Karakoram: An Integral Part of Perigondwana ProvinceFossiliferous Evidences

Abstract

The sedimentary sequence from the Chongtash Formation, Karakoram area (Upper Shyok Valley) has yielded Lower Gondwana palynomorphs referable to Early Permian age. Though these palynomorphs are not well preserved but can be identified at generic level. The palynoassemblage shows dominance of monosaccates viz. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Parasaccites, Plicatipollenites, Divarisaccus, and Caheniasaccites</i>. Few striate disaccates viz. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Striatopodocarpites, Faunipollenites</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Striatites</i> and non-striate disaccates viz. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Scheuring ipollenites and Ibisporites</i> have also been recorded. Among trlietes presence of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Callumispora</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Indotriradites</i> have been observed. Except <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Cordaitina</i> all taxa undoubtedly belong to Gondwana. The palynocomposition especially dominance of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Parasaccites</i> and presence of few striate and non-striate disaccates shows that the assemblage is equivalent to Talchir/ Upper Karharbari Formation (Late Asselian-Sakmarian) of India. This palynoassemblage from Chongtash Formation of Karakoram also shows resemblance with marine Lower Gondwana palynoassemblage of Salt Range (Pakistan). This finding of early Permian palynomorphs from Chongtash Formation of Karakoram area also supports the contention that during early Permian Karakoram was a part of Peri-Gondwanan province and was located on the northern margin of Indian subcontinent.