Edwin George (‘Ted’) Spinner passed away on 23 February 2018 at the age of 80. He was a lifelong palynologist, Carboniferous megaspore expert and stalwart of the Palynology School at the University...

Miospores from the clastic intervals between the Robinson Limestone and the Peghorn Limestone in the Brigantian (Mississippian) stratotype section at Janny Wood, Cumbria, are assigned to the Tripartites vetustus–Rotaspora fracta (VF) Assemblage Biozone. The species Murospora parthenopia , normally considered to be restricted to the underlying Raistrickia nigra–Triquitrites marginatus (NM) Biozone, is also recorded. Tripartites vetustus is recorded from the stratigraphically deepest sample, meaning that the base of the VF Biozone lies within the Asbian and not at the base of the Brigantian. The base of the VF Biozone cannot be proven in Janny Wood. A review of independent palaeontological controls on the age of the first appearance of T. vetustus in Britain indicates a lack of stratigraphical precision at the local level. Supplementary material: A full biostratigraphical range chart and a spreadsheet of biostratigraphical data are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4199306

The existence of an inlier of Lower Palaeozoic rocks, concealed by Quaternary deposits, has long been inferred in Upper Wharfedale, in the vicinity of Kilnsey Crag. The evidence for this has been summarized well by Murphy & Warburton in their recent (2013) paper. However, we cannot accept their claim that a second Lower Palaeozoic inlier is present significantly farther downstream, near Appletreewick. The exposure described and figured by Murphy & Warburton (2013) shows sandstone steeply dipping in a general NE direction which, if the dip were not interrupted by any major structure, would indeed take the strata under Visean limestones some hundreds of metres away. However, the recent resurvey of …

Examination of cored borehole sections of Pennsylvanian sediments in the Machrihanish Coalfield on Kintyre and samples from coastal exposures at Inninmore Bay on the Sound of Mull, demonstrate the existence of Westphalian (Langsettian to Bolsovian) sediments in both close proximity to the Highland Boundary Fault zone and in isolated outliers within the western parts of the Scottish Highlands. Earlier studies suggested a Duckmantian to Bolsovian age for the Inninmore Bay sections and the investigation of material from new sections in the area confirms this stratigraphical range. The borehole sections in the Machrihanish Coalfield demonstrate the unconformable relationship between the probable Namurian to Westphalian sediments of the Scottish Coal Measures Group and the underlying early Namurian Limestone Coal Formation. In addition to rich assemblages of western European miospore taxa, the Machrihanish populations contain examples of species such as Columinisporites ovalis, Paleospora fragila, Spackmanites irregularis and Vestispora colchesterensis which are characteristic of North American assemblages. The distinctive species Playfordiaspora cancellosa is reported from the British Carboniferous.

The Scottish Coal Measures Group of the Midland Valley was the proving ground for much of the pioneering palynological work that laid the foundations of European Carboniferous palynostratigraphy (e.g. Knox, 1945-1946, Smith and Butterworth, 1967). This study focuses on two small, relatively unstudied areas of the Midland Valley and western Scotland; the Machrihanish Coalfield on the Kintyre peninsula and Inninmore Bay on Movern. In addition to re-evaluating previously collected material (Love and Neves, 1964), new samples were acquired from two boreholes and newly discovered outcrop sections. Previous palynological work suggested a Duckmantian to Bolsovian age for the Inninmore Bay sections, which is confirmed by this re-evaluation and by investigations of new sections. Re-evaluation of plant fossil registers from MacGregor and Mason (1934) implies a mid-Duckmantian to early Bolsovian age; in concordance with the palynological age range. Most of the Bolsovian miospore assemblages are dominated by diverse saccate pollen taxa and associations of Auroraspora spp., Colatisporites spp., Knoxisporites spp., Verucosisporites spp. and Convolutispora spp. These assemblages probably represent a “hinterland” vegetation reflecting relatively dry palaeoenvironemnts. Duckmantian assemblages are more typical of coal measures reflecting relatively wet palaeoenvironments. Miospores from boreholes in the Machrihanish Coalfield prove Langsettian to early Bolsovian Scottish Coal Measures Group, overlying a probable Namurian aged sequence of interbedded basaltic lavas and sedimentary units likely representing the Passage Formation. The unconformable nature of the underlying late Visean to early Namurian Limestone Coal and Upper Limestone formations is also demonstrated. In addition to rich assemblages of western European taxa, the Machrihanish populations contain examples of miospore genera such Paleospora and Columinisporites that are characteristic of North America .

