiaceae conifers.

Key words: compressive megaflora, Variscan molasse, Autunian, Reşiţa Basin, South Carpathians, Romania

• Mihai E. Popa, University of Bucharest, Faculty of Geology and Geophysics, Laboratory of Palaeontology, 1, N. Bǎlcescu Ave., 70111, Bucharest, Romania; e-mail: mihaip@ns.geo.edu.ro
  

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UPPER DEVONIAN MIOSPORE STRATIGRAPHY IN WESTERN POMERANIA (NW POLAND).

Abstract: Three local miospore zones have been distinguisched in the upper Devonian (Frasnian to lower Famennian) of Western Pomerania. These are: Cristatisporites deliquescens – Samarisporites triangulatus (DT), Membrabaculisporis radiatus – Tholisporites densus (RD) and Membrabaculisporis radiatus – Cymbosporites boafeticus (RB) zones. Correlation of the higher two zones with the conodont faunas obtained from the same boreholes indicates that the RD zone equates with (possibly) Upper hassi or jamiae Conodont Zones, and/or part of rhenana Zone. The RB zone spans the interval from Upper rhenana to triangularis Conodont zones. The proposed scheme can be correlated with that established for the Ardenne-Rhenish regions only on the basis of conodonts because palynological criteria are lacking. Miospore based equation with the Eastern European miospore stratigraphic scheme is possible.

Key words: Frasnian, Famennian miospores, conodonts, stratigraphy, Western Pomerania, Poland

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IN SITU SPORES OF SOME FRASNIAN FOSSIL PLANTS FROM THE NORTHERN TIMAN (RUSSIA).

Abstract: Rich collection of Devonian fossil plants with well preserved sporangia containing mega- and microspores collected by Snigirevsky in 1993 have been studied by Tschibrikova and Olly. A number of Devonian formal species of dispersed pollen and spores have been distingushed. Recorded complexes demonstrate the most important evolutional trends of land vegetation. Plant megafossils with sporangia containing spores inside occur not so often. Such fossils are known to be very important for the understanding of reproductive biology of the plants (Jansonius & McGregor 1996).

Key words: Devonian, mega- and microspores in situ

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FLUCTUATION IN COMPOSITION OF GIVETIAN PHYTOPLANKTON ASSEMBLAGES FROM THE HOLY CROSS MOUNTAINS (POLAND).

Abstract: Givetian samples have yielded well preserved prasinophytes, acritarchs, and coenobial algae. Four successive palynofacies are distinguished: (1) a spore dominated palynofacies lacking in acritarchs, (2) palynofacies with acritarchs, (3) palynofacies with abundant leiospheres, and (4) palynofacies dominated by thick-walled sphaeromorphs. The palynofacies changes are possibly related to eustatic sea level fluctuations, but changes in surface water circulation may have also been an important factor.

Key words: Devonian, Holy Cross Mts, Poland, acritarchs, prasinophytes, palynofacies

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AN ATTEMPT TO ASSESS THE EFFECT OF TUFF DEPOSITION ON A CARBONIFEROUS PEAT- BOG ENVIRONMENT, ON THE BASIS OF MEGASPORES STUDIES OF COAL SEAMS (UPPER SILESIAN COAL BASIN, POLAND).

Key words: megaspores, tonstein, palaeo peat-bog, Carboniferous, Upper Silesian Coal Basin

• Ewa Żołdani, Department of Coal Deposits Geology, University of Mining and Metallurgy, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30–059 Kraków, Poland

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THE TRIASSIC-JURASSIC BOUNDARY IN THE JUNGGAR BASIN (NW-CHINA) – PRELIMINARY PALYNOSTRATIGRAPHIC RESULTS.

 Abstract: A complete Triassic-Jurassic transition is well documented in the Haojiagou valley section 40 km to the west of Urumqi Xinjiang, China. The results of the preliminary palynological study from the first field work with 13 samples reveal a well preserved microflora which confirm that the Hojiagou Formation belongs to the Concavisporites-Duplexisporites problematicus-Riecisporites tuberculatus Zone (Upper Triassic) and that the Badaowan Formation belongs to the Concavisporites-Duplexisporites problematicus Zone (Lower Jurassic). These two palynostratigraphic zones have been used previously in Afghanistan, Iran and Germany for correlation and identification of the Triassic-Jurassic boundary by Schweitzer et al. (1987).

Key words: Triassic, Jurassic, palynostratigraphy, China, Xinjiang

• Abdul R. Ashraf, Dieter Uhl and Volker Mosebrugger, Institut und Museum für Geologie und Paläontologie, Sigwartstr. 10, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; e-mail: epias01@uni-tuebingen.de, dieter.uhl@uni-tuebingen.de
• Sun Ge, Wang Xinfu, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Academia Sinica, Chi-Ming Ssu, Nanjing 21008, PR-China
• Li Che, Regional Geological Surveying Party, Bureau of Prospecting and Development of Geology and Mineral Resources of Xinjiang Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources, 8 North Tianjin Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang, PR-China

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CHARCOAL-RICH PLANT DEBRIS ACCUMULATIONS IN THE LOWER CRETACEOUS OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT, ENGLAND.

Abstract: The Wessex and Vectis Formations (Lower Cretaceous) of the Isle of Wight, England, contain abundant charcoal-rich plant debris accumulations. Two key samples are described (along with rare elements from other samples) in order to document the botanical affinity and diversity of this material. Charred coniferous wood and coalified wood occurs in both samples. At Hanover Point wood is the only charcoal whilst at Shepherds Chine charcoal of the fern Weichselia dominates over wood charcoal. The Shepherds Chine sample contains other plant debris (mostly uncharred) including cycad and bennettite cuticles, seeds and lycophyte megaspores, as well as arthropod cuticles and fish vertebrae. Both plant-debris associations are interpreted as representing low diversity fire-prone vegetation: Hanover Point a flood-plain conifer forest community and Shepherds Chine specialist coastal fern and conifer communities.

Key words: Cretaceous, charcoal, fire, conifers, wood, Weichselia, fern

• Margaret E. Collinson, Jenny Cripps, Gary J. Nichols and Andrew C. Scott, Department of Geology Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
• Caroline Featherstone, Department of Biology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK

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MID-CRETACEOUS GREBENKA FLORA OF THE NORTH-EASTERN RUSSIA: TWO STRATEGIES OF OVERWINTERING.

Key words:

• Alexei B. Herman, Geological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 7 Pyzhevskii Pereulok, 109017 Moscow, Russia; e-mail: herman@ginran.msk.su
• Robert A. Spicer, Department of Earth Sciences, the Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK; e-mail: R.A.Spicer@open.ac.uk

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AN ANGIOSPERM CRADLE COMMUNITY AND NEW PROANGIOSPERM TAXA.

Abstract: A few leaves and pollen grains from the Baisa locality in the upper reaches of the Vitim river, Transbaikalia, are recognized as angiospermous. This locality also yielded eight species that are considered proangiospermous, including the derived forms of gnetophytes, bennettites and cycadophytes. The Baisian assemblage is, thus, an example of an arogenic, or type-making, community that gave rise to several lineages trending towards angiosperm morphology. On the basis of ostracod zonation this assemblage is assigned to the Hauterivian or early Barremian. Most proangiosperm remains came from an open wetland vegetation that replaced the typical Mesozoic fern marshes. With the elimination of the latter a new type of wetland community was formed by the ecological expansion of preadapted gymnosperm groups developing new (partly herbaceous) growth forms in which proangiospermous characters appeared in the process. The vegetational change correlates with extensive rifting and basaltic volcanism. Mats of aquatic insects covering bedding planes indicate mass mortality perhaps related to sharp pH fluctuations that might also have affected the wetland plant community. Plant – insect interactions, as evidenced by pollen grains from the gut contents of fossil insects, may have played a significant role in proangiosperm evolution. A new species of Eoantha and four new genera are described, including a bisexual pre-flower Preflosella nathania gen. et sp. nov.

• Valentin A. Krassilov, Palaeontological Institute, 123 Profsoyusnaya, Moscow 117647
  Eugenia V. Bugdaeva, Institute of Biology and Pedology, Vladivostok 690022, Russia

TWO CONIFERS (TAXODIACEAE) OF THE BOHEMIAN CENOMANIAN (CZECH REPUBLIC, CENTRAL EUROPE).

