This document summarizes the discovery of organic-walled microbiota from black-bedded chert in the Bhander Limestone formation in Madhya Pradesh, India. The microbiota assemblage includes 8 cyanobacterial forms found within silicified algal clasts. The Bhander Limestone formation is part of the youngest Bhander Group of the Vindhyan Supergroup from the Neoproterozoic period between 700-650 million years ago. Abundant stromatolites and carbonaceous megafossils have previously been discovered in the Bhander Limestone, but this represents the first report of microbiota discovered from petrographic thin sections of chert, allowing more
Petrological and Geochemical Studies on Granitoids in BibinagarBhongir Area, ...IJERA Editor
The Granitoids of the Bibinagar- Bhongir area in the Nalgonda district are purely high potassic calc alkaline and
meta aluminous and A-type belongs to Peninsular Gneissic Complex of the Eastern Dharwar Craton. The
petrographic study of granitoids indicates that of pure magmatic origin in the form of different magmatic
textures viz. perthitic, porphyritic and poiklitic textures. Geochemically the granitoids are rich in K2O & Na2O
suggesting source from calc-alkaline magma. The Granitoids are falling mostly in the volcanic arc field on Yb
vs Ta discrimination plot. The REE pattern shows strong Eu negative anomaly, suggesting early separation of
plagioclase and the enhanced level of LILE relative to HFSE in Bibinagar-Bhongir granitoids points to the
subduction zone enrichment and/or crustal contamination of the source region.
The prospecting and mining of base metal in India
dates back to 3000 B.C. All the base metal deposit of India has
surface manifestations in various forms. From 19th century to the
middle of the present century, certain European companies
started a modern phase of base metal exploration and
development. Earlier, the search for base metal was confined to
the close study of surface features. In 1940 ground geophysical
survey work has been introduced in order to search the mineral
deposits. The total world production of lead and zinc metals are
about 3.9 and 11.4 million tonnes respectively in 2009. The
leading producing countries for lead is China (41% of world
production), followed by Australia (15%), USA (10%), Peru (8%)
and Mexico (4%). The Indian production of lead and zinc ore is
7.10 million tonnes in the year 2009-10, it includes 136095 tonnes
of lead concentrate and 1224077 tonnes zinc concentrate. In
India, the Western Indian Craton (Rajasthan) is the main
provider of base metal to the country. It contributes nearly 85%
of the estimated lead and zinc. In Western India Craton, the main
metallotect of lead and zinc from an elongated NE – SW trending
polygon, this covers an area of about 20000 sq. km. It comprises
three metalliferous belts mainly, the Pur-Banera belt, the
Rajpura-Dariba- Bethumni belt, and the Sawar belt and two
metalliferous enclaves namely; the Agucha and the Kayar
enclave.
The 20 km. long crescent shaped, Rajpura-Dariba-Bethumni
belt striking N-S to NNE-SSW. The ancient mining and smelting
activities have been noticed at both ends of the belts. Towards the
southernmost part of the belt, the typical gossan is exposed in the
form of hill. B.C. Gupta, Geological survey of India (G.S.I) first
reported Dariba – Bethumni belt, in the year 1934. The
systematic exploration of the belt was initiated by G.S.I in 1962
and continuing till present. In the Rajpura-Dariba-Bethumni belt
Rajpura and Dariba blocks are under active production since
1983, whereas in the Sindesar Khurd block the production was
started in 2007, under the ownership of Hindustan Zinc Limited
of Vedanta Group. Recently the exploration activity is going on in
the Sonariya Khera block, Chittor block and Bethumni block
under the possession of Hindustan Zinc Limited.
Heavy Mineral Studies of Beach Sands of Vagathor, North Goa, IndiaIJMER
Vagator beach is situated 22 km away from panjim on the northern side Bardez taluk
approachable via Candolim are Mapusa by road. The beach is projected on both the sides by
promontories. The beach is in arcuate shape, the area included with survey of India toposheet No
48/E/14 which is bounded by latitudes 15º35ˈN 15º38ˈN and longitude 78º43ˈE. The Chapora river
and its tributaries drain the entire region that is the Vagator beach. It flows from North-East to
South-West direction. The drainage pattern is structurally controlled; the Chapora River has its
source in the Ramghat hills of Belgaum district in Karnataka then it flows through the Thilari ghat
and enters Goa. Its length in Goa is about 31 km and the mouth of the river bank, mud bank and
mangroves swamps are common.
In laboratory techniques heavy mineral separation are based mass separation in a liquid
with specific gravity and magnetic separation using hand magnet and Frantz isodynamic separator
at different volts. X-ray analysis was carried out by using RIGAKU ALTIMA IV copper target on the
basis of Bragg’s law. The non magnetic sand grains was observed under optical microscope to
identify diagnostic properties of minerals.
The heavy mineral shoot comprises of opaque (magnetite and illmenite) and transparent heavy
minerals like hornblende, epidote, garnet, rutile, zircon, enstatite and minor amounts of tourmaline.
