Palynology and palaeoenvironment of the Quseir Formation (Campanian) from central Egypt

The palynofloras of the basal part of the Quseir Formation in the Bulaq area, central Egypt, are overwhelmingly of terrestrial origin. They are dominated by angiosperms (mainly Foveotricolpites and Arecipites). Pteridophytic spores are abundant, amongst which the Deltoidosporal Cyathidites association and Gabonisporis vigourouxii are the most frequent. Aquatic plants (e.g. Ariadna-esporites spores) and freshwater algae (e.g. Ovoidites and Pediastrum) occur in appreciable amounts. The association is indicative of a fluvio-lacustrine environment characterized by widespread moist and aquatic habitats under a warm-humid (tropical) palaeo-climate. An angiosperm-based dating as Campanian (most probably Early Campanian) is suggested. Proteacidites sp. 3 Lawal and Moullade and Syncolporites schrankii Awad are the most significant angiosperms, which are not known to range before the Campanian in the Senonian Palmae Province areas. The Bulaq assemblages bear a close relationship with the Palmae palynofloras of North Africa, but differ significantly from those of West Africa. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.