Abstract: Two most frequent Taxodiaceous conifers Quasisequoia crispa (Velenovský) comb. n. and Cunninghamites lignitum (Sternberg) comb. n. of the Bohemian Cenomanian are revised and described on the basis of their leaf cuticles and ovuliferous cones. The definition of the genus Cunninghamites Presl in Sternberg is emended. The description of Quasisequoia crispa is enlarged basing on numerous foliage shoots and several cones and cone scales. Its sterile foliage consists of compressions of Pagiophyllum-like amphistomatic leaves arranged in helix. Impressions, compressions and three-dimensionally preserved specimens of ovuliferous cones consist of about 30 helically arranged cone scales. Each cone scale bears seeds probably in two rows. Cunninghamites lignitum is nomenclaturally revised. Its definition is emended basing on numerous foliage shoots and several ovuliferous cones. Sterile leaves are acicular, flattened, amphistomatic and helically arranged. Its ovuliferous cones are preserved three dimensionally as compressions, or impressions. They consist of helically arranged peltate cone scales, each bearing four seeds.

Key words: Conifers, Taxodiaceae, Quasisequoia, Cunninghamites, Cretaceous, Cenomanian

• Jiŕí Kvaček, National Museum, Prague, Department of Palaeontology, Václavské nám. 68, 115 79, Prague, Czech Republic; e-mail: jiri.kvacek@nm.cz
  

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BIOMARKERS FROM THE TAXODIACEOUS CONIFER SPHENOLEPIS PECINOVENSIS KVAČEK AND RESIN FROM BOHEMIAN CENOMANIAN.

Abstract: The biomarker composition in leaf compressions of Sphenolepis pecinovensis Kvaček (Taxodiaceae) and in isolated resin grains from the Cenomanian mudstones near Pecínov (Bohemia, Czech Republic) has been analysed to investigate the chemotaxonomy of the fossil conifer species and to evaluate the source of the resin. The extracts of the Sphenolepis pecinovensis shoot and the resin grains show similar patterns of terpenoid biomarkers indicating Sphenolepis pecinovensis as a likely botanical source for the resin. Some of the terpenoids are unspecific conifer biomarkers known from Recent conifers and fossil resins. More specific sesqui- and diterpenoids can be assigned to Cupressaceae, Taxodiaceae and in part also to Podocarpaceae, because their precursors have been identified only in Recent species of these families. The chemotaxonomy thus indicates a close relationship of Sphenolepis pecinovensis to the Taxodiaceae or the Cupressaceae.

Key words: Sphenolepis, Cretaceous, Bohemian Cenomanian, conifers, Taxodiaceae, Cupressaceae, terpenoids, biomarker, resin, biogeochemistry

• Angelika Otto, J.W. Goethe-Universität Frankfurt/M, Institut für Mineralogie – Umweltanalytik, Georg-Voigt-Str. 14, D-60054 Frankfurt/M., Germany; e-mail: a.otto@kristall.uni-frankfurt.de
• Jiŕí Kvaček, National Museum, Václavské nám. 68, Prague, Czech Republic; e-mail: jiri.kvacek@nm.cz
• Kurt Goth, Sächsisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Landesentwicklung, Ostra-Allee 23, 01067 Dresden, Germany; e-mail: kurt.goth@smul.sachsen.de

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CHARACTERISTIC SPOROMORPHS OF THE ELATERATES PROVINCE IN THE CENOMANIAN OF BOHEMIA (CENTRAL EUROPE) – COMPARISON WITH THE MID-CRETACEOUS OF EGYPT (NORTHERN EAST AFRICA).

Key words: Albian-Cenomanian, elater-bearing taxa, provinces

• Blanka Pacltova, Department of Paleontology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 43, Prague 2, Albertov 6, Czech Republic
• Gamal M.A. Lashin, Present address: Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt; e-mail: gamal.lashin@usa.net
  

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EARLY CRETACEOUS MICROPHYTOFOSSILS FROM THE ANABAR BAY REGION (NORTH SIBERIA).

Abstract: The present report is concerned with palynological analysis of Valanginian aged deposits from the Anabar Bay section. The results of palynological investigation have allowed the determination of three aged dinocyst zones, which are calibrated against macro- and microfauna scales and standard dinocyst zonation developed for Western Asia areas of Russia. These <N>dinocyst assemblages display significant similarity with those from Arctic regions of Russia and Canada, but differ from European ones. All palynological assemblages contained adundant spore and pollen grains, the composition of which allow the examinator of the Anabar Bay region as a part of the Siberian paleofloristic province. Taxonomical fluctuations of microphytofossils may be related with paleoenviromental changes in the paleobasin.

• Ekaterina B. Pestchevitskaya, Institute of Petroleum Geology, Siberian Branch RAS, ak. Koptug av. 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; e-mail: ilyina@uiggm.nsc.ru

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RECONSTRUCTION OF ANTARCTIC PALAEOCLIMATES USING ANGIOSPERM WOOD ANATOMY.

Abstract: Fossil angiosperm wood is abundant within Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments on the Antarctic Peninsula. The wood, which represents the trunks and branches of large forest trees that once grew on an emergent volcanic arc, is exquisitely preserved by petrifaction with calcite and silica. Microscopic anatomical details of the angiosperm wood, such as the intervessel and vessel- ray pitting, are present which has permitted comparison with the anatomy of modern woods and identification of the fossil wood taxa plus investigation of the climate significance of certain anatomical features. The families Nothofagaceae, Monimiaceae, Winteraceae, Illiciaceae and Atherospermataceae have been identified so far. Growth ring analysis indicates that these trees grew well under a favourable temperate climate during both the Late Cretaceous and Early Tertiary. Studies of anatomical features show that some characters, such as vessel diameter and distinctness of growth rings, correlate with changing temperatures and water availability.

Key words: angiosperm wood, palaeoclimate, Cretaceous, Antarctica

• Imogen Poole and Jane Francis, School of Earth Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK; e-mail: i.poole@earth.ledds.ac.uk, J.Francis@earth.leeds.ac.uk
  

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ASPECTS OF ROMANIAN EARLY JURASSIC PALAEOBOTANY AND PALYNOLOGY. PART I. IN SITU SPORES FROM THE GETIC NAPPE, BANAT, ROMANIA.

Key words: Early Jurassic, in situ spores, ferns, Getic Nappe, Reşiţa Basin, South Carpathians, Romania

• Mihai E. Popa, University of Bucharest, Faculty of Geology and Geophysics, Laboratory of Palaeontology, 1, N. Bǎlcescu Ave., 70111, Bucharest, Romania; e-mail: mihaip@ns.geo.edu.ro
• Johanna H.A. Van Konijnenburg-Van Cittert, Utrecht University, Laboratory of Palaeobotany and Palynology, Budapestlaan 4, 3584 CD Utrecht, The Netherlands; e-mail: j.h.a.vankonijnenburg@bio.uu.nl
  

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COMPARATIVE PALYNOLOGY OF THE SENONIAN FORMATIONS IN THE PELSO AND TISZA UNITS (HUNGARY).

Abstract: In Hungary different Senonian sequences can be distinguished belonging to two remote tectonic units: the Pelso and Tisza. Based on integrated palynological results, in association with Nannoplankton zones (CC14/15 – CC22c), the different geological units can be reliably correlated and assigned to the Coniacian – Late Campanian period. Both units belonged to the littoral region of the Normapolles Phytogeographical Province. The dinoflagellate association of the Pelso Unit connects it to the western part of the Tethys (S France and Paris Basin). Whereas the Tisza Unit maintained a shallow-water coastal environment, that of the Pelso Unit was one of open sea with a noticeable oceanic effect.

Key words: Pelso and Tisza Units, Senonian, integrated palynostratigraphy, correlation, nannoplankton zones, palaeoenvironment

• Ágnes Siegl-Farkas, Geological Institute of Hungary, H-1143, Budapest, Stefánia-út 14; e-mail: siegla@mafi.hu

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CORRELATION OF MID-CRETACEOUS PLANT MICROFOSSILS FROM THE RARITAN FORMATION OF THE ATLANTIC COASTAL PLAIN WITH THE PERUC-KORYCANY FORMATION OF THE BLANSKO GRABEN.