Two new sphenophyllalean species, Bowmanites weissii sp. nov. and Bowmanites taylorii sp. nov., are described from the Kladno-Rakovnik and Intra-Sudetic basins of the Czech Republic. The macromorphology of the plants and in situ spores of the cones were studied. The stratigraphical range of the specimens is from the Duckmantian to the Early Bolsovian. Specimens are the first compression specimens of strobili to yield peculiar operculate spores of the Pteroretis-type. All previously reported Pteroretis-producing cones are petrifactions from coal-balls. Sterile stems associated with the cones usually have nine lanceolate leaves, each with a single vein, arranged into whorls. Older stems possess leaves divided into narrow lanceolate lobes. The peculiar morphology of Pteroretis spores is described in detail, including the proximal operculum, primary and secondary ridges, and wing-like extensions. In situ and dispersed spores of the Pteroretis-type and their parent plants are discussed and reviewed. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A total of 113 surface samples collected from the Padeha, Khoshyeilagh, and Mobarak formations of Kuh-e-Ozum, northeast of Jajarm town were processed for palynomorphs, in order to determine age relationships. Well-preserved and abundant palynomorphs dominated by organic-walled-marine microphytoplankton (acritarchs and prasinophyte phycomata), miospores and subordinate chitinozoans, and scolecodonts were recovered. Seven species of prasinophyte phycomata (four genera), 19 acritarch species (14 genera), one species of chitinozoa, and 26 miospore species (19 genera) were recorded and assigned to eight local Assemblage Zones. Assemblage Zones I–IV occur in the Padeha Formation and suggest an Early Late Devonian (Frasnian) age whilst assemblages zones V–VII are present in the Khoshyeilagh Formation and indicate Late Devonian (Famennian) ages. Assemblage zone VIII, which occurs in the basal part of Mobarak Formation, suggests a Lower Mississippian (Tournaisian) age for this formation. Many of the palynomorph groups encountered are closely comparable with coeval assemblages recorded from Western Australia, southwest Ireland, England, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, North Africa, and South America, indicating the close relationship of the Iranian Platform to other parts of the northern Gondwana Domain during the time interval represented by these strata. The presence of marine palynomorphs (acritarchs/prasinophyte phycomata, chitinozoans, and scolecodonts), and shelly macrofauna (brachiopods, gastropods, and corals) in Member c of the Padeha Formation (as well as the Khoshyeilagh and Mobarak formations), together with associated miospores, indicate an open marine (moderately nearshore) depositional environment for the Upper Devonian and Lower Carboniferous deposits in northeastern Alborz Range (Kopet-Dagh region) of Iran.

