Paleoenvironmental Analysis of Imo Shale Outcrops, using Miospores, from Parts of Ini Local Government Area, Southeastern Nigeria
Keywords:
Palynomorphs, Spores, Pollen, Terrestrial, Nearshore, EstuarineAbstract
This study investigates the paleoenvironmental characteristics of Imo Shale outcrops in parts of Ini, Southeastern Nigeria, through a systematic palynological analysis of miospores. The objectives were to identify and interpret the recovered palynomorph assemblages, classify the vegetation types, and infer the climatic conditions and depositional settings during sedimentation. Thirteen (13) shale samples from three (3) locations were analyzed, yielding a total of 1,854 palynomorphs from 65 genera. These include five (5) spore types, 25 pollen types, and 24 marine indicators. The presence of index species such as Proxapertites cursus, P. operculatus, Mauritidites crassiexinous, Retistephanocolpites williamsi, and dinocysts like Lejeunecysta and Apectodinium suggest a Paleocene to Eocene age. This interpretation is further supported by the occurrence of Selenopemphix nephrois, Apectodinium parvum, Spiniferites hyalospinosus, and Lejeunecysta fallax. The palynomorph assemblages indicate a mix of coastal, nearshore, and terrestrial vegetation, pointing to a deltaic or estuarine paleoenvironment. These findings enhance understanding of the paleoenvironmental evolution of the Imo Formation and have implications for hydrocarbon exploration and geological history in Southeastern Nigeria.
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