Abstract: Comparisons made between the palynological assemblage of the Raritan Formation of northern New Jersey (and partly Potomac Group of the Maryland and Delaware) and those reported from the Blansko Graben, Bohemian Cretaceous Basin, indicate that both contain many similar elements of angiosperm pollen. Organic-walled cysts of dinoflagellates and acritarchs are present in decreasing amounts in New Jersey surface outcrops, but increasing in the Blansko boreholes. These assemblages are valuable in that it occurs in a sequence of strata dated by macrofauna. Three Zones-II, III and IV of the Potomac and Raritan have been used for the correlation with the smaller lithological units A–H (the Peruc Member), I–J (the Korycany Member). The base of the Blansko boreholes V-127, 134 and 135 (unit A, B, palynozone “Retitricolpites” georgensis-Dicotetradites sp. A with Zone IIC, characterized by transition assemblage between zones IIB and III with many small reticulate tricolpates and oblate to prolate triangular tricolporoidates and rare tetrads of Dicotetradites sp. A, date as latest Albian to earliest Cenomanian.
Larger triangular psilate and reticulate tricolporates and new tricolpates appear in Zone III, lower Cenomanian, (IIC and III are found in the Potomac Formation of the Salisbury Embayment of Maryland and in subsurface of Delaware) which is comparable with the units C–H of the Blansko boreholes. The first primitive triporate Normapolles (Complexiopollis) appear at the top of the borehole V-134, unit J and it can be correlated with the lower part of the Zone IV of the Raritan Formation of New Jersey, dated by Doyle and Robbins, 1977 as middle Cenomanian-lower Turonian? (surface samples in Sayerville, New Brunswick and Perth Amboy). The Woodbridge Member of the Lower Raritan Formation has been dated as Late Cenomanian by occurence of the ammonites Metoicoceras bergquisti and Metoicoceras mosbyense. Unit J of the borehole V-127 been dated by Inoceramus (Mytiloides) crippsi (Čech, pers. comm.) as middle Cenomanian.

Key words: Correlation, middle Cretaceaous, palynomorphs, Atlantic Coastal Plain, Blansko 1 Graben

• Marcela Svobodová, Institute of Geology AS CR, Rozvojová 135, 165 00 Praha 6, Czech Republic; e-mail: msvobodova@gli.cas.cz
• Gilbert J. Brenner, Department of Geology State University of New York, New Paltz, N.Y. 125612; e-mail: Brennerg98@aol.com

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ON MONOSULCATE AND DISULCATE POLLEN GRAINS FROM THE ALBIAN-TURONIANIN KAZAKHSTAN.

Key words: Albian, Senomanian-Turonian, pollen, ultrastructure, monocotyledons, evolution

• Valentina F. Tarasevich, Sergey G. Zhilin, Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Palynology and Department of Palaeobotany, Prof. Popov Str., 197376, St. Petersburg, Russia; e-mail: Zhilin@AH15353.spb.edu

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TWO LEAF MORPHOTYPES OF THE PAGIOPHYLLUM PEREGRINUM (LINDLEY ET HUTTON) SCHENK EMEND. KENDALL FROM THE MECSEK MOUNTAINS, HUNGARY.

Key words: Gymnosperms, Liassic, Hungary, Pagiophyllum peregrinum, heterophylly

• Frédéric Thévenard, Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Evolution des Végétaux Actuels et Fossiles et UMR 5565 du CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 43 Bd 11 novembre 1918, F-69622 Villeurbanne Cédex, France; e-mail: evenard@cismsun.univ-lyon1.fr
• Maria Barbacka, The Botanical Department of the Hungarian Natural History Museum, H-1476 Budapest, P.O. Box 222; e-mail: barbacka@bot.nhmus.hu

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ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY OF THE CUTICLE OF HIRMERIELLA MUENSTERI.

Key words: Cuticular ultrastructure, Hirmeriella muensteri, Cheirolepidiaceae, Liassic, Germany

• Frédéric Thévenard, Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Evolution des Végétaux Actuels et Fossiles et UMR 5565 du CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 43 Bd 11 novembre 1918, F-69622 Villeurbanne Cédex, France; e-mail: evenard@cismsun.univ-lyon1.fr
• Gaëtan Guignard, Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Évolution des Végétaux actuels et fossiles, Université Claude Bernard, 43 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne-cedex, France; e-mail: guignard@cismsun.univ-lyon1.fr
• Johanna H.A. van Konijnenburg-van Cittert, Laboratory of Palaeobotany and Palynology, University of Utrecht, Budapestlaan 4, 3584 CD Utrecht, the Netherlands; e-mail: hanvk@boev.biol.ruu.nl

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MIDDLE JURASSIC PALYNOLOGICAL ASSEMBLAGES OF THE SHAIM PETROLEUM-BEARING REGION (WESTERN SIBERIA).

Abstract: The results of palynological analysis allow the determination a Middle Jurassic (Bajocian-Bathonian) age of the sediments from the Tyumenskaya Formation originating from by six boreholes in the Shaim petroleum-bearing region (north-western part of Western Siberia). Study of taxonomic composition and the stratigraphic distribution of spores and pollen grains provide the basis for a local biostratigraphic subdivision of these deposits. The geosequence of two palynostratigraphic units, including five subunits, which are calibrated against the palynozones and beds with spores and pollen grains of the Jurassic palynostratigraphic scale of Siberia, established by Ilyina (1997), have been defined. The succession of the distinguished palynological assemblages reflects climatic migrational changes of the flora in the investigated region.

• Anna N. Trubicyna, Institute of Petroleum Geology, Siberian Branch of RAS, Koptug av. 3, Novosibirsk 90, 630090, Russia; e-mail: ilyina@uiggm.nsc.ru

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ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE MOST ANCIENT ANGIOSPERM POLLEN GRAINS FROM THE EARLY CRETACEOUS OF THE UKRAINE.

Abstract: Eight types of sporoderma structure of pollen grains of the most ancient angiosperms are described. Three types have no equivalents among contemporary angiospermal plants. Seven types were characterized by their homogenous ectexine, although their endexine was diverse: granular, lamellar or fibrous-pseudolammellar. Three types were characterized by features being in ontogenesis columns.

Key words: Cretaceous, Angiospermae, palynomorphs, Ukraine

• Margarita A. Voronova and N. N. Voronov, Institute of Geological Sciences, Laboratory of Palaeobotany, National Academy of Sciences 55-b Olesya Gonchara str., 252054, Kiev, Ukraine; e-mail: ignnanu@geolog.freenet.kiev.ua
  

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ARE THE LOWER LIASSIC PLANTS OF ODROWĄŻ (POLAND) BURNT?

Abstract: An interesting type of preservation of fossil plants was observed during investigations on the Lower Liassic flora from Odrowąż, Poland. The flora was collected and determined by the late Professor Maria Reymanówna, Elżbieta Wcisło-Luraniec and Jadwiga Ziaja. Macro- and microfossils are partly preserved as fusain (fossil charcoal) and a large amount of black, opaque particles of different sizes and angular shapes was found after maceration of palynological samples. The cuticule of megafossils was macerated using conventional techniques and this proved to be very difficult, with leaves of the Podozamites type falling into small pieces during maceration. Three-dimensional structures, with open cell lumina in the cuticle of Phlebopteris angustiloba leaves have been observed in SEM. According to Reymanówna (1992, 1993) the Liassic vegetation in Odrowąż caught fire during the dry season, preasumbly initiated by lightning strikes. Furthermore it is considered that the now extinct trees Hirmeriella muensteri opened their cones after fire, to reproduce.

Key words: Liassic, Odrowąż, Holy Cross Mts., Poland, macrofossils, microfossils, fusain, charcoal

• Jadwiga Ziaja and Elżbieta Wcisło-Luraniec, W. Szafer Institute of Botany, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Lubicz 46, 31–512 Kraków, Poland; e-mail: ziaja@ib-pan.krakow.pl
  

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DEVELOPMENT OF SEDIMENTATION, MOLLUSCS AND PALYNOSPECTRA IN THE LOWER MIOCENE OF THE SOUTH-WESTERN PART OF THE CARPATHIAN FOREDEEP IN MORAVIA (CZECH REPUBLIC).

Abstract: The environment in the south-western part of the Carpathian Foredeep in Moravia (surroundings of Znojmo and Miroslav) in the Lower Miocene (Eggenburgian, Ottnangian) was extraordinarily variable. Marine facies interchanged with those of lagoons and deltas. Sedimentation took place in a subtropical climate and in the inshore zone. Changes of the marine environment in this area were connected primarily with sea level changes (fluctuations in water depth and dynamics, light, aeration, salinity) and with variable rates and intensities of sediment accumulation. The flora and fauna reflect all these environmental changes with great occuracy.

Key words: sedimentology, palaeontology – molluscs, palynology, Lower Tertiary, Carpathian Foredeep, Czech Republic

• Nela Doláková, Šárka Hladniková and Slavomír Nehyba, Department of Geology and Palaeontology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic; e-mail: nela@gap.muni.cz

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TROPHIC CONDITIONS DURING THE EARLY OLIGOCENE STAGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PODHALE FLYSCH BASIN (INNER CARPATHIANS, POLAND): A DINOCYST RECORD.

Abstract: The early stages of the Palaeogene flysch deposition in the northern part of the Podhale Basin were characterized by oligotrophic conditions contemporaneous with a build-up of carbonates in the southern part. In the latter area, oligotrophic conditions continued during the deposition of the Zakopane beds (Early Oligocene), whereas eutrophic conditions reigned in the north during the deposition of the Szaflary beds.

