Results from palynological studies of Lower Pennsylvanian coal beds and adjacent strata from the proposed Pennsylvanian system stratotype in Virginia and West Virginia

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States)

OSTI ID:6386456

Kosanke, R M

The Lower Pennsylvanian Series of the stratotype is composed of the Pocahontas and New River Formations. One hundred twelve samples of roof rock, coal, and seat rock were collected from 29 localities in these formations. Palynological data from samples of 19 of the 29 collecting localities provide evidence to support the continuity of important range zones and establish the first Pennsylvanian occurrence of Laevigatosporites near the top of the New River Formation close to the New River-Kanawha boundary that separates Lower and Middle Pennsylvanian. This occurrence may help in the placement of the boundary in the Appalachian Basin and elsewhere. Fungal remains and other previously unobserved microfossils were found in four samples. Palynomorphs and other organic matter observed in this study have been exposed to a high degree of thermal alteration. The alteration of the palynomorphs is most pronounced in the coal beds of the Pocahontas Formation and the lower half of the New River Formation. Palynomorphs from the Pocahontas Formation are brown to black and more difficult to identify than those from the New River Formation which are a lighter brown color. Palynomorphs preserved in non-coal strata, such as roof and seat rocks, are much less thermally altered than palynomorphs preserved in coal. Consequently, the Pocahontas Formation, the primary data were obtained from non-coal samples.

• Research Organization: Denver Federal Center, CO (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6386456
• Report Number(s): CONF-8510489-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States) Journal Volume: 17
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
011000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
COAL DEPOSITS
COAL SEAMS
DIAGENESIS
ENERGY SOURCES
FEDERAL REGION III
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GAMETES
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
GEOLOGIC HISTORY
GEOLOGY
GERM CELLS
MATERIALS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
PALEOZOIC ERA
PALYNOLOGY
PENNSYLVANIAN PERIOD
POLLEN
RESOURCES
STRATIGRAPHY
USA
VIRGINIA
WEST VIRGINIA