The light minerals are mainly quartz and feldspars. The magnetite concentration ranges between 2.01
to 56.86% and Ilmenite between 2.83 to 41.04% and non mangnetics between 1.18 to 44.81%. X ray
diffraction studies and SEM (Scanning electron microscope) studies were employed to study the
mineralogical composition of beach sands of Vagator and detailed investigations are dealt in the
paper.
Petrological and Geochemical Studies on Granitoids in BibinagarBhongir Area, ...IJERA Editor
The Granitoids of the Bibinagar- Bhongir area in the Nalgonda district are purely high potassic calc alkaline and
meta aluminous and A-type belongs to Peninsular Gneissic Complex of the Eastern Dharwar Craton. The
petrographic study of granitoids indicates that of pure magmatic origin in the form of different magmatic
textures viz. perthitic, porphyritic and poiklitic textures. Geochemically the granitoids are rich in K2O & Na2O
suggesting source from calc-alkaline magma. The Granitoids are falling mostly in the volcanic arc field on Yb
vs Ta discrimination plot. The REE pattern shows strong Eu negative anomaly, suggesting early separation of
plagioclase and the enhanced level of LILE relative to HFSE in Bibinagar-Bhongir granitoids points to the
subduction zone enrichment and/or crustal contamination of the source region.
The prospecting and mining of base metal in India
dates back to 3000 B.C. All the base metal deposit of India has
surface manifestations in various forms. From 19th century to the
middle of the present century, certain European companies
started a modern phase of base metal exploration and
development. Earlier, the search for base metal was confined to
the close study of surface features. In 1940 ground geophysical
survey work has been introduced in order to search the mineral
deposits. The total world production of lead and zinc metals are
about 3.9 and 11.4 million tonnes respectively in 2009. The
leading producing countries for lead is China (41% of world
production), followed by Australia (15%), USA (10%), Peru (8%)
and Mexico (4%). The Indian production of lead and zinc ore is
7.10 million tonnes in the year 2009-10, it includes 136095 tonnes
of lead concentrate and 1224077 tonnes zinc concentrate. In
India, the Western Indian Craton (Rajasthan) is the main
provider of base metal to the country. It contributes nearly 85%
of the estimated lead and zinc. In Western India Craton, the main
metallotect of lead and zinc from an elongated NE – SW trending
polygon, this covers an area of about 20000 sq. km. It comprises
three metalliferous belts mainly, the Pur-Banera belt, the
Rajpura-Dariba- Bethumni belt, and the Sawar belt and two
metalliferous enclaves namely; the Agucha and the Kayar
enclave.
The 20 km. long crescent shaped, Rajpura-Dariba-Bethumni
belt striking N-S to NNE-SSW. The ancient mining and smelting
activities have been noticed at both ends of the belts. Towards the
southernmost part of the belt, the typical gossan is exposed in the
form of hill. B.C. Gupta, Geological survey of India (G.S.I) first
reported Dariba – Bethumni belt, in the year 1934. The
systematic exploration of the belt was initiated by G.S.I in 1962
and continuing till present. In the Rajpura-Dariba-Bethumni belt
Rajpura and Dariba blocks are under active production since
1983, whereas in the Sindesar Khurd block the production was
started in 2007, under the ownership of Hindustan Zinc Limited
of Vedanta Group. Recently the exploration activity is going on in
the Sonariya Khera block, Chittor block and Bethumni block
under the possession of Hindustan Zinc Limited.
Heavy Mineral Studies of Beach Sands of Vagathor, North Goa, IndiaIJMER
Vagator beach is situated 22 km away from panjim on the northern side Bardez taluk
approachable via Candolim are Mapusa by road. The beach is projected on both the sides by
promontories. The beach is in arcuate shape, the area included with survey of India toposheet No
48/E/14 which is bounded by latitudes 15º35ˈN 15º38ˈN and longitude 78º43ˈE. The Chapora river
and its tributaries drain the entire region that is the Vagator beach. It flows from North-East to
South-West direction. The drainage pattern is structurally controlled; the Chapora River has its
source in the Ramghat hills of Belgaum district in Karnataka then it flows through the Thilari ghat
and enters Goa. Its length in Goa is about 31 km and the mouth of the river bank, mud bank and
mangroves swamps are common.
In laboratory techniques heavy mineral separation are based mass separation in a liquid
with specific gravity and magnetic separation using hand magnet and Frantz isodynamic separator
at different volts. X-ray analysis was carried out by using RIGAKU ALTIMA IV copper target on the
basis of Bragg’s law. The non magnetic sand grains was observed under optical microscope to
identify diagnostic properties of minerals.
The heavy mineral shoot comprises of opaque (magnetite and illmenite) and transparent heavy
minerals like hornblende, epidote, garnet, rutile, zircon, enstatite and minor amounts of tourmaline.
The light minerals are mainly quartz and feldspars. The magnetite concentration ranges between 2.01
to 56.86% and Ilmenite between 2.83 to 41.04% and non mangnetics between 1.18 to 44.81%. X ray
diffraction studies and SEM (Scanning electron microscope) studies were employed to study the
mineralogical composition of beach sands of Vagator and detailed investigations are dealt in the
paper.