Key words: trophic conditions, dinocysts, palynofacies, Oligocene, Podhale Flysch, Inner Carpathians, Poland

• Przemysław Gedl, Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, Senacka 1, 31-002 Kraków, Poland; e-mail: ndgedl@cyf-kr.edu.pl

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TERRESTRIAL PLANT FOSSILS IN THE TRANSGRESSIVE PALAEOGENE LITTORAL/FLYSCH SEQUENCE OF THE TATRA MOUNTAINS (CENTRAL CARPATHIANS).

Abstract: A review of first reported over a century ago, fossil plant remains, from the Palaeogene transgressive littoral/flysch sequence on the northern slope of the Tatra Mountains is given. Collections and samples housed in Polish museums and scientific institutions have been checked. The plant remains had been transported by sea currents and/or rivers from the south where at that time, the land mass of the Inner Carpathians had been subject to gradual inundantion. Some fossil plant impressions from the Chłabówka locality are presented. The most probable age of the plant fossils is late Middle and/or early Late Eocene, with the exceptions of the oldest one (Raciborski 1892), which could be older Middle Eocene and the younger coalified wood pieces, which belong to the Oligocene.

Key words: stratigraphy, plant macrofossils, Eocene, Palaeogene, Tatra Mts, Carpathians

• Jerzy Głazek, Institute of Geology, A. Mickiewicz University, Maków Polnych 16, 61–606 Poznań, Poland; e-mail: glazekj@ main.amu.edu.pl
• Ewa Zastawniak, W. Szafer Institute of Botany, Department of Palaeobotany, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lubicz 46, 31–512 Kraków, Poland; e-mail: E.Zastaw@ib-pan.krakow.pl

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JUGLANDACEAE POPULATION DYNAMICS ACROSS THE PALAEOCENE – EOCENE BOUNDARY FROM THE BIGHORN BASIN, WYOMING, USA.

Key words: Juglandaceae, Palaeocene-Eocene, Wyoming USA

• Guy J. Harrington, Centre for Palynology, Dept. of Earth Sciences, University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, S3 7HF, UK; e-mail: GLP9SGJH@sheffield.ac.uk

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PALYNOLOGICAL AND SEDIMENTOLOGICAL DATA ABOUT LATE SARMATIAN PALAEOCLIMATIC CHANGES IN THE FORECARPATHIAN AND EUXINIAN BASINS (NORTHERN BULGARIA).

Abstract: The Bessarabian and Chersonian sediments from the Forecarpathian and Euxinian Basins were studied palynologically and sedimentologically. Both sedimentological and palynological data show that the climate at that time became dry in the proximity of the basins. The deposition of aragonite sediments took place under a dry climate. The presence of xerophytic palaeocommunities also provides evidence that the climate was warm, with long dry periods and minimal rainfall.

Key words: Bulgaria, Sarmatian, palynology, sedimentology, climate

• Dimiter A. Ivanov, Institute of Botany, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 23, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; e-mail: dimiter@iph.bio.acad.bg
• Elena Koleva-Rekalova, Geological Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 24, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; e-mail: elkore@geology.acad.bg

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PALINOFACIES IN THE TURÓW OPEN-PIT (SW POLAND).

Abstract: During Early Miocene thick lignite deposit was formed in the Zittau Basin. The Liginite Deposit was formed in some different enviroments (swamp, mire, lake). Character of those enviroments involuted immediate influence on palynological spectras and composition of plant detritus. Every enviroment has variable qualitity of those elements and this allows to mark out characteristic palynofacies.

Key words: Tertiary, palynofacies, lignite

• Renata Karoń, Polish Geological Institute 4, Rakowiecka, 00-975 Warszawa, Poland

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LM AND TEM INVESTIGATIONS ON HUNGARIAN NEOGENE LIGNITES.

Key words: Upper Pliocene lignite LM, TEM structure, Palynology

• Mikl�s Kedves, Cell Biological and Evolutionary Micropaleontological Laboratory of the Department of Botany of the J.A. University, H-6701, P.O. Box 993, Szeged, Hungary
  

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MICROSTRUCTURE OF THE TECTUM SCULPTURE VISIBLE UNDER SEM – A DIAGNOSTIC FEATURE FOR THE BOTANICAL AFFINITY OF FOSSIL POLLEN SPECIES.

Abstract: In the Konin region, central Poland, are two brown coal seams of economic importance. The lower seam is dated as Middle Miocene and reaches a thickness of 90 metres. It formed only in small, isolated tectonic depressions and is worked in the Lubstów area. The pollen assemblages from this seam are dominated by conifer pollen, followed by angiosperm pollen containing a large number of tricolporate grains such as Tricolporopollenites pseudocingulum (Potonié) Thomson et Pflug, T. dolium (Potonié) Thomson et Pflug and T. villensis (Thomson) Thomson et Pflug. As the pollen material is perfectly preserved, the authors have attempted a more detailed classification of species of the Tricolporopollenites pseudocingulum (Potonié) Thomson et Pflug group on the basis of the exine sculpture visible under SEM. The sculpture changes observed under SEM in the fossilised material of Tricolporopollenites pseudocingulum (Potonié) Thomson et Pflug sensu lato examined can be arranged in a morphological sequence which proves the existence of similarities between the constitution of the structure of the fossil species and the Fagaceae (subfamily Fagoideae).

Key words: Middle Miocene, Poland, pollen grains, tectum sculpture, SEM, Fagaceae

• Aleksandra Kohlman-Adamska, Museum of the Earth, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Na Skarpie 20, 00-488 Warsaw, Poland
• Maria Ziembińska-Tworzydło, Institute of Geology, Warsaw University, Żwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland; e-mail: ziemb@geo.uw.edu.pl

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THREE LATE PONTIAN LEAF-FLORAS FROM NORTHERN SERBIA REFLECTING DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS.

Key words: megaflora, different taphocoenoses, Late Pontian, Serbia

• Dorde Mihailović and Zorica Lazarević, Institute of Regional Geology and Palaeontology, Faculty of Mining and Geology, Kamenička 6, 11000 Belgrade, Yugoslavia; e-mail: alexxa@Eunet.yu; zoridra@beotel.yu, zorical@rgf.bg.ac.yu

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THE PALAEOECOLOGY OF THE LOWER AND MIDDLE EOCENE AT HELMSTEDT, NORTHERN GERMANY – A STUDY IN CONTRASTS.

Key words: lignite, plaeoecology, organic petrology, palynology, palaeobotany, peat formation, palaeoclimate, Eocene, Northern Germany

• Walter Riegel, Institut und Museum für Geologie und Paläontologie, Universität Göttingen, Goldschmidtstr. 3, 37077 Göttingen; e-mail: wriegel@gwdg.de
• Thomas Bode, Jörg Hammer, Gudrun Hammer-Schiemann, Olaf Lenz, Volker Wilde, Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt; e-mail: vwilde@sngkw.uni-frankurt.de

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PALAEOBOTANICAL EVIDENCE FOR CORRELATING THE STRATIGRAPHY OF THE NEOGENE DEPOSITS OF BELARUS.

Abstract: Three regional superhorizons (Brinev, Antopol and Kolochin) whose age ranges have been determined from palynological, palaeocarpological and diatom studies, are distinguished in a suggested stratigraphic scheme for the Neogene deposits of Belarus. The boundary between the Oligocene and Miocene is located just above the Krupeika set of horizons (23.8 Ma) and that between the Pliocene and Quaternary at the base of the Gomel superhorizon (1.76 Ma).

Key words: pollen analysis, seed flora, diatoms, stratigraphy, correlation, Neogene

• Tatyana Rylova, Tatyana Yakubowskaya and Galina Khursevich, Institute of Geological Sciences, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Kuprevich str.7, 220141 Minsk, Belarus; e-mail: khurs@ns.igs.ac.by

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THE MAKRILIA-FLORA (CRETE, GREECE) – A CONTRIBUTION TO THE NEOGENE HISTORY OF THE CLIMATE AND VEGETATION OF THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN.

Abstract: The combined interpretation of marine and terrigeneous macro- and microfossils from the marine Late Miocene Makrilia Formation near Ierapetra, south-eastern Crete was used for the reconstruction of the palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimatic conditions. The continental derived material in this near shore environment includes leaves, fruits/seeds and pollen grains. For climatic interpretation the climatic requirements of the nearest living relatives of the Makrilia-Flora have been considered and leaf margin analyses have been applied. In combiantion with the present distribution of coral reefs, a fish taxon and distinct dinocyst assemblages, these data suggest a subtropical climate with temperatures similar to those of today but with higher precipitation. The terrestrial vegetation represented in the fossil assemblage indicates a subtropical to transitional subtropical/tropical vegetation (sensu Song 1983, 1988) with arid seasons. Recently published computer simulations suggest that this may have been expressed as weakly developed summer dryness. A palaeovegetational interpretation has been attempted, taking into consideration potential transport and sorting of leaves and pollen and plant-biome distributions in present-day environments.

