Palynological Resolution of Permian Sequence in Ib-River Coalfield, Orissa and its Environmental Significance

The Ib-River coalfield, a part of Mahanadi Master Basin has rich deposit of Lower Permian Barakar coal. The palynological analysis of sediments from this coalfield has revealed the presence of distinct palynoassemblages. These assemblages represent Permian sequence from Lower Barakar (Early Permian) to Lower Kamthi (Late Permian) sediments. The present palynological studies help in redefining the status of Barakar and Kamthi Formations and in classifying them. Here the palynological assessment has been compared with the megafossil work of the author. Based on the palaeobotanical data, the stratigraphy of this coalfield has been proposed and the environment during Permian time has been discussed in this paper.