A Petrographical Approach to Study Mineral Phases Paragenesis of Gold Bearing...Premier Publishers
India hosts several world class gold prospects like Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Hutti Gold Fields (HGF) and Gadag Gold Fields (GGF). Karnataka is the prime state for gold production since all of these gold deposits are located within. Apart from these world class gold deposits, several other gold prospects in India were identified and exploration activities are under progress. The present study aims to characterize the mineral assemblage and paragenetic phases of gold bearing Precambrian rocks around Hosur village in Gadag Schist Belt through detailed examination by Ore Microscopy. Gadag Schist Belt (GSB) is known by its significance of gold deposits for centuries. Gold mineralization in GSB is associated with tholeiitic meta-andesite, quartz porphyries and argillite greywacke assemblage. The Gadag Gold Field (GGF) constitutes one of the most important auriferous zones of the Archaean Greenstone terrains in Southern India. All known mineralization is in the form of structurally controlled vein systems. The occurrence of the gold is intimately associated with arsenopyrite. Representative samples were studied under polarizing reflected-light microscope to identify and to characterize the mineral phases of gold occurrences and its textural relationships. It has been observed that there are five phases of mineralization only in the third phase gold has formed along with arsenopyrite. Surface morphology of gold and sulphide mineralization was examined under SEM; whereas the elemental analysis of selected sample was carried out using EDS.The present work reveals the clear perception of gold occurrence and mineral phases paragenesis using ore microscopic approach.
PROSPECTING TECHNIQUES AND EXPLORATION FOR COAL AT GSI CAMP AMARWARA, CHINDWARA Shivam Jain
PROSPECTING TECHNIQUES AND EXPLORATION FOR COAL AT GSI CAMP AMARWARA, CHINDWARA
for download...click on this https://dlsharefile.com/file/NzA2YTI2YTYt
https://khabarbabal.online/file/NzA2YTI2YTYt
chinji zone:
by these slides you will know about the chinji zone location in siwalik hills
fossil fuels of the chinji zone
how chinji zone formation occurs
FEldspar etc...
A Petrographical Approach to Study Mineral Phases Paragenesis of Gold Bearing...Premier Publishers
India hosts several world class gold prospects like Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Hutti Gold Fields (HGF) and Gadag Gold Fields (GGF). Karnataka is the prime state for gold production since all of these gold deposits are located within. Apart from these world class gold deposits, several other gold prospects in India were identified and exploration activities are under progress. The present study aims to characterize the mineral assemblage and paragenetic phases of gold bearing Precambrian rocks around Hosur village in Gadag Schist Belt through detailed examination by Ore Microscopy. Gadag Schist Belt (GSB) is known by its significance of gold deposits for centuries. Gold mineralization in GSB is associated with tholeiitic meta-andesite, quartz porphyries and argillite greywacke assemblage. The Gadag Gold Field (GGF) constitutes one of the most important auriferous zones of the Archaean Greenstone terrains in Southern India. All known mineralization is in the form of structurally controlled vein systems. The occurrence of the gold is intimately associated with arsenopyrite. Representative samples were studied under polarizing reflected-light microscope to identify and to characterize the mineral phases of gold occurrences and its textural relationships. It has been observed that there are five phases of mineralization only in the third phase gold has formed along with arsenopyrite. Surface morphology of gold and sulphide mineralization was examined under SEM; whereas the elemental analysis of selected sample was carried out using EDS.The present work reveals the clear perception of gold occurrence and mineral phases paragenesis using ore microscopic approach.
PROSPECTING TECHNIQUES AND EXPLORATION FOR COAL AT GSI CAMP AMARWARA, CHINDWARA Shivam Jain
PROSPECTING TECHNIQUES AND EXPLORATION FOR COAL AT GSI CAMP AMARWARA, CHINDWARA
for download...click on this https://dlsharefile.com/file/NzA2YTI2YTYt
https://khabarbabal.online/file/NzA2YTI2YTYt
chinji zone:
by these slides you will know about the chinji zone location in siwalik hills
fossil fuels of the chinji zone
how chinji zone formation occurs
FEldspar etc...
The Field work was carried by 4th Semester Students batch 2021, Department of Earth Sciences University of Kashmir, Srinagar in the month of March 2023 at different places of Rajasthan, India.
the fieldwork was carried under the supervision of Dr Prof Riyaz Ahmad , Dr Shafi and GSI traning Institute Zawar
Sedimentological and Palynological Approach for Determining the Depositional ...Md. Yousuf Gazi
Sitakund anticlinal structure exposes about 1.5 km of Surma group sediments and has been chosen for a comprehensive study of the
mudrocks depositional environment based on sedimentological and palynological evidences. Five mudrock facies have been identified in
this region. They are Mudstone Dominated, Sand/Silt Streaked Shale, Fissile Shale, Laminated Shale and Lenticular Bedded Shale. The
palynological assemblages from these samples have been analyzed qualitatively, and a variety of pollen, spores, algae and fungi identified.