Key words: Eastern Mediterranean, palaeoclimate, palaeovegetation, Crete, Late Miocene, macroflora, pollen, dinocysts

• Markus Sachse, Paläontologisches Institut, Universität Wien, Althanstr. 14, A-1090 Wien, Austria; e-mail: markus.sachse@univie.ac.at
• Barbara Mohr, Institut für Paläontologie, Naturkundemuseum Berlin, Invalidenstr. 43, D-10115 Berlin, Germany; e-mail: h0662bnh@rz.hu-berlin.de
• Jean_Pierre Suc, Centre de Paléontologie stratigraphique et Paléoécologie, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 29, Boulevard du 11 Novembre, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France; e-mail: jean-pierre.suc@univ-lyon1.fr

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PALAEOBOTANICAL AND PALYNOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE UPPER BADENIAN SEDIMENTS FROM THE NE PART OF THE VIENNA BASIN (LOCALITY DEV�NSKA NOV� VES).

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MIDDLE AND LATE MIOCENE FLORISTIC CHANGES IN THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN PARTS OF THE CENTRAL PARATETHYS.

• Leon Stuchlik, Władysław Szafer Institute of Botany, Dept. of Palaeobotany, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lubicz 46, 31–512 Cracow, Poland; e-mail: stuchlik@ib-pan.krakow.pl,
  
• Dimiter Ivanov, Emanuel Palamarev, Institute of Botany, Dept. of Palaeobotany, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 23 Acad. G. Bontchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; e-mail: dimiter@iph.bio.acad.bg; palam@iph.bio.bas.bg

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PALAEOLANDSCAPES OF THE LATE SARMATIAN HIPPARION FAUNA STAGE OF THE UKRAINE (USING PALYNOLOGICAL DATA).

Abstract: The results of palynological studies of deposits obtained from outcrops near Grebenniki and Novoelisavetovka II villages of the Odessa region are presented. On the basis of palynological analysis, the age of these deposits with Hipparion remains was determined as Sarmatian. The results have made it possible to determine the climate, changes in vegetation, and the nature of the landscape at the time, as well as to characterize the ecological peculiarities of the fauna.

Key words: Sarmatian, palynocoplexes, Hipparion, palaeolandscape

• Svetlana Syabryaj, Institute of Geological Sciences, Laboratory of Palaeobotany, National Academy of Sciences, 55-b, Olesya Gonchara str., 252054 Kiev, Ukraine; e-mail: ignnanu@geolog.freenet.kiev.ua

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LEAF FEEDING TRACES FROM THE UPPER PLIOCENE FOSSIL LAGERSTÄTTE OF WILLERSHAUSEN, LOWER SAXONY, GERMANY.

Abstract: The Upper Pliocene flora of the Willershausen fossil Lagerstätte was examined for leaf feeding traces. 4509 well preserved angiosperm leaves were examined. Traces were observed on 19% of leaves, a figure greater than in older Tertiary floras. Traces were treated from an ichnological perspective. “Dispersed” and “Undispersed” feeding strategies were recognised, these included; bud and feeding on developing foliage, mining, galling, continuous and interrupted marginal feeding. Gregarious and co-operative feeding on single leaves was also observed. Trace vulnerability varied dramatically between different host leaves.

Key words: Herbivory, ichnotaxonomy, trace fossils, plant-insect interactions, Tertiary, Pliocene

• Frederick R. Titchener, Department of Geology, Royal Holloway, Univeristy of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, GB; e-mail: fredtitchener@hotmail.com

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SYMPLOCACEAE AND CYRILLACEAE IN THE LOWER RHENISH BROWN COAL: IMPORTANT COMPONENTS OF A PEAT-GENERATING VEGETATION.

Key words: leaves, cuticle, Miocene, palaeoecology, Germany

• Johan van der Burgh, Laboratory of Palaeobotany and Palynology, Utrecht University, Budapestlaan 4, 3584 CD Utrecht, The Netherlands; e-mail: j.vanderburgh@bio.uu.nl
  

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REVIEW OF THE LATE MIOCENE FLORA OF VEGORA, WESTERN MACEDONIA, GREECE.

Key words: Late Miocene, flora, vegetation, palaeoclimate, Greece

• Evangelos Velitzelos, National University of Athens, Subfaculty of Earth Science, Panepistimiopolis, 15784 Athens, Greece
• Zlatko Kvaček, Charles University, Faculty of Science, Albertov 6, 128 43 Praha 2, Czech Republic; e-mail: kvacek@prfdec.natur.cuni.cz

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THE EOCENE AND EARLY OLIGOCENE FLORAS OF THE RUSSIAN PLAIN AND THEIR RELATION TO THE PALAEOFLORAS OF CENTRAL EUROPE.

Key words: Palaeogene, Russia, Central Europe, leaf compression and impression, stomata, epidermis

• Sergei V. Vikulin, V.L. Komarov Botanical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Department of Palaeobotany, 2 Prof. Popov St., St Petersburg 197376, Russia; e-mail: vickulin@SV2351.spb.edu

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COMPTONIA-LIKE LEAVES FROM THE GERMAN MIDDLE EOCENE.

Abstract: Leaves and leaf fragments similar to those of the monotypic extant genus Comptonia (Myricaceae) are described for the first time from the Middle Eocene maar filling of Eckfeld near Manderscheid (Eifel, Germany). Two previously described leaf fragments of the same kind from the slightly older deposits of Messel have been re-investigated for comparison. The fossil material is not only compared to extant Comptonia, but also to similar leaves in the proteaceous genera Banksia and Dryandra and leaflets of Lyonothamnus (Rosaceae). It is assigned to the broadly defined species "Comptonia" difformis (Sternberg 1825) Berry 1906 for which an emended diagnosis is presented. Compared to the widely distributed and sometimes almost identical fossil material, the only present species of Comptonia is quite restricted in geographical and ecological distribution.

Key words: Fossil leaves, Middle Eocene, Palaeogene, Germany, Messel, Eckfeld, Comptonia, Myricaceae, palaeoecology

• Volker Wilde, Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, Paläobotanik, Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325 Frankfurt am Main, German
• Herbert Frankenhäuser, Naturhistorisches Museum Mainz/Landessammlung für Naturkunde Rheinland Pfalz, Reichklarastr. 10, D-55116 Mainz, Germany

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A PALYNOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE QUATERNARY DEPOSITS IN THE WIDER AREA OF ZAGREB (CROATIA).

Abstract: Within the research project “Geological Map of the Republic of Croatia, scale 1:50.000”, palynological analysis has been carried out on sandy to clayey silts from the outcrops in the wider area of Zagreb, in order to define the stratigraphical position of these sediments which were previously assigned to be of “Plio-Quaternary” age. The analysed samples have yielded palynological assemblages, which indicate Pleistocene age. The assemblage consisting of Sparganium, Cichoriaceae, Tilia, Betulaceae, Nyssa, Quercus suggests interglacial conditions, and the assemblage dominated by Coniferae and Sphagnum suggests glacial conditions.

Key words: sporomorphs, palynology, Pleistocene, Croatia

• Koraljka Bakurač and Georg Koch, Institute of Geology, Sachsova 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; e-mail: igi-zagreb@zg.tel.hr
  

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PALYNOLOGICAL STUDIES ON LATE PLIOCENE/EARLY PLEISTOCENE SEDIMENTS FROM LAKE BAIKAL (SIBERIA).

Abstract: Palynological analysis of sediment samples from the BDP-96-1 drilling (Lake Baikal, Academician Ridge) was performed focussing on the time interval 3.6 to 2.2 Ma B.P. (million years before present). Pollen and spore data revealed the vegetation development from conifer forests with associated broadleaved trees to forests with declining participation of hemlock firs (Tsuga). Spread of fir, shrub alders and juniper as well as of steppe vegetation (Artemisia) reflect climatic changes (dry, cold) in the Baikal region, which are related in time to the intensification of northern hemisphere glaciations.

