Palynology of the Narnoo palaeovalley, Western Australia, and its implications for the biostratigraphy and palaeovegetation of southern Australia

Abstract

Late Eocene palynofloras from the Narnoo palaeovalley, incised into the southern Officer Basin of Western Australia (WA), contain 163 previously described pollen and spore species and 36 new species. The Mulga Rock palynoflora is late Eocene (Middle Nothofagidites asperus Zone equivalent, Murray Basin), and suggests that the vegetation of WA at this time may have been more sclerophyllous than previously thought. A meandering palaeoriver system is recognised, with point bar, flood plain and swamp environments.