The pollen and spores have been attributed to parent plants located at the immediate and more regional surrounding areas during the
deposition of these sediments. Palynological assemblages incorporates ample of Palmae grains such as spores in the Palmipollenites and
Proxaperites and predominance of pteridophytic spores. The occurrences and abundances of these pollens indicate that the deposition of the
Surma mudrocks took place at the proximity of the shore level. Coastal fluvial environment is also triumphed after the previous depositional
event which is apparent by the occurrence of palynomorphs of pteridophytes, angiosperms and algal origin.
Jabalpur_geology , lithology, economic parts of JabalpurShahWanKhan
The oldest exposed rocks in the region are the Mahakoshal group with ages ranging from Archaean to Paleoproterozoic. These are mainly metamorphic rocks, which are folded, faulted and sheared. The rock types of this group exposed in and around Jabalpur are phyllites, dolomitic marbles, metabasalts and quartzites. here was study and submission of geology around jabalpur area .
GENICULATE CORALLINE ALGAE FROM THE EARLY MIOCENE GODHRA FORMATION OF THE KAC...milind kundal
The Godhra Formation (early Miocene) from the Kachchh Offshore Basin reveals presence of a rich assemblage of calcareous algae along with
abundant foraminifera. In the present paper, eight species belonging to five genera of geniculate coralline algae are documented and described. These
include Arthrocardia cretacica Raineri, Calliarthron antiquum Johnson, Corallina grandis Rao, C. hayasaki Ishijima, C. raoi Chatterji and
Gururaja, Jania guamensis Johnson, J. sripadaraoi Kundal and Humane and Subterraniphyllum thomasii Elliott for the first time. The present
geniculate coralline algal assemblage is associated with the dasycladalean algae and this association points that the limestone of the Godhra
Formation was deposited at a depth of 10-25 m in a marine water environment under low-energy conditions.
Boundary problems between :-
Precambrian/Cambrian
Permian/Triassic
Cretaceous/Tertiary
Neogene/Quaternary
Stratigraphic boundaries are determined by one or more of geological events such as volcanic activity, sedimentation, tectonism, paleo-environments & evolution of life.
Faunal records have played major role in determining the boundaries of the Phanerozoic units.
The other geological events are dated on the evidence of fossil records.
Petrological and Geochemical Characteristics of Al-rich Pelitic Granulites/Paragneiss from Thana, District-Bhilwara Rajasthan: Implication for Its Origin
New Five Southern Tethyan Agglutinated Foraminiferal Species
An Overview of Stratospheric Ozone and Climate Effects
2. JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.82, NOV. 2013
Fig.2. Geological and location map of Sajjanpur and Ramnoi localities, Satna and Rewa districts, Madhya Pradesh. (modified after Rao
et al. 1981).
Fig.1. Location and geological map of the Vindhyan Basin (after Krishnan and Swaminath, 1959). Square makes the position of the
fossil bearing chert.
and there is no continuity of exposures. Thus, the Lakheri
Limestone can not be traced in the Son Valley Section. The
Lakheri Limestone is characterised by δ13
C value as – 5.2
PDB and the Bhander Limestone has δ13
C value as + 5.7
PDB (Kumar et al., 2005). The Bhander Limestone
shows profuse development of stromatolites while
these are absent in the Lakheri Limestone. Hence the
correlation of the Lakheri Limestone with the
Bhander Limestone is untenable (Kumar, 2012). The
Bhander Limestone conformably overlies the Ganurgarh
Shale and is overlain by the Sirbu Shale (formation). In
general, the Bhander Limestone is occupying low lying areas
in the Satna district except at Ramnoi (Rewa district) and
Aber (Satna district). Good exposures can be seen in
500 S. K. PANDEY AND S. KUMAR
3. JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.82, NOV. 2013
different open cast mines and river cuttings. It is represented
by limestones, stromatolitic limestone and shales. Well
preserved columnar and domal stromatolites are reported
which occur both as bioherm and biostromes in the Satna-
Maihar area. The Baicalia baicalica, Baicalia burra,
Tungussia sp., Cryptozoon sp. and Colonnella columnaris
have been reported (Misra, 2004 and unpublished data of
S. Kumar). Parallel lamination, flaser and lenticular bedding,
intraformational conglomerate, small scale cross bedding,
ripple bedding and mud cracks are seen. These are
considered as a tidal flat deposit (Singh, 1976). The chert
lenses are occasionally seen within the carbonate.
Age of the Bhander Limestone (Bhander Group)
De (2003, 2006) has recorded Ediacaran fossils from
the Bhander Group, but the biogenicity of the reported fossils
are not confidently confirmed and hence can be neglected
till better preserved fossils are discovered. Ray (2006) has
reviewed the age of the Vindhyan Supergroup and opined
Table 1. Lithostratigraphy of the Son Valley Section, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (modified after Auden, 1933; Bhattacharyya, 1993)
Supergroup Group Formation Important fossils Reference
Bhander Group Maihar Sandstone Arumberia, Beltanelliformis (Kumar and Pandey 2008a)
Sirbu Shale Chuaria – Tawuia assemblage Kumar and Srivastava (2003)
Bhander Limestone Chuaria – Tawuia assemblage, Kumar and Srivastava (2003)
Baicalia baicalica,Tungussia, Kumar (1976, 1999)
sponge spicule (?)