Key words: Lake Baikal, late Pliocene, pollen analysis, vegetation history, palaeoclimate

• Dieter Demske, Museum für Naturkunde, Humboldt-Universität, Invalidenstr. 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany, Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Forschungsstelle Potsdam, Telegrafenberg A43, 14473 Potsdam, Germany; e-mail: dieter.demske@rz.hu-berlin.de
• Barbara Mohr, Museum für Naturkunde, Humboldt-Universität, Invalidenstr. 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany, e-mail: barbara.mohr@rz.hu-berlin.de

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PALYNOLOGY OF THE LATE ELSTERIAN TO EARLY SAALIAN AQUATIC SEDIMENTS IN WESTERN LATVIA.

Abstract: Palynological investigations into of the origin and composition of pollen in the aquatic intertill sediments of western Latvia in the Ziemupe-Jurkalne area indicate that these were laid down during a lengthy non-glacial interval of the Middle Pleistocene. Pollen and fossil data prove that sediment formation began in the subarctic conditions of the Late Letiza/Late Elsterian (Sudrabi Member) and continued through the Akmenrags/Holsteinian Interglacial into the subarctic conditions of the Kurzeme/Saalian glaciation (Jurkalne formation), including the first advance and retreat of the Baltic Sea. Nine pollen assemblage zones (PAZ I-IX) have been distinguished, suggesting three main types of vegetation on the mainland in the region, which reflect three different sets of climatic conditions:
1) periglacial (PAZ I);
2) temperate, (PAZ II-VI), of an interglacial cool – warm – cool climatic sequence;
3) open landscape vegetation, typical of cold arctic and subarctic early glacial climatic conditions during stadials (PAZ VII, IX) and sparse forest during the subarctic and boreal climate of the interstadial (PAZ VIII).
In the Akmenrags/Holsteinian Interglacial it was possible to cover an extended sequence of vegetational succession ranging from Betula-Pinus through Picea-Ulmus-Tilia-Corylus-Alnus, Abies-Carpinus, Pinus, and concluding with a Betula-Alnus-Quercetum mixtum period.
The Ziemupe-Jurkalne area is the most easterly one in the Baltic Sea basin where a pollen sequence characteristic for the Holsteinian Interglacial can be recognized in marine sediments.

Key words: marine, Pleistocene, Sudrabi, Akmenrags, Jurkalne, Holsteinian, pollen, western Latvia

• Laimdota Kalnina, University of Latvia, Faculty of Geographical and Earth Sciences, 19 Rainis Bvld, Riga, LV-1586, LATVIA; e-mail: lkalnina@lanet.lv

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POLLEN-BASED CLIMATE RECONSTRUCTIONS IN THE EUROPEAN PLEISTOCENE: THE MODIFIED INDICATOR SPECIES APPROACH AS A TOOL FOR QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS.

Abstract: To obtain quantitative palaeoclimate data from Pleistocene pollen records we analyzed the potential of the indicator species approach introduced by Iversen (1944). The methodology of this approach was modified to increase its climatic resolution: In contrast to the original concept, all members from an assemblage are evaluated. Thus we established a databank describing the climatic requirements of 85 plant taxa from European pollen records. As a second step, a procedure is introduced to assess the 70% probability intervals for the actual temperatures within the original intervals obtained through the approach. For the routine evaluation of the mean January and July temperatures a computer algorithm executing the calculation steps was developed. The modified approach was applied to the Holsteinian pollen sequence of Lac du Bourget (northern French Alps). For this pollen record our modified approach yields a detailed temperature reconstruction for cold and warm episodes. The resolution for the mean January and July temperatures varies between less than 1 and 2.5^oC.

• Stefan Klotz, Geographical Institute, University of Tübingen, Hölderlinstrasse 12, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany; e-mail: stefan.klotz@uni-tuebingen.de
• Jörg Pross, Institute and Museum for Geology and Palaeontology, University of Tübingen, Sigwartstrasse 10, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; e-mail: joerg.pross@uni-tuebingen.de

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PALYNOLOGICAL PROFILES OF THE EEMIAN AND EARLY VISTULIAN IN SOUTH-WESTERN POLAND.

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a pollen analysis of the Eemian sediments at Dziadowa Kłoda, Szklarka, Lechitów, Jutrzyna and preliminary results from the Early Vistulian at Dziadowa Kłoda and Szklarka in south-western Poland.

Key words: pollen analysis, Eemian, Vistulian

• Teresa Kuszell and Małgorzata Malkiewicz, Institute of Geological Sciences, Department of Palaeobotany, University of Wrocław, Cybulskiego 30, 50–205 Wrocław, Poland; e-mail: tkusz@ing.uni.wroc.pl, mmalk@ing.uni.wroc.pl
  

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PALYNOLOGICAL AND PLANT MACROFOSSIL DATA ON LATE PLEISTOCENE SHORT-TERM CLIMATIC OSCILLATIONS IN NORTH-EASTERN HUNGARY.

Abstract: Study of pollen, fossilized Bryophyta and charcoal in the Pleistocene part of a 4.30 m core from Nagy-Mohos lake, NE Hungary, has provided a palaeoenvironmental record for the period between c. 8800–22000 years BP. Our investigation attempted to detect small scale climatic fluctuations and to reconstruct the succession of the local peat-forming communities.
During the Upper Pleniglacial the basin was surrounded by coniferous forest-steppe vegetation. Based on the palynological record, two phases of climatic improvement can be distinguished between 20000–22000 and 16000–17000 BP when the percentage of arboreal taxa increased. These data coincide with the malacological and macrocharcoal records from the Hungarian loess profiles. Forest fires were an important factor in the evolution of both terrestrial and aquatic vegetation. An increased frequency of fires during the course of the Late Glacial/Postglacial transition led to the burning of the mire surface and a subsequent slump covered the pleistocene layers with c. 1 m thick layer of silty clay.
Lithostratigraphic analysis of the sediment shows alternating accumulation of sedge peat, moss peat and organic lake sediment. Major trends in the hydroseral development were the same as those typical for recent boreal mires, although gradual change towards more oligotrophic and acidic conditions is shown to have been interrupted many times in the course of the development of Nagy-Mohos lake.

Key words: pollen/macrofossils, Late Pleistocene, Hungary

• Enikö Magyari, Gusztáv Jakab, and Pál Sümegi, Kossuth Lajos University, Department of Geology and Mineralogy, 4010 Debrecen, P.O. Box 4, Hungary,
• Edina Rudner, Geographical Research Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1062 Budapest, Andrássy str. 62., Hungary
  

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CHRONOLOGICAL FRAMING OF PLIOCENE TO EARLY PLEISTOCENE PLANT MACROFOSSIL ASSEMBLAGES FROM NORTHERN ITALY.

Abstract: The plant macrofossil documentation of northern Italy has been considerably increased by recent palaeocarpological studies. In this paper twenty rich local carpofloras of the Pliocene and Early Pleistocene are analysed. Some of them are well dated by means of non-palaeobotanical methods, and are exploited as reference points in defining the regional palaeofloristic features of different time intervals. The remaining ones are tentatively framed in a chronological sequence thanks to ecostratigraphic (palaeoclimatic) signals. Finally, the floristic data of both types of floras are used to detect the main floral changes: the Pliocene seems to be a crucial epoch for plant extinction, which occurred at least in two successive phases.

Key words: Pliocene, Early Pleistocene, northern Italy, plant macrofossils, biochronology, floristic change, extinction events

• Edoardo Martinetto, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, 5, via Accademia delle Scienze, I – 10123 Torino; e-mail: martinetto@dst.unito.it
  

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BIOSTRATIGRAPHIC SUBDIVISION OF PLEISTOCENE DEPOSITS IN THE SEILOVICHI-49 SEQUENCE (BELARUS).

Key words: pollen analysis, diatom method, biostratigraphy, zone, Middle Pleistocene

• Tatiana Rylova and Galina Khursevich, Institute of Geological Sciences, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Kuprevich str.7, 220141 Minsk, Belarus; e-mail: khurs@ns.igs.ac.by
  

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MURAVIAN (EEMIAN) AND EARLY POOZERIAN (WEICHSELIAN) DEPOSITS AT AZARICHI (EASTERN BELARUS).

Key words: Pleistocene, Muravian Interglacial, Poozerian Glacial, biostratigraphy, pollen data

Irina E. Savchenko and Irina E. Pavlovskaya, Institute of Geological Sciences, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Kuprevich str. 7, 220141 Minsk, Belarus; e-mail: ipavl@ns.igs.ac.by

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THE MICROEVOLUTIONARY TRENDS IN THE QUATERNARY FLORAS OF THE EAST-EUROPEAN PLAIN.

Abstract: The flora of the ancient glaciation province of the East-European plain was strongly affected by the Pleistocene glaciations and re-established itself during the interglacial epochs in a much changed and renewed form. The processes of emergence and extinction of taxa were very intensive in the Glaciopleistocene; despite this, the number of relics in the Pleistocene flora of Europe was much higher than might have been supposed. Changes in the taxonomic composition of the fossil floras were mostly evidenced in communities of aquatic and water mire plants studied at the microevolutionary level.