Most pre-Quaternary palynology samples are currently prepared by demineralization of the sediment/sedimentary rock matrix using hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids (HCl and HF respectively). If a consistently effective alternative to this procedure can be developed, palynological processing will be made significantly less hazardous to both laboratory personnel, and to the wider environment. Furthermore, most non-acid processing methods are normally quicker and cheaper than matrix dissolution using acid. Some authors have previously used hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to extract palynomorphs by the physico-chemical disaggregation of the clay fraction. However, H2O2 is a powerful oxidizing agent and hence can potentially destroy sedimentary organic material, including palynomorphs. A new method using hot H2O2, where exposure of the sample material to the H2O2 is minimized, has been developed. Crushed sample material in a suitable vessel is placed on a hot plate for one minute, treated with 15-30% H2O2 for 10 minutes, then the residue is diluted with cold distilled water. Disaggregated sample material tends to float, and is decanted into a large vessel containing distilled water to further dilute the H2O2. If any undisaggregated sample remains, the procedure is repeated several times if necessary. Relatively indurated sedimentary lithotypes normally require several treatments. The reason for this stepwise treatment is that the organic material is not exposed to H2O2 for sustained periods, thereby reducing the possibility of palynomorph damage/degradation due to oxidation. When the sample matrix has been fully disaggregated, the residue can be further processed as appropriate.In this study, eight samples of Carboniferous, Jurassic, Paleogene, and Quaternary age were prepared quantitatively using the new H2O2 method. These were all prepared using 30% H2O2. For comparison, they were also prepared quantitatively using HCl/HF and/or sodium hexametaphosphate [(NaPO3)(6)]. Quantitative preparations allow the concentration of palynomorphs extracted to be determined, and therefore the effectiveness of the techniques used can be compared objectively. The palynomorph residues derived from these three techniques varied markedly. The H2O2 method does not consistently disaggregate all the sample material, particularly the older and more indurated lithotypes. Some evidence of oxidation effects was observed. Two samples of Mississippian mudstone from the U.S.A. were prepared using H2O2 and (NaPO3)(6). Both methods produced abundant miospores, however the H2O2 procedure yielded far higher palynomorph concentrations than the (NaPO3)(6) technique. Minor degradation of palynomorphs in the H2O2 preparation was noted. The H2O2 and HCl/HF methods were compared directly on a palynomorph-rich sample of Upper Carboniferous mudstone from offshore Scotland. Both preparations produced abundant miospores. The HCl/HF method had significantly higher recovery levels than the H2O2 procedure. It appears that the H202 method simultaneously macerates the matrix, and oxidizes any amorphous organic material (AOM) present. In this sample, the HCl/HF residue was relatively rich in AOM. By contrast, the H202 preparation is virtually clear of this phytoclast type, which partially obscures palynomorphs. Two samples of the Middle Jurassic Grantham Formation of eastern England were processed using H(2)O(2)and HCl/HF. The two methods produced abundant palynofloras of similar palynomorph concentrations. Two dinoflagellate cyst acmes within the Danian (Paleogene) part of the Lopez de Bertodano Formation of Seymour Island, Antarctica were also tested using H2O2, (NaPO3)(6), and HCl/HF. The H2O2 preparation completely destroyed the dominant taxon, Palaeoperidinium pyrophorum, in one sample. By contrast, the (NaPO3)(6) and HCl/HF preparations produced abundant, fully representative palynofloras. In the other sample, the acme of Spinidinium spp. is completely unaffected by the H2O2 preparation procedure. The final sample of this study is an unconsolidated clay of Late Pleistocene age from offshore Scotland. Both the H2O2 and HCl/HF preparations proved similar in both taxonomic content and overall palynomorph yield.The new method of preparation using hot H2O2 has proved to be extremely effective. In particular, it appears to be superior to the (NaPO3)(6) procedure for indurated lithotypes. However care should be taken because H2O2 can destroy certain dinoflagellate cysts and kerogen macerals which are especially susceptible to oxidation. Further development work, and more comparative testing of the H2O2, (NaPO3)(6), and HCl/HF procedures, should be undertaken.

Abstract The structure of the enigmatic Carboniferous miospore genus Pteroretis Felix & Burbridge 1961 is reinterpreted based on well-preserved assemblages from Pennsylvanian (Duckmantian–Bolsovian) strata in the Machrihanish Coalfield, Kintyre, western Scotland. The genus is emended herein, and evidence is presented of a proximal operculum to justify assignment of the genus to the Infraturma Epitygmati. The complex arrangement of wings, originally described as being perpendicular to the equatorial margin from pole to pole, are demonstrated to be concentric structures in the equatorial and subequatorial regions. Wings developed on the distal surface commonly form a cuppa structure similar to that developed in Fragilipollenites Konyali 1965 emend. McLean 1997. A comparison is made with Vestispora (Wilson & Hoffmeister 1956) Wilson & Venkatachala 1963, the only other operculate Carboniferous miospore genus. Comparisons are also made with other genera such as Columinisporites Peppers 1964 and Fragilipollenites, which are costate and cuppa-bearing respectively. Previous records of Pteroretis from Europe and North America are reviewed, and indicate a Late Mississippian (Late Viséan–Chesterian) to Mid Pennsylvanian (Bolsovian) age. Paleobotanical evidence suggests a sphenophyllalean origin, with Pteroretis miospores being recovered from the fructifications of several species of Bowmanites Binney 1871.

Abstract. Professor Leslie Moore, a former Sorby Professor and Head of the Department of Geology in the University of Sheffield, died on the 13 November 2003 at the age of 91 years. He was the driving force in the establishment of the Micropalaeontological Society.In 1968, during a period when the Geological Society, London was trying to co-ordinate the activities of all Specialist Working Groups in Britain, Leslie Moore was approached by the President of the Society with the request to assess the potential for establishing a Group to cater for the needs of micropalaeontologists. He consulted widely on the issue, not only within the micropalaeontological community but also with industry and other interested societies, only to find no over-whelming enthusiasm for the proposal. He was, however, impressed by the commitment within all branches of the science for the need for a greater degree of organization and identity and proposed the establishment of an autonomous body to meet those needs. It also provided the necessary ‘breathing space’ for the significance of the Geological Society proposals to be considered in full. The British Micropalaeontological Group was born in 1970 and Leslie Moore served as its first Chairman. During his tenure it became obvious that the way forward was to formalize the structure and, in due course, it emerged as the British Micropalaeontological Society.Leslie was born on June 23, 1912, the son of a miner in the Somerset Coalfield and he grew up in the small mining and market town of Midsomer . . .