Ganurgarh Shale - -
Rai et al. (1997)
Rewa Group Sandstone and shale Chuaria – Tawuia assemblage Srivastava (2004)
Kaimur Group Sandstone and shale - -
- - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Unconformity - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Rohtas Formation Grypania – Chuaria Assemblage Kumar (1995)
Semri Group Kheinjua Formation Coniform stromatolites Misra and Kumar (2005)
Mistassinia Kumar and Misra (2007)
Porcellanite Formation - -
Basal Formation Coniform stromatolites Misra and Kumar (2005)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Unconformity - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bundelkhand Granites / Bijawar phyllites
VINDHYANSUPERGROUP
LowerVindhyanUpperVindhyan
that the age of the Lower Vindhyans in the Son Valley is
now resolved, whereas, the problems with the age of the
Upper Vindhyans and their correlation remain to be
answered. Though, no radiometric dates are available for
the BhanderGroup, but 87
Sr/86
Sr data for the Bhander Group
(Ray et al., 2003) points to the Neoproterozoic age. In
the absence of radiometric dates, the age of the Bhander
Group in general and age of the Bhander Limestone in
particular have to be based on the available
palaeontological record and lithostratigraphic
correlation. The stromatolites are abundantly recorded
from the Bhander Group and on thisbasis age has been
suggested. The Bhander Group is characterized by the
presence of Baicalia, Tungussia, and Potomia and
complete absence of coniform stromatolites (Kumar,
1982; Misra and Kumar, 2005). On the basis of
stromatolites, Kumar (1982) has suggested upper Riphean
age for the Bhander Limestone. In the Maihar area, the
Maihar Sandstone is underlain by the Sirbu Shale, from
which Kumar and Srivastava (2003) have reported Chuaria-
ORGANIC WALLED MICROBIOTA FROM SILICIFIED ALGAL CLASTS, BHANDER LIMESTONE, MADHYA PRADESH 501
4. JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.82, NOV. 2013
SAMPLING AND MATERIAL
The chert samples were collected from Ramnoi hillock
on the Rewa-Allahabad road and from the nala cutting
(river) at Sajjanpur, Satna district (Figs. 2 and 3). The GPS
value of the localities are 24°33’26.2"N; 81°24’50.2"E and
24°33’16"N; 80°58’35.2"E respectively.
Thin lenses of chert have yielded microfossils which
are associated with microbial clast. Associated microbial
clasts are randomly distributed with rhomboidal crystals of
calcite. Clasts are of different size and shape dispersed in
the matrix made up of microcrystalline quartz and chert.
The size of clasts ranges from 0.5 – 4.5 mm in length and
Tawuia association along with other carbonaceous
megafossils including Phascolites and they have suggested
that the age of the Bhander Group is somewhere between
upper Riphean and Vendian (Fig. 3). Thus, the age of the
Bhander Limestone can be between 700 – 650 Ma which
isalso well supported by stromatolites as no Cambrian
fossilshave so far been recorded from the Bhander Group.
Recently, Prasad (2007) has studied the microfossils
recovered from the Bhander Group by maceration technique
and on this basis has suggested latest Cryogenian to late
Vendian age (ca. 650–544 Ma). Presence of Arumberia and
associated fossils with typical Ediacaran body fossil
Beltanelliformis minuta in the Maihar Sandstone
supports an Ediacaran age (Kumar and Pandey, 2008a).
Malone et al. (2008) have interpreted the
palaeomagnetic data and detrital geochronology of the
Bhander Group and have suggested that the Upper
Vindhyan sequence should be older than 750 – 771
Ma. They also suggested that the sedimentation in the
Vindhyan basin ended around 1000 Ma. This
interpretation fails to account for the knowngeological
and palaeontological data and thus can be ignored till
radiometric dates are made available.
The Ganurgarh Shale is underlying the
Bhander Limestone in Ramnoi section which is
calcareous siltstone to fine grained sandstone. The
Bhander Limestone is about 6 – 8 meters thick and shows
good development of Baicalia sp. in the upper part. In the
topmost horizon thin lenses of chert are preserved which
yielded microfossils. The second locality is at Sajjanpur;
where about 6 – 7 meter thick section of the Bhander
Limestone is exposed along the nala cutting. Tungussia
and Baicalia are present in abundance. Chert is collected
from the downstream of the nala section near by Satna –
Rewa road. Lithology of the Bhander Limestone is
represented by micritic limestone, stromatolitic limestone,
oolitic limestone, intraclastic limestone and shale (Kumar,
1999).
(B)
Fig.3. Lithostratigraphic sections of the Bhander
Limestone at Ramnoi and Sajjanpur areas, Madhya
Pradesh. (A) Lithologshowing position of the fossil bearing
chert horizon, Ramnoi, Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh. (B)
Litholog showing positionof fossil bearing chert horizon,
Sajjanpur, Satna district,Madhya Pradesh.