Key words: fossil flora, species, extinct taxa, evolutionary lines, Quaternary, Potamogeton, Brasenia

• Felix Yu. Velichkevich, Institute of Geological Science, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Kuprevicha str. 7, 220141 Minsk, Belarus
  

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EVOLUTION OF A MACROSUCCESSIONAL SERIES OF PALAEOPHYTOCOENOSES DURING THE PLEISTOCENE AND HOLOCENE IN BELARUS.

Abstract: The Pleistocene and Holocene of Belarus are characterized by eigth interglacials wich are remarkable for the exotic elements contained in their floras and the plant communities which were present in a series of successions, each culminating in an arboreal climax. A comparison of them tells us much about the trends of each succession from the end of a glaciation (Betula phase), through the interglacial (initialy maxima of Pinus and Picea, then Quercus, Ulmus, Corylus, Alnus, Tilia and Carpinus, finally Abies, Picea and  Pinus) until the Betula phase at the beginning of the next glaciation. Overall, a number of climatic optima can be recognized. The macrosuccessions of the Holocene show it to be an unfinished interval with a maximum of Pinus indicating the present time.
A comparison of the pollen diagrams of the Eemian in Europe, associated with macrosuccessions of the plant communities, reveals striking latitudinal and longitudinal differences in their structure and the extent to which they contained exotic taxa. Palynological data thus interpreted provides an additional perspective which complements stratigraphical and palaeogeographical studies in the correlation of natural events.

Key words: Macrosuccessional series, palaeophytocoenoses, fossil palynoflora, exotic plants

• Yadviga Yelovicheva, Institute of Geological Sciences, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Kuprevich str. 7, 220141, Minsk, Belarus; e-mail: yelov@ns.igs.ac.by

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PALAEOECOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF LATE QUATERNARY SEDIMENTS FROM THE WESTERN BLACK SEA.

Abstract: The palynological data and lithological structure of the sediments from core A-96 situated on the northern Bulgarian continental slope (42^o 47’ 02’’N and 28^o 33’ 0’’ E; water depth 630 m) are presented. A transition from steppe vegetation to mixed oak forest is established, accompanied by an increase in the sea level, caused by climatic fluctuations during the Late Quaternary.

Key words: Pollen analysis, dinoflagellate cysts, Black Sea

• Juliana Atanassova, University of Sofia, Biological Faculty, Department of Botany, Bld. “Dragan Tzankov” 8, Sofia – 1421, Bulgaria; e-mail: anely@biofac.uni-sofia.bg

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LATE GLACIAL AND HOLOCENE DEVELOPMENT OF THE VEGETATION IN THE LABE (ELBE) RIVER FLOOD-PLAIN (CENTRAL BOHEMIA, CZECH REPUBLIC).

Abstract: The Labe river was an important factor in the development of the vegetation cover in central Bohemia as early as in the Late Glacial stage and particularly in the Holocene. Palynological study of the organic ox-bow lake sediments of the Labe river revealed the complexity of the notion of flood-plain from the viewpoint of vegetational history and other scientific disciplines. Samples of organic palaeomeander fills were collected for palynological analysis from test borings in the Chrást (CH, CHR), Kozly (KZ, KZL, KZY) and Stará Boleslav (SBL, SB, SBS) localities. Concurrently, samples were collected for radiocarbon dating.

Key words: Palynology, Labe river, Quaternary, Late Glacial, Holocene, Palaeomeanders, Central Bohemia, Czech Republic

• Eva Břízová, Czech Geological Survey, Department of Quaternary, Klárov 3/131, 118 21 Prague 1, Czech Republic; e-mail: brizova@cgu.cz
  

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THE RESULT OF PALYNOLOGICAL STUDIES OF SEDIMENTS FROM THE CULTIVATED LAYERS OF THE LATE BRONZE AND EARLY IRON AGES IN THE STEPPE REGIONS OF GEORGIA.

Abstract: The results of palynological studies of the cultivated layers from ten archaeological sites belonging to the Late Bronze-Early Iron Age period showed that both the vegetation and climate of that time differed significantly from those at the present day. Forest-steppe landscapes were rather widespread due to the wetter climate. In the human activity of that epoch agriculture was predominant.

Key words: palynology, cultivated layer, forest-steppe, humidity

• Eliso Kvavadze, L .Davitashvili Institute of Palaeobiology Georgian Academy of Sciences, 4 Potochnaya Str., 380008 Tbilisi, Georgia; e-mail: eliso@paleobi.acnet.ge

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DISTRIBUTION MAPS OF THE PALAEOLITHIC SITES STUDIED BY POLLEN AND PLANT MACROFOSSIL ANALYSES (DATABASE FOR THE FORMER USSR).

Key words: pollen, macrofossil plant remains, Internet, database, Palaeolithic, archaeological sites

• Galina Levkovskaya, Nikolai Anisutkin, Elena Beliaeva, Institute of History of Material Culture, Russian Academy of Sciences (IHMC RAS). 18 Dvortzovaja nab., St. Petersburg, 191186, Russia
• Yuri Stepanov and Anastassia Bogolubova, PeterLink. 7a Chapygina st., St. Petersburg, 197022, Russia; e-mail: stepanov@peterlink.ru

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PALYNOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF THE PEAT-BOG NEAR JUSZKI VILLAGE, SOUTH OF KOŚCIERZYNA (KASZUBY LAKE DISTRICT), PRELIMINARY RESULTS.

Key words: Kaszuby Lake District, Holocene, palynological analysis, history of vegetation

• Grażyna Miotk-Szpiganowicz, Department of Geomorphology and Geology of the Quaternary, University of Gdańsk, Dmowskiego 16 a, 80–952 Gdańsk, Poland.
  

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A POLLEN ANALYTICAL STUDY ON THE ANCIENT USE OF A PRESENT-DAY PATH IN THE CENTRAL ALPS.

Abstract: A present-day tourist path using the Baldiscio Pass (Passo Baldisco), between Valle Febbraro (upper part of Valle Spluga I) and Valle Mesolcina (CH) in the Central Alps, has been studied. The study is part of an interdisciplinary palaeoecological project.
Pollen analytical data from both terrestrial and lake sediments from Lago Grande (2304 m) close to the path, support historical records providing evidence for the use of the path during the Late Medieval period. A temporary reduction in pasture and epi- and endozooic transport of pollen is dated to the Roman period. Such transport of low altitudinal pollen by domestic animals indicates an earlier use of the path between 3,500 BP and 3,000 BP (corresponding to the late Bronze Age). Some other pollen analytical results from other high-altitudinal areas within the Alps (Hohen Tauern, Austria, and Dauphiné, France) are discussed.

Key words: Pollen, path, road, the Alps, high altitude, epizoochory, Roman Period, Bronze Age

• Dagfinn Moe, Dept. of Botany, University of Bergen, Allégaten 41, N-5007 Bergen, Norway; e-mail: dagfinn.moe@bot.uib.no
• Francesco G. Fedele, Section and Museum of Anthropology, University of Naples, Via Mezzocannone 8, I-80134 Napoli, Italy; e-mail: fedele@dgbm.unina.it

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ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES IN THE VICINITY OF BISKUPIN IN SELECTED PERIODS OF THE LAST SIX THOUSAND YEARS AND THEIR REFLECTION IN POLLEN DIAGRAMS.

Key words: Biskupin, natural environment, pollen analysis, potential vegetation, deforestation, land use

• Władysław Niewiarowski and Bożena Noryśkiewicz, Institute of Geography, Nicholas Copernicus University, Fredry 8, 87–100 Toruń, Poland; e-mail: norys@geo.uni.torun.pl
  

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ANALYSIS OF VEGETATION-ENVIRONMENT RELATIONSHIPS IN THE BAY OF SOZOPOL, BULGARIAN BLACK SEA COAST BY THE CCA METHOD.

Abstract: A 2.20 m long sediment core, belonging to profile of square “D” in the Bay of Sozopol, Bulgarian Black Sea coast, was analysed for diatoms, chrysophycean stomatocystae, dinocysts and pollen. The main objective of this study is to present a mathematical model, based on Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), of the palaeoenvironmental changes in salinity and tidal exposure and to test our hypothesis about the successive phases in the development of the bay during the Eneolithic and Early Bronze age.