Abstract. Alan Higgins was born in Hanley, Staffordshire on 16 December 1936, the youngest of three children. Throughout his childhood he was fascinated by the natural history of the nearby Peak District and it was not surprising that sciences played an important part in his education at Hanley High School. In 1955, he went to the University of Sheffield to study Geology and obtained a 2(1) degree in 1958. During those early years in Sheffield, he came under the influence of the late Professor Leslie Moore and, on graduation, was encouraged by him to undertake research on Namurian conodonts. At that time, little was known of the true potential of conodonts and, indeed, almost nothing of their occurrence in Upper Carboniferous rocks. Alan collected samples extensively throughout the southern Pennine region, often working closely with the staff of the Geological Survey and generated the first Namurian conodont zonation for the British Isles. He exploited every opportunity to prove the value of conodont studies outside the Carboniferous Period and, in 1962, published the results of an investigation on the microfaunas found in the Durness Limestone of northwest Scotland. His PhD was completed in 1961.In late 1961, he was awarded a DSIR (Government) Fellowship which allowed him to work in Brussels at the offices of the Belgian Geological Survey whilst investigating the stratigraphic distribution of conodonts in the Namurian type sections of the Namur Basin. These studies, carried out in close collaboration with Jos Bouckaert, established detailed correlations with the British sequences . . .

Leslie Moore died in Edgbaston, Birmingham, on 13th November 2003 at the age of 91. He was born in Somerset, the son of a miner, spending the early part of his life in the small market and mining town of Midsomer Norton before winning a scholarship to the University of Bristol. There he chose to read geology for his BSc, subsequently carrying out research for his PhD on the structure, stratigraphy and economic geology of the eastern part of the Bristol - Somerset Coalfield, under the supervision of Professor A. E. Trueman. He was later awarded a DSc by the same University.

Sparse assemblages of palynomorphs have been collected from the glacially derived Khalaqah Member of the Kooli Formation in northwest Yemen. The presence of common Leiosphaeridia and Deusilites tentus, indeterminate taeniate bisaccate pollen, and such species as Plicatipollenites malabarensis, Verrucosisporites sp., Brevitriletes cf. B. cornutus, and Cristatisporites cf. C. crassilabratus, suggest an age range from Late Carboniferous to Early Permian. Previous workers have considered that a small variation in wall thickness could be used to separate Deusilites tenuistriatus Gutierrez et al. 1997 from the Early Permian of Brazil and Argentina from Deusilites tentus Hemer and Nygreen 1967. The evidence from the Kooli Formation, of highly variable wall thicknesses within a single population of Deusilites suggests that the two species should not be separated and that D. tenuistriatus is a junior synonym of D. tentus.

The proposed stratotype section for the Pendleian–Arnsbergian stage boundary, located at Slieve Anierin in Ireland, contains diagnostic ammonoids but the sediments are thermally too mature to permit the recovery of palynomorphs. Detailed investigations undertaken on a prospective parastratotype section at Mirk Fell Gill in northern England however offers the prospect for the precise palynostratigraphic calibration of this boundary. Limited ammonoid and conodont data are available to support these conclusions. Previous work in the British Isles has equated this stage boundary with that between the Bellispores nitidus–Reticulatisporites carnosus (NC) and Stenozonotriletes triangulus–Rotaspora knoxi (TK) miospore zones of Owens et al. [Proc. Yorks. Geol. Soc. 41 (1977) 381–398] and Clayton et al. [Meded. Rijks Geol. Dienst 29 (1977) 1–71]. Data from the Mirk Fell Gill section will be compared with datasets from deposits of similar age in China to assess the degree of change in palaeobiogeographical composition across the Euramerican landmass.

ABSTRACT A Kingdom-wide palynological analysis was carried out on the Palaeozoic section within the framework of the Saudi Aramco-Commission Internationale de Microflore du Paléozoïque (CIMP) Project. Thirty-three biostratigraphic assemblages and zones have been documented as a result of this study. A palynostratigraphic and lithostratigraphic review of the Palaeozoic of Saudi Arabia is provided herein.