502 S. K. PANDEY AND S. KUMAR
5. JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.82, NOV. 2013
about 0.5 mm – 1.2 mm in width. These are basically
microbial chips which are redeposited along with oolites,
ooides and pisolites and subsequently silicified.
METHODOLOGY
The fossils have been recorded in the petrographic thin
sections of black bedded cherts. Petrographic thin sections
have been studied under Leica orthoplan petrological
microscope and photomicrographs have been prepared using
Kodak 100ASAfilm.All slides are deposited in the Museum
of the Centre of Advanced Study in Geology, University of
Lucknow, Lucknow.
SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY
The assemblage of microfossils is made up of the 8
forms; these are Synodophycus euthemos, Myxococcoides
minor, Coniunctiophycus gaoyuzhuangense, Siphonophycus
kestron, Siphonophycus robustum, Eoentophysalis magna,
Glenobotrydion aenigmatis and Huroniospora
microreticulata. Only Siphonophycus kestron is reported
from the chert collected from the Ramnoi hillock, Rewa
district and rest of the forms are from the Sajjanpur locality
(Fig. 2). The assemblage comprises both filamentous as well
as coccoidal forms of cyanobacterial affinity.
Coccoidal Form
Synodophycus euthemos Knoll, 1982
(Fig. 4 A, B)
Description: Single walled cell like units. Pluricellular
aggregates of ellipsoidal to spheroidal in shape.
Approximately equidimensional hyaline unit vesicles
closely packed together in an irregularly ellipsoidal colony
of 18 - 45 unit vesicles; colonies may be enclosed within a
thin envelope. Outer vesicles distorted due to mutual
compression. Unit vesicles diameter ranges from 9 –
17 µm (55 cells measured). Colonies irregularly ellipsoidal
to slightly lobed, 90 – 120 µm long and 25 – 35 µm wide.
Discussion: Morphological features of the present
specimens are comparable to Synodophycus euthemos
described by Knoll (1982) and Knoll et al. (1991) from the
Late Precambrian Draken chert, Svalbard, but the present
forms have larger diameter size. Among Proterozoic
microfossils, described from other formations, it most
closely resembles with Phacelogeminus lineatus from the
Neoproterozoic Tindir Formation, northwestern Canada
(Allison andAwramik, 1989). Knoll et al. (1991) commented
that the two taxa may be synonymous, but in the absence of
information on baeocyte formation in the Canadian fossils,
formal synonymy is not attempted (for discussion, see Knoll
et al. 1991).
Phylum Cyanobacteria Stainer et al., 1978
Class Coccogoneae Thuret, 1875
Order Chroococcales Wettstein, 1924, emend.
Family Chroococcacae Nägeli, 1849
Genus: Myxococcoides Schopf, 1968
Type Species: Myxococcoides minor Schopf, 1968
Myxococcoides minor Schopf, 1968
(Fig. 4 C)
Description: Single walled cell like units, ellipsoidal
to spheroidal in shape. These are usually colonial, but occur
without enclosing sheath. Cell wall usually thin, sometime
deformed due to mutual compression. Cells are densely
arranged without much deformation. Cell diameter ranges
between 6 - 13 µm (36 cells measured).
Zhang Yun, 1981
Coniunctiophycus gaoyuzhuangense Zhang Yun, 1981
(Fig. 4 D)
Description: Small, spheroidal, ellipsoidal to sub-
Phylum Cyanobacteria Stainer et al., 1978
Class Coccogoneae Thuret, 1875
Order Pleurocapsales Geitler, 1925
Family Xenococcaceae Ercegovic, 1932
Genus Synodophycus Knoll, 1982, emend.
Type Species Synodophycus euthemos Knoll, 1982
Discussion: Morphological features of the present
specimens are comparable to Myxococcoides minor
described by Schopf (1968) from the Bitter Springs
Formation, but the diameter range is greater in the present
specimens. The Newari specimens described from the Semri
Group, Vindhyan Supergroup by Kumar and Srivastava
(1995) and the Belcher Island specimens described by
Hofmann (1976) are identical in diameter range. It has
comparable diameter range with the forms described from
the Deoban Formation, Garhwal Lesser Himalaya, Chakrata
area, Dehradun, U.P. by Shukla et al. (1986) and Kumar
and Srivastava (1992).
Phylum Cyanobacteria Stainer et al., 1978
Class Coccogoneae Thuret, 1875
Order Chroococcales Wettstein, 1924, emend.
Family Chroococcacae Nägeli, 1849
Genus: Coniunctiophycus Zhang Yun, 1981
Type species: Coniunctiophycus gaoyuzhuangense
ORGANIC WALLED MICROBIOTA FROM SILICIFIED ALGAL CLASTS, BHANDER LIMESTONE, MADHYA PRADESH 503
6. JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.82, NOV. 2013
Fig.4. Photomicrographs of microfossils from the Bhander Limestone: (A) Synodophycus euthemos Slide no. Sj-5; coordinates 15.3 X
70.0, (B) Sinodophycus euthemos Slide no. Sj-12; coordinates 17.0 X 79.8, (C) Myxococcoides minor, Slide no. Sj-4; coordinates
14.1 X 78.4, (D) Coniunctiophycus gaoyuzhuangense, Slide no. Sj-8; coordinates 24.3 X 72.6, (E) Siphonophycus robustum, Slide
no. Sj-8; coordinates 19.5 X 77.3, (F) Siphonophycus kestron, Slide no. R1, coordinates 16.5 X 72.5, (G) Eoentophysalis magna,
Slide no. Sj-15; coordinates 12.7 X 78.9, (H) Glenobotrydion aenigmatis, Slide no. Sj-15; coordinates 28.1 X 75.2, (I) Huroniospora
microreticulata, Slide no. 1/108, coordinates 16.5 X 65.6.