Key words: diatoms, pollen, canonical correspondence analysis, Black Sea coastal deposits, the Late Holocene, palaeoecology

• Nadja Ognjanova-Rumenova, Department of Palaeontology and Stratigraphy, Institute of Geology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev str. 24, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; e-mail: nognjan@geology.bas.bg
• Mariana Filipova-Marinova, Museum of Natural History, Maria Luisa blvd. 41, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
• Evgenija Popova, Department of Biomathematics, Institute of Mathematics & Computer Sciences, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev str. 8, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; e-mail: epopova@bgearn.bas.bg

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THE REPRESENTATION OF HIGH ARCTIC PLANT COMMUNITIES IN SURFACE POLLEN ASSEMBLAGES.

• Heather S. Pardoe, Department of Biodiversity and Systematic Biology, National Museums & Galleries of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NP, Great Britain; e-mail: Heather.Pardoe@nmgw.ac.uk
  

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NEW EVIDENCE FOR PLANT EXPLOITATION BY THE SCYTHIAN TRIBES DURING THE EARLY IRON AGE IN THE UKRAINE.

Key words: Ukraine, Early Iron Age, cultivated plants, Scythians

• Galina Pashkevich, Institute of Archaeology, Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, Geroev Stalingrada 12, 254655, Kiev – 210, Ukraine; e-mail: IRA@IARH.KIEV.UA
  

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MAN AND ENVIRONMENT AT 9500 BP. A PALYNOLOGICAL STUDY OF AN EARLY-MESOLITHIC SETTLEMENT SITE IN SOUTH-WEST ESTONIA.

Key words: Pollen analysis, Mesolithic settlement, buried organic matter, environment, Estonia

• Anneli Poska, Uppsala University, Institute of Earth Sciences, Quaternary Geology, Villavägen 16, S-75236, Uppsala, Sweden; e-mail: Anneli.Poska@natgeog.uu.se
• Siim Veski, TTU Institute of Geology, Estonia pst. 7, 10143 Tallinn, Estonia; e-mail: Veski@gi.ee

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PECULIARITIES OF THE PALAEOGEOGRAPHY IN THE VICINITY OF THE KRIVINA PEAT-BOG IN THE LATE GLACIAL AND HOLOCENE.

Key words: peat-bog, palaeolake, deposits, regression stages, pollen diagrams, human impact

• Galina Simakova, Institute of Geological Sciences, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, Kuprevitsha street 7, Belarus; e-mail: vzern@ns.igs.ac.by
  

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THE HOLOCENE FOREST LIMIT IN THE NORTHERN PIRIN MTS (SOUTH-WESTERN BULGARIA) – PALAEOECOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FROM POLLEN ANALYSIS, MACROFOSSIL PLANT REMAINS AND ¹⁴C DATING.

Abstract: The results of plant-macrofossil and pollen analysis at the Praso peat-bog (1900 m) and in Lake Popovo Ezero (2185 m), both situated within the range of the potential forest limit are presented. The composition of the vegetation and changes in the forest limit since 7200 BP are discussed.

Key words: Holocene, forest limit, pollen, plant macrofossils

• Ivanka Stefanova, Institute of Botany, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 23 Acad. Bonchev Str., BG-1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; e-mail: iis@iph.bio.acad.bg
  

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THE EVOLUTION OF THE CARBON CYCLE.

Key words: Carbon dioxide, photosynthesis, stomatal density, carbon burial, oxygen, wildfire, silicate weathering, laminate leaf

• William G. Chaloner, Geology Department, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK; e-mail:  w.chaloner@rhbnc.ac.uk
  

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PRESERVATION OF PLANT CUTICLES.

Abstract: Recent and fossil conifer and Ginkgo cuticles have been studied using a combination of SEM, TEM, py-GC-MS and FT-IR. Results show that a highly resistant original chemical composition is not a prerequisite for preservation. Selective preservation (of a resistant macromolecule such as cutan) or random repolymerization cannot explain the preservation of cuticles in fossil leaves of conifers or Ginkgo. Cuticle preservation as a resistant organic fossil is considered to result from formation of a macromolecular matrix by within-cuticle diagenetic stabilisation of normally labile constituents.

Key words: cuticle, conifer, Ginkgo, macromolecule, preservation, fossil

• Margaret E. Collinson, Andrew C. Scott, Department of Geology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, England
• Barbara M�sle*, Department of Geology and Centre for Chemical Science, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, Englan
• Paul Finch, Centre for Chemical Science, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, England
• Reg Wilson, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, NR4 7UA, England.

* - Present address: Robertson Research International Ltd., Llanrhos, Llandudno, Gwynedd, LL30 1SA

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THE TAXONOMY OF FAGUS IN WESTERN EURASIA AND THE ANCESTORS OF FAGUS SYLVATICA S.L.

Key words: Fagus, W Eurasia, reticulate evolution, parallelism

• Thomas Denk, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Palaeobotany, Box 50007, 10405 Stockholm; e-mail: thomas.denk@nrm.se

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PALYNOTERATICAL COMPLEXES AS INDICATORS OF NATURAL ECOLOGICAL STRESS, PAST AND PRESENT.

Abstract: The present article is a first attempt at distinguishing some types of natural palynoteratical complexes and discusses how they may have arisen. Three different forms of palynoteratical complex may be recognized: 1. dwarf pollen grains or spores of reduced size; 2. palynomorphs which are morphologically abnormal in several features simultaneously; 3. “abortive” pollen with signs of significant underdevelopment. These palynoteratical complexes are indicators of stress states in the genetic make-up of individual plants and plant communities. Palaeozoological, palaeomagnetic and the usual palynological data allow us to correlate such complexes with natural deficiencies in temperature and moisture, either separately or in combination.

Key words: Pollen, spores, palynocomplex, plant, palynomorph, palynoterate

• Galina M. Levkovskaya, Institute of History of Material Culture, Russian Academy of Sciences (IHMC RAS), 18 Dvortzovaja nab., St-Petersburg, 191065, Russia; <->e-mail: stepanov@peterlink.ru
  

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PALAEOBOTANICAL DATA TO THE HISTORY OF THE FAMILY HAMAMELIDACEAE.

Abstract: In the development of the family Hamamelidaceae in Eurasia three stages can be distinguished. In different regions of the continent particular phases of these stages were not synchronous and occupied different stretches of geological time. In Europe and Asia the history of the Hamamelidaceae was closely connected with that of the Turgaian flora, whose disappearance ran paralell to the process of extinction of the Hamamelidaceae.
In Georgia the history of the Hamamelidaceae proceeded against a background of the evolution of subtropical vegetation. As the evergreen forests dissapeared a great number of genera of the Hamamelidaceae became extinct. Only a few representatives continued to survive in the warm-temperate deciduous forest, which covered the plains and lower mountane belts of Colchis during the Late Pliocene.

Key words: Hamamelidaceae, geological history, stages of development, Asia, Europe, Western Georgia (Colchis)

• Irina I. Shatilova, L. Davitashvili Institute of Palaeobiology Georgia Academy of Sciences, Potochnaya 4, 380004, Tbilisi, Georgia; e-mail: eliso@paleobi.acnet.ge
• Leon Stuchlik, Władysław Szafer Institute of Botany, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lubicz 46, 31–512 Krakow, Poland; e-mail: stuchlik@ib-pan.krakow.pl

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THE IMPORTANCE OF MOLECULAR PALAEOBOTANY.

Abstract: Molecular palaeobotany involves the use of geochemical techniques to study morphologically well-characterised, discrete plants fossils. Selected examples are summarised of applications in 1) chemosystematic assessment of extinct plants, 2) interpretation of the taphonomic history and potential taphonomic bias of plant fossil assemblages, 3) understanding chemical transformations during diagenesis and potentially 4) to discover the original chemical composition of tissues in ancient plants and trace their chemical evolution.

Key words: chemosystematics, preservation, taphonomy, diagenesis, molecule, resistance, plant, geochemistry

• Pim F. van Bergen, Organic Geochemistry Group, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80021, 3508 TA Utrecht, The Netherlands; e-mail: p.vanbergen@earth.ruu.nl
• Margaret E. Collinson, Department of Geology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, England; e-mail: M.Collinson@gl.rhbnc.ac.uk
• B. Artur Stankiewicz, Shell E & P Technology Co., 3737 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77025, USA

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POLPAL PROGRAM FOR COUNTING POLLEN GRAINS, DIAGRAMS PLOTTING AND NUMERICAL ANALYSIS.

Key words: Pollen, software, counting microfossils, data base, plotting diagrams, numerical analysis

• Adam Walanus, StatSoft Polska, ul. Kraszewskiego 36, 30–110 Kraków, Poland
• Dorota Nalepka, W. Szafer Institute of Botany, ul. Lubicz 46, 31–512 Kraków; e-mail: nalepka@ib-pan.krakow.pl

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