Palaeoecology of coal-bearing eocene sediments in central Anatolia (Turkey) based on quantitative palynological data

Akkiraz M. S., KAYSERİ ÖZER M. S., AKGÜN F.

TURKISH JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES, vol.17, no.2, pp.317-360, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 17 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Journal Name: TURKISH JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.317-360
  • Keywords: Middle-Late Eocene, mangrove, palaeoenvironment, palaeoclimate, central Anatolia, MIDDLE EOCENE, CLIMATE, EVOLUTION, BASIN
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, the lignite-bearing Yoncali formation between Yozgat and Sorgun, in central Anatolia has been palynologically examined. Based on 37 outcrop samples, quantitative palynological studies recognized 64 genera and 136 palynoflora species in the palynological assemblage, which indicated a Middle-?Late Eocene age. This paper also presents a quantitative palaeovegetation and palaeodimate reconstruction for the Middle-?Upper Eocene coal occurrences of Central Anatolia on the basis of palynomorph assemblages. The diversified floral and ecological characteristics of the pollen taxa indicates that the Middle-?Upper Eocene formations in central Anatolia were characterized by the presence of a complex mangrove swamp with contributions by Nypa, Pelliciera, Avicennia, Diporites tszkaszentgydrgyi and dinoflagellate cysts which reflect warm climatic conditions. Behind the mangrove zone, pollen of Restionaceae, Ephedraceae, Mauritia, Proxapertites (Araceae) and Longapertites (Arecaceae) as well as the fern Acrostichum aureum occur. Lowland-riparian and montane elements are characterized by the dominance of Myricaceae, Symplocaceae, Icacinaceae, Quercus, Pinus and Castanea. Swamp-freshwater elements are represented by Sparganjaceae, Nymphaceae, Taxodjaceae, Cupressaceae and Nyssa as well as fern spores such as Osmundaceae and Gleicheniaceae.