ABSTRACT PALYNOLOGY OF THE SUBSURFACE FRIO FORMATION IN LIBERTY AND CHAMBERS COUNTIES, TEXAS By Khosrow Ebtehadj The study area located in southeast Texas is part of the Gulf Coast Geosyncline, a large sedimentary basin covering an area from Alabama to the northeastern part of Mexico. The subsurface Frio Formation in the three wells studied represents a marine regressive stratigraphic unit with minor transgressive and regressive phases. The age of the subsurface Frio in Liberty and Chambers Counties is believed to be Oligo-Miocene, thus repre- senting a time transgressional rock unit. The two major objectives.have been to determine the nature and composition of the microfossil assemblage, and its usefulness for establishing stratigraphic— palynological horizons. Thus ten palynologic horizons are recognized based on relative abundance and last occurrence of a number of palynomorphs. The relative abundance of different groups of palynomorphs aid in deciphering the paleoecologic con- ditions which existed at the time of sedimentation. Khosrow Ebtehadj One hundred sixty-eight microfOSSIls are identified and described. Of this total number there are four new genera and 32 new Species belonging to 19 genera. The majority of the Frio plant microfossil assemblage, based on their modern counterparts, have a subtropical to tropical distribution possibly indicating a similar distribution of the parent flora. A small part of the microfossil floral assemblage is represented by palynomorphs which today have a warm temperate to temperate distribution. PALYNOLOGY OF THE SUBSURFACE FRIO FORMATION IN LIBERTY AND CHAMBERS COUNTIES, TEXAS By Khosrow Ebtehadj A THESIS Submitted to Michigan State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Department of Geology 1969 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The author wishes to express his deepest and most sincere gratitude to Dr. Aureal T. Cross of the Department of Geology and the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Michigan State University, under whose guidance this study was made, for his assistance and constructive criticism and his inumerable suggestions. The author is deeply indebted to Dr. C. E. Prouty, Dr. J. H. Fisher, Dr. J. E. Smith of the Department of Geology, Michigan State University, and to Dr. J. H. Beaman, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Michigan State University for their suggestions and critical reading of the manuscript. The author also expresses his gratitude to Esso Pro- duction Research Company, Houston, in providing sample material for this study and for preparing photographic plates. Appreciation is also gratefully given to Dr. W. C. Elsik of Humble Oil and Refining Company, Houston, Texas, and to Dr. G. L. Williams of the Pan American Petroleum Corporation, Research Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, for their examination of slides and photomicrographs used in this study and suggestions concerning the taxonomic identity of a number of palynomorphs. The author wishes to acknowledge the patience and constant encouragement of his wife Farideh throughout the time devoted to this study. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . LIST OF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . INTRODUCTION 0 O 0 O 0 O O O 0 O O 0 Purpose and SCOpe . . . . . . Previous Work . . . . . . . . Chapter I O GEOLOGY O O O O O 0 O O O O 0 II. III. IV. The Gulf Coast Geosyncline Sedimentation in the Gulf Coast GeOsyncline Frio Formation . . Introduction . . . . . . . History . . . . . . . . Frio Stratigraphy . . . . Tectonic Features Associated with the Frio Age of the Frio . . . . . . . SAMPLE LOCATION AND LITHOLOGIC DESCRIPTION Well Location . . . . . . Lithologic Description . . . . . METHODS O O O O 0 0 O O 0 O O Maceration Techniques . . . . . . Sample Analysis . . . . . . ZONATION AND CORRELATIONS . . . . Introduction . . . . . . . . Factors Related to Spore and Pollen Abundance . . . Principles of Biostratigraphic Zonation Involved . . . . . Quantitative Method of Zonation . . PalynOIOgical Correlations . . . iii Page ii 22 22 25 29 29 3O 35 35 35 38 Al Chapter Page Summary of Correlations . . . . . . . 