504 S. K. PANDEY AND S. KUMAR
7. JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.82, NOV. 2013
Discussion: The present specimens closely resemble
the Coniunctiophycus gaoyuzhuangense reported by
Zhang (1981) from China. It was first reported by him
from the Gaoyuzhuang Formation of China and compared
it with living cyanobacteria Microcystis. Sergeev et al. (1995)
considered Eomicrocystis as a synonym of Coniunctio-
phycus. It is also comparable with the Newari specimens,
central India described by Kumar and Srivastava (1995),
and with the Deoban specimens, Garhwal Himalaya
described by Srivastava and Kumar (2003).
Phylum Cyanobacteria Stainer et al., 1978
Class Coccogoneae Thuret, 1875
Order Chroococcales Wettstein, 1924, emend.
Family Entophysalidaceae Geitler, 1932
Genus: Eoentophysalis Hofmann, 1976
Type Species: Eoentophysalis magna McMenamin,
D.S., Kumar, S., Awramik, S.M., 1983
Eoentophysalis magna McMenamin, D.S., Kumar, S.,
Awramik, S.M., 1983
(Fig. 4 G)
Description: Small cell-like spheroidal to ellipsoidal
units, diameter ranges from 1.0 to 3.5 µm, with condensed
texture and distinct enveloping sheath. There is no
intracellular mass inside cells. (21 cells measured).
Phylum Cyanobacteria Stainer et al., 1978
Class Coccogoneae Thuret, 1875
Order Chroococcales Wettstein, 1924, emend.
Family Chroococcacae Nägeli, 1849
Genus: Glenobotrydion Schopf, 1968
Type Species: Glenobotrydion aenigmatis Schopf,
1968
Glenobotrydion aenigmatis Schopf, 1968
(Fig. 4 H)
Description: Spheroidal to ellipsoidal cell like
structures arranged in clusture. Smooth single - walled with
eccentrically positioned intracellular mass. Diameter ranges
from 4 to 8 µm (14 cells measured). Cell is smooth. Size
and shape of intracellular mass are variable. Present
specimens are not linearly arranged.
Phylum Cyanobacteria Stainer et al., 1978
Class Coccogoneae Thuret, 1875
Order Chroococcales Wettstein, 1924, emend.
Family Chroococcacae (?)
Genus: Huroniospora Barghoorn, 1965
Type Species:Huroniospora microreticulata
Barghoorn, 1965 in Barghoorn
and Tyler, 1965
Huroniospora microreticulata Barghoorn, 1965
(Fig. 4 I)
Description: Spheroidal, isolated cell like unit with
finely granular surface texture. In present specimen, a notch
noticed on the wall. Diameter of cell is 29 µm (1 cell
measured).
polyhedral in shape, ranging in diameter from 1 to 4.5 µm.
Compactly packed colonial form, varies in number of
cells. Cell wall is smooth, un-ornamented in nature (81
specimens measured). Colony is about 60 μm long
and 35 μm wide without enclosing sheath. Only one
colony isreported.
Discussion: It closely resembles the Glenobotrydion
aenigmatis described by Shukla et al. (1986) and Kumar
and Srivastava (1992) from the Deoban
Limestone (Formation), Chakrata region, Garhwal
Himalaya. Present specimens are smaller in size in
comparison to the Newari specimens, described from
the Kheinjua Formation (~1600 Ma), Semri Group
(Lower Vindhyan), Son Valley area, Uttar Pradesh by
Kumar and Srivastava (1995). The general morphology
of Glenobotrydion aenigmatis and Myxococcoides
minor is same, but differs due to presence of
intracellular mass and arrangement of cells in
Glenobotrydion aenigmatis. Present specimens are in
cluster. Glenobotrydion aenigmatis is not a common form
in the present assemblage.
Discussion: Species is morphologically identical with
E. magna described from the Fawn Limestone, Kheinjua
Formation (~ 1600 Ma), Son Valley Section, Mirzapur
district, U.P. by McMenamin et al. (1983). Later on Kumar
and Srivastava (1995) described it from a new locality,
Newari, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh. Kumar and
Srivastava (1992) also described it from the Deoban
Limestone (Formation), Chakrata region,
Garhwal Himalaya.