45 Paleoecologic Considerations . . . 47 Relative Abundance of Lycopodiaceous Spores . . . . . . . 49 Nature of the Frio Flora . . . . . . 51 V. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS . . . . . . . . 68 VI. SYSTEMATIC DESCRIPTIONS . . . . . . . . 72 Nomenclature . . . . . . . . 72 Location and Reference Material . . . . 74 List of Taxa in the Frio Formation . . . 74 Class Dinophyceae . . . . . . . . 87 Group Acritarcha . . . . . . . . . 110 Fern Spores . . . . . . . . . . . 12A Gymnospermous Pollen . . . . . . 14A Order Gnetales . . . . . . . . . . 1A8 Non—Saccate Pollen . . . . . . . . . 151 Porate Pollen . . . . . . . . . . 153 Colpate and Colporate Pollen . . . . 166 Monosulcate Pollen . . . . . . . . . 189 Fungi . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19a Foraminifera . . . . . . . . . . . 206 REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 PLATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 iv Figure l. 10. ll. 12. 13. LIST OF FIGURES Page Hypothetical stages in the development of the Gulf Coast geosyncline . . . . . . . . 6 Major structural elements of the Gulf Coast geosyncline . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Strike cross section through southeastern Texas and southern Louisiana . . . . . . 9 Graph showing maximum rate of sedimentation from the Cretaceous period to the Recent in the Gulf Coast. . . . . . . . . . . 10 Surface map of Catahoula, Frio, and Jackson-- Frio surface-subsurface relationship . . . l3 Diagram of the subsurface divisions from the Vicksburg Formation up through the Anahuac Formation . . . . . . . . . 14 Generalized geological section with applied zonation O O O O O O O O O O 0 l6 Dip section showing transgression of the zones of the Frio Formation . . . . . . . . 17 Cross section showing faulting affecting progressively younger beds . . . . . . 19 Location of wells . . . . . . . . . . 23 Two examples are graphically illustrated to indicate the number of entities counted on each slide . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Last occurrence of Homotryblium plectilum . . 53 Relative abundance of Quercoidites henricii shown as percentage of sum of pollen and spores . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5N Figure 1“. Last occurrence of Acostomocystis potane 15. Relative abundance of shown as percentage 16. Relative abundance of dorogensis shown as pollen and spores 17. Relative abundance of Cordosphaeridium crossii of microplankton sum . Cicatricosisporites percentage of sum of O O I I O G O Taxodiaceaepollenites hiatus shown as percentage of sum of pollen and spores . . . 18. Relative abundance of hardiei shown as percentage of sum of pollen and spores . . . 19. Relative abundance of guietus shown as percentage of sum of pollen and spores . . 20. Relative abundance of shown as percentage spores . . . 21. Relative abundance of Tricolpopollenites Engelhardtioipollenites Chenopodipollis sp. 2 of sum of pollen and Liquidambarpollenites stigmosus Shown as percentage of sum of pollen and spores 22. Relative abundance of Micrhystridium stephensonii shown as percentage of microplankton sum 23. Palynological zonation and correlations of the subsurface Frio Formation in Liberty and Chambers Counties, Texas . . . . . . 24. Relative abundance of microplankton Shown as percentage of the total palynomorphs sum . 25. Relative abundance of shown as percentage palynomorph sum . 