Discussion: Present specimen is comparable with
Huroniospora microreticulata. Existence of a notch can be
seen which may be the result of budding of cell. Kumar and
Singh (1979) also reported it from the Deoban
Limestone (Formation), Chakrata region, Dehradun,
Uttarakhand. Size of Huroniospora microreticulata is
comparable with the Deoban specimens described by
Kumar and Srivastava(1992). Banerjee (1973) described
this species from Jhamar Kotra, Udaipur, Matoon
Formation (Aravalli Supergroup)of 2500 – 1500 Ma age.
ORGANIC WALLED MICROBIOTA FROM SILICIFIED ALGAL CLASTS, BHANDER LIMESTONE, MADHYA PRADESH 505
8. JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.82, NOV. 2013
Filamentous Forms
Phylum Cyanobacteria Stainer et al., 1978
Class Hormogoneae Thuret, 1875
Order Oscillatoriales Elenkin, 1949
Family Oscillatoriaceae (S.F. Gray) Kirchner,
1998
Genus: Siphonophycus Schopf, 1968
Type Species: Siphonophycus kestron Schopf, 1968
Siphonophycus robustum, Knoll, A.H.,
Swett, K., Mark, J., 1991
(Fig. 4 E)
Description: These are thin, tubular, unbranched,
cylindrical; non-septate may be straight or sinuous filaments
with smooth wall, unornamented and circular to elliptical
cross - sections. Diameter of tubes ranges from 2 - 6 µm.
Maximum recorded length is up to 60 µm (11 specimens
measured).
Phylum Cyanobacteria Stainer et al., 1978
Class Coccogoneae Thuret, 1875
Order Chroococcales Wettstein, 1924, emend.
Family Chroococcacae Nägeli, 1849
Genus: Siphonophycus Schopf, 1968
Type Species: Siphonophycus kestron Schopf, 1968
Siphonophycus kestron Schopf, 1968
(Fig. 4 F)
Description: Thick, slightly curved, non-septate, tubular
and sinuous filamentous sheaths. Sometime folded with
deformed margins. Walls smooth and unornamented, and
occasionally squashed and compressed. Width is not
uniform, ranging from 5 to 9 µm (9 filaments measured).
Maximum measured length is 54 µm.
CONCLUSIONS
Fig.5. Photomicrograph of black bedded chert. It is made up of
silicified oolites, pisolites and algal clasts seen floating in
silicious martrix. The microfossils are preserved with in the
algal clasts.
Discussion: Dimensions of the present specimens are
comparable to the forms illustrated by Schopf (1968) from
the Bitter Spring Formation,Australia. Specimens described
by Kumar and Srivastava (1995) from the Kheinjua
Formation, Newari area, central India and Kumar and
Pandey (2008b) from the Balwan Limestone, Lakheri
area, Rajasthan are identical in diameter range. The
Kotuikan typesimilar silicified microbiota assemblage has
been describedfrom the Narssârssuk Formation/Group,
Thale Group/ Supergroup, Greenland by Sergeev et al.
(2008), which isidentical in dimensions with the present
specimens. This species is widespread in
Proterozoic microfossil assemblages.
Discussion: Morphologically, the present specimens
closely resemble the Siphonophycus kestron described from
the Kheinjua Formation, Newari area, central India by
Kumar and Srivastava (1995). Siphonophycus kestron
resembles Eomycetopsis, but filaments with larger width
have been classed as Siphonophycus kestron. The Bhander
specimens show shorter width than the forms reported by
Oehler (1977) from the HYC Pyritic Shale Member, Schopf
(1968) from the Bitter Springs Formation, Knoll and
Calder (1983) from the Ryssö Formation and Shukla
et al. (1986) and Kumar and Srivastava (1992) from the
Deoban Limestone, Lesser Himalaya. Species
described by Prasad et al. (2005) from the Kajrahat
Limestone, Semri Group, Vindhyan Supergroup is
also identical in morphology.
Eight forms of cyanobacterial affinity have been
described from the petrographic thin sections of black
bedded cherts associated with the Bhander
Limestone exposed in the Satna and Rewa discricts, M.
P. These are Synodophycus euthemos,
Myxococcoides minor, Coniunctiophycus
gaoyuzhuangense, Siphonophycus kestron,
Siphonophycus robustum, Eoentophysalis magna,
Glenobotrydion aenigmatis and Huroniospora
microreticulata. All the reported forms are benthic and must
have flourished near the sediment/water interface forming
the microbial mats. These mats lithified the sediments and
were subsequently eroded and redeposited along with oolites
and pisolites (Fig.5), where these were silicified by the
506 S. K. PANDEY AND S. KUMAR
9. JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.82, NOV. 2013
formation of silica gel. The preservation of algal clasts with
poorly preserved microbiota simply confirms the presence
of microbial mats in a shallow marine environment of
deposition. No age connotation can be given to this
assemblage as all forms are long ranging.
Acknowledgements: We thank Dr. N. L. Chhabra, Head,
Centre of Advanced Study in Geology, University of
Lucknow, Lucknow for providing laboratory facilities.
Financial assistance to SK from the DST, New Delhi in the
form of a research projects entitled no: SR/S4/ES-86/2004
and SR/S4/ES-348/2008 is thankfully acknowledged. S.K.P.
also thanks CSIR, New Delhi for financial assistance in the
form of SRF.
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