26. Relative abundance of Lycopodiaceous spores of land derived different groups of palynomorphs shown as percentage of total palynomorph sum . vi Page 55 56 57 58 59 6O 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 INTRODUCTION Purpose and Scope The subsurface Frio Formation of southeast Texas has been correlated readily using Foraminifera, but this con- trol is limited to the downdip marine part of the forma- tion. The updip sections lack marine microfossils. This study has two principal objectives: (a) To establish a microfossil assemblage based on the presence of different types of palynomorphs, and to record their geologic range and modern affinity. (b) To set up biostratigraphic horizons using quantitative and qualitative methods of correlation. The relative abundance of microplanktonic organisms to land-derived palynomorphs sheds some light on the environmental conditions under which a stratigraphic unit may have been deposited. Thus relative abundance of such organic entities is indicative of distances from paleoshoreline or possible depths of water. Variation in spore and pollen abundance with respect to the total number of palynomorphs present at a given horizon may aid in determining distances from parent flora and also indicate changes in environment. Three wells were analyzed. There is a noticeable gradation from updip brackish or lagoonal environment, 1 with a higher proportion of sand, to more marine with predominantly shaly and silty sediments. The three wells are in a north—south line, and the distance separating the first from the last well is 24 miles. Previous Work There is no published report on Frio palynology. R. Malloy formerly with Humble Oil and Refining Company, Houston, now with Gulf Oil, Houston, has worked on the palynology of the Frio Formation in southwest Texas, and Dr. G. Morales of Esso Production Research Company, Houston, has also successfully zoned the formation by using charOphytes, but both reports are confidential company projects. The marine subsurface Frio has been zoned using Foraminifera and Ostracoda. Garret (1938) listed and described the Hackberry foraminiferal assemblage; Stuckey (19A6) described Textularia seligi of the Lower Frio; Ellis (1939) described Cibicides hazzardi, Nodosaria blanpiedi and Nonion struma. Garrett and Ellis (1937) described Marginulina texana from the subsurface of Jefferson County, Texas, and Ellisor (1933) was presumably the first author to publish a small list of the inverte— brate fauna. There are relatively few reports on the palynology of the Gulf Coast Tertiary sediments, some of the more notable authors are: Elsik (1968), Stover, et_al. (1966), Engelhardt (196A), Drugg and Loeblich (1967), Gray (1960), and Jones (1962). But on the whole the amount of literature on Tertiary palynology in the United States is meager in comparison to the number of published reports by European workers. I. GEOLOGY The Gulf Coast Geosyncline The term Gulf Coast Geosyncline was coined by Barton, Ritz and Hickey in 1933 and refers to a large sedimentary basin which covers an area of 250,000 square miles extending from Alabama to the northeastern part of Mexico. This basin contains about 60,000 feet of Mesozoic and Cenozoic sediments. The shape of the geosyncline has been about the Same since the Cretaceous period, but subsurface information obtained from the upper Gulf Coast indicates, according to Bornhauser (1958), that geosynclinal conditions pre- vailed during Jurassic and early Cretaceous times. This area of the ancestral geosyncline covered southern Mississippi, Louisiana, southern Arkansas and eastern and southern Texas. The Gulf Coast Geosyncline is an asymmetrical sedimentary basin with its axial plane dipping approxi- mately four degrees shoreward. To explain the asymmetry the concept of "flexures" was proposed by Colle §E_§$na (1952). They define flexure as the zone downdip from which the rate of dip and thickening of beds is augmented. Hardin (1962) attributes the origin of flexures to deposition across the shelf break, with the steep conti- nental slope being respondible for the increased thick- ening of stratigraphic units. Thus each succeeding younger flexure is located seaward or downdip from the previous older one. Hence the area of maximum sedimentation for each succeeding younger stratigraphic unit is found downdip from the thickest sequence of beds of the pre- ceding older units. The plane connecting the loci of maximum thicknesses for each stratigraphic unit dips toward the shore, this explains the tilting of the geo- synclinal axis shoreward (Figure l). Sedimentation in the Gulf Coast Geosyncline There are five major structural features character- izing the northwestern limb of the geosyncline which have influenced sedimentation throughout the Cenozoic era, these are: Rio Grande Embayment, San Marcos Arch, East Texas Embayment and its downdip counterpart the Houston Embayment, Sabine Uplift, and finally the Mississippi Embayment (Figure 2). The area of maximum sedimentation or depocenters Shifted eastward during Cenozoic time, hence one finds that maximum sedimentation in Eocene and Oligocene times was in the Rio Grande Embayment and presumably sediments were supplied by rivers ancestral to the Rio Grande which were draining the Sierra Madre Oriental of Mexico .AmcoathOxm mo xoonmcfiso cam mmxwa Hmnpcmo 62m pmmoo maze on» no mwOHomc :HV mmma ..pb «cauamm .o mmaomo Song mafiaocmmomc pmmoo hang map mo pcmEooam>mu on» CH mmmwpm HmoapmspOQmm .H onswfim .Q;:.a:919:a 2.4 33.. .o 3 93.9.3 3 35.8: 23.38 :33 #230450 “.0 0005.» 43.5.9301; 02.3030 “sigma huts mg 8095“» 8080 9b§a 5 8:80.. 295.83 «a... in! .8é.§.%8:4.&88 >0 .fivz .. a... A! ££¥~8fi§18i£ )9 08.3 it it .s.?}»‘.§=ttid¢i~ * 33 t2.» .3. 8.23! \0 338.22.. :28. ‘C 2 :05 / $5 I“: 08.9 *Qn“ 614’ $ * '9‘; B 08. rmv 6.9 6 / Xifil: g hmw/xsaf. usgyewvnl/I.‘ 75? H. a uzuooojo no 2:. . g g 8‘ g a. 8 8A g 8“ 8. 8. 8 ' O a mu4=. < IPDOM IP82 .AmQOHmHSOxm mo xoopmvfisw cam mmxme Happcmo was ammoo wasw on» mo zwoaomw :Hv mmmfi ..nh .cficnmm .o mwuomo Eonm .Amcmoowfiaov GOHpmenom wasnmx0fi> on» no do» on» so asapc ma A.pm ooo.oauv mafia pSOpGOO cmzmmo map was coapmenom omsnmc< on» go mcou mafimmpwosmpmm map mo don so GZMAB ma A.um oommlv mafia psoucoo caaom one .mcfiaoczmomo ammoo Mano on» 90 mpcmemam Handpodppm MOnmz 8.... 5 38m 5 ow. 3 43:24:29.4 kfissa ‘Q‘W ‘ .gng‘ .\ x \ {Rauohhxsc §$\.\Q\\\ ........ . 9.......u. .. ...... gas. EC... ........ .. Q 4..._,?_m_:o._ \lu. $334.34 .436998 WEN”. 4.x 4.4.3383 W . II! o .n - \Il’ m. o s 34$ 4:qu mxhw\ 528692.”. b kkx 010 s lb‘x ‘Q‘h gxfl 1h. / kthfix VB‘N $.38: «84W. .3 ”Is-3:,» I .m madman and mountainous regions of western Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. Eocene and Oligocene sediments thin over the San Marcos Arch and thicken in the Houston Embayment. Accordingly one finds that the Vicksburg and Frio sedi- ments substantially thicken in the embayment and thin out farther east over the downdip equivalent of the Sabine Uplift which is called the Sabine Arch (Figure 3). The combined thicknesses of the Frio and Anahuac formations (believed by some geologists to be Upper Oligocene to Middle Miocene in age) is over 10,000 feet thick in south Texas and this thickness is maintained in southwestern Louisiana, but post-Anahuac sediments i.e. Miocene and younger, reach a thickness of approximately 30,000 feet in the Mississippi Embayment. At the present time the Mississippi river has deposited about 8,000 feet of Pleistocene and Recent sediments in south-eastern Louisiana and thus represents the principal source of supply of material to the Gulf of Mexico (Figure A). Frio Formation Introduction The Frio Formation of south Texas is undoubtedly one of the most complex Cenozoic formations of the Gulf Coast area. The purpose of this section is to describe the nature and complexities of some of the problems involved in interpreting the stratigraphy of the Frio. .AmCOHmnsOxm mo xoonmnaso paw mmxme Hmhpcmo cam ammoo maze can no awoaomo Gav mmma ..ph .caonmm .o mwuomc Eonm .QOHuMEpom omsnmc¢ Ono mo moon mQHmOumOEOumm on» no don mnp so mafia asepcoo pmmm comm: on» wQHpr czmhc ma coapomm .mcmamasoq cnmnpsom was mwxma cmmpmmwnusom nwsopnp coapomm mmopo mxHMpm 34.! a. .343 on 00 an o 0 \ . \ 2055 ‘:§ .0 ‘3: ‘2 v. 02: .0339! um... 1:. 2m tutu. uqulno') 30:01 to: mun/09 109 099107 100 0/1/00 Ransgnsa' panama-1 — - ——b - —— Joagylnkhuutqq' 10 .AmCOHwESOxm mo xoonmvfisw 6cm mwxoe Hmnpcmo 6cm pmmoo Mano map mo mwoaomo cHV mmmfi ..ah .cficamm .o mwpomw Scam anhmm msomompmpo map 80mm GOHpMpcmEHUOm mo mums Essfixwfi mcfizosm agape .pmmoo mass can 2H pcmomm map 0» zoomw no 02w 0* szmmmm umOuwn m¢ no mzo_...:!lu2_h o———__— __ 1 e o .4 ¢ 6 d 9 d ”600 In». kzwmmma 0. ON Om 0v on 0w 0» 3 _ J1 a _ _ q _ I \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \Loq 9% \ \ \ \ \ ago .. a ..... u. .. o \a so 2 J \ a. on .o ./ \ :0 a ( O \ o x I f \ av . \ J «a a \\ b «we \ m t O % o 00 a. a Q mzjoz>m0wo #9200 “:30 MI». mo... mwh// I. .. N A s. x. 0 ..J __.....I..fl/4 / 3 ova... \. r\ .1». ..____II4I/,//y,.a HI I IT! m M“ 8?? Q\Q /w|fl~m..o\asu¥ . a - .I......III,///.zfl 134...; ..I]... M (o M Mm Q 30.31“ /I\ 4!. _m.1//I////y . 1 . z _ I,// r. 0N4 NM E.\ .o4.;oc\l..:_fl//X. . ..... . ..... J / 5| 045 / . 1.38%.... ...\-u ._..//./M.u.4:_ o... _ 444>¢~ 3823.. ..0... $Wv / / . \/ \ / __. Iz/ . . v . , x / / .2; x . ,4 / _ A _ J. .. v.50 r006 / / / \IIA t.- u. ill/”W6 \: ..I I. . III- I.I-.I.I. . \. / . .._.////... o... .I. /. V I1 _ 4n «4 . I..._...hh/////.\.r .\ /_4-.oaa_ .. pus... I. x m uzuuoi Goa . 3:5: 44.50.2549 oz: _ 20364.. 2.... __.///z. 2.... N .. . . . . _ _ . . I a a a w u M _ _ _ 2r...» \f333“) .\.~.I.-L r |L. I! 4! W w m we . .I..__ho,’ .\.f. .... ~?.\V.\.~ «can... . w I.. btu>nhnXflaia¢yW./IJCIOU\. ./ —uflul .IOICIOU. 14 .Amwfipmaoom Havamoaomc no coaumfioomm< pmwoo maze 0:» mo mQOHpom Imcmhu Gav amma .nEooaom .3 .0 809m .COHumEHom omsnmq¢ map smacks» a: coaumshom wasnmxofi> map 509m mCOHma>HU moMMMSmQSm map mo EMHwMHQ .m mnswfim mmmmmm mummy» . . l kahuna EEEF I > < // .I. a5 2300 -n m..._ a5 a: - _ I //Cw$ o w w // o u // I w. m / / H 3 / / O 3 0 / nu_N \Q > ..I 3 1| IIIIIIIII I Q V V «Ezag <23:z_omr a vertical buildup with a slowly retreating sea. The ITIdo barrier bar complex was terminated with the trans- gression of the Anahuac sea. Boyd and Dyer have divided the Frio barrier bar 'sélstem into three recognizable environmental units: the Fr‘io barrier bar, a lagoonal environment and a continental Sllealf environment. The barrier bar consists of coarse to l6 GENERALIZED GEOLOGICAL SECTION WITH APPLIED ZONATION ZONATION 8185 OF 015003815 SANDS NE 7' E ROS TE GINA 0'00 I A“ ROINULINA 54 N0 UPPER FR/O rooo [MEL/A SAND 7'00 ”[001. E FR/O .000 LOWER FR/O 0100 VICKSBURG ”u“ "XTUL [Ill '10.! Nl N000 SIR/A 5 A ND FORMATION DESCRIPTION FAUNA ELECTRICAL LOG OWN CENTRALR PET GORP. $3. I HNNU J! F E A SON 00." mm»: Menu I con/s ”as”! 0:0”: uuos “o mun: ILL/tong “A“ mama unnu .s NETEROS TEE/N4 I o urtmruln , g ’0”: LIIIE nun mount“ 5 3: an L z .1 < 4 2 ‘ HINCIWLINI tuna/mu INA INODOJMM i ZONE ”‘30. ”INC/”LIN‘ VANNAYJ E ““““'" "“ [10"] . "u g » usslvc L auto 3 f A no auAL: UPPER clue/u: FIR/0 ”IIIJNDI g . s u z AI'LIIIID NORMAL g 0 I I 0 Ir 2'" 9 A 5’ cnunuu 0. 4E mum: «mum : mu . 3 N ALE IONIC. I Allollflufltl mun 9 AIIDDL E uuwn cam-4n E Ffllo arm/Nu Maura wan/u "runny; I Vl'NlUlL/ll "XI‘JNA{ nouwu Auu "um I ‘- sauos L a rm an a F RI 0 3 1 I L ”uldflll CL‘N'IIDI L i f I T. 0. COO. V/CA’SDURG Figure 7. From Frank Reedy, Jr., l9ll9 (in Bulletin of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists). .Amumfiwoaomc Edmfioppmm mo coapmfioomm< cacapms¢ can go capmaasm cfiv mama ..pm .mommm xcmnm Scam .coapmspom oaum map mo mmcou on» ho coammmhwmcmnp wcfizosm coapomm dam .m mnswfim l7 20:233.; .3. :22: >3! ‘3: >- Omanxus 5:5:1335/ 4 88 89 m g 254 352 // 33... 43.2? /// 3x3 .9. zoncutus 2556 20:22.50... 0.x... .....0 ZOF235“! ...—u: nag: 25.050 a.:mzo..r<4m¢ (235.05.: ... zo_._.<.»2mz_amm BwDémZmo \ 18 fine grained quartzose sand. These sands were transported westward by longshore currents, storms and winds together with the tidal effect resulted in washover fan deposits in the lagoonal area behind the bar. Oil reservoirs are mainly encountered in the top portion of the barrier bar. The lagoonal environment comprises shales, siltstones, and washover sands deposited behind the barrier bar. Brackish water faunal assemblages are present in the lagoonal environment. The continental shelf environment is mainly composed of marine shales with occasional shelf sand deposited presumably by turbidity currents. Tectonic Features Associated With the Frio Frio sedimentation in the Gulf Coast was influenced by five major structural features encountered along the Idorth-western limb of the geosyncline (Figure 3), as well- £18 by a series of northeast-southwest depositional faults. Tfliese faults were active during deposition of elastic tseediments, thereby thickening sediments into the downthrown side. But the thickening of Frio sediments is usually lJinuted to the Lower Frio since many of the depositional I?£iults die out in the Upper Frio. One of the most well- lcriown faults affecting the Frio is the Sam Fordyce- Vanderbilt or Vicksburg fault system (Figure 9). l9 .Ammfipmfioom awoawoaomw mo coapmfioomm< pmmoo maze on» go msoapommcmpe Gav :mma .QEOOHom .3 .0 80pm .momn nwwczoz zfim>fimmmhwoga wcauomMMm wcfipasmm mafizonm coapomm mmono .m mpswam .dud zo_kowm n20 9| 20'. 2.33.. 3:3. 843.2 ---—p-—d 20 Age of the Frio There is no general agreement with regards to the age of the subsurface Frio. It seems that the majority of geologists tend to consider it as Oligocene. However, according to Johnson and Mathy (1957) some stratigraphers have indicated that the Frio is possibly equivalent to the 'Lower Catahoula of south Louisiana which is Miocene. Holcomb favors a Miocene age for the Frio without giving any reasons, and it appears that most oil companies con- sider the Frio as Miocene. According to Butler (1960) the age problem originated when the Middle Anahuac Heterostegina species were erroneously identified as Heterostegina antillea occurring in the Middle Oligocene on the island of Antigua British West Indies and hence the Frio being older than the Anahuac was thought to be Oligocene. By taking into consideration only those palynomorphs which have a limited geologic range in the total Frio microfossil assemblage, one is strongly inclined to ascribe an Oligocene to Lower Miocene age to the subsur- face Frio. One can definitely exclude a Middle Miocene age as the uppermost age limit for lack of any Compositae pollen, since this family of plants evolved most pre- sumably in Middle Miocene. Thus the author, on the basis of presence of palynomorphs of known limited stratigraphic range and absence of Compositae pollen, considers the 21 subsurface Frio of southeast Texas as a time transgressional rock unit with an age range of Oligocene to Lower Miocene. The following is a list of Frio palynomorphs which have a limited geologic range: Homotryblium plectilum Drugg and Loeblich: Oligocene Pentadinium laticinctum Gerlach: Middle Oligocene to Middle Miocene Acostomcystis potane Drugg and Loeblich: Oligocene Leiotriletes adriensis Potonié and Gelletich: Upper Oligocene Leiotriletes maxoides Krutzsch: Middle to Upper Oligocene Lusatisporis perinatus Krutzsch: Middle Miocene Saxosporis duebenensis Krutzsch: Miocene Polypodiisporites favus Potonié: Miocene Corsinipollenites oculusnoctis Nakoman: Oligocene Betulaceoipollenites granifer forma mega- granifer PotoniEE Miocene Liquidambarpollenites stigmosus Raatz: Miocene Ilexpollenites iliacus Thiergart: Oligocene to Miocene Quercoidites henricii Potonie, Thomson and Thiergart: Oligocene to Miocene Sapotaceoidaepollenites lesguereuxiana PotoniéY' Oligocene to Miocene II. SAMPLE LOCATION AND LITHOLOGIC DESCRIPTION Well Location Wells Grayburg Timber #l and J. M. Rich #1 are located in Liberty County, the distance separating them is approximately 12.8 miles. The third well #79 A.D. Middleton is in Chambers County, and it is 11.2 miles south of J. M. Rich #1 well (Figure 10). Grayburg Timber #1 well is far enough updip that Lower Anahuac Marginulina Zone and Frio markers are not present. The Frio in this well is 1,66“ feet thick and is encountered between -A6l9 feet and -6283 feet contour. J. M. Rich #1 well has a poorly developed fauna and fora— miniferal species used for zonation may not be time cor- relative with the tops picked downdip. In this well the Frio is 1,70” feet thick and it is encountered between -6382 feet and —8086 feet contour. A. D. Middleton #79 is far enough downdip to have a well developed foramini- feral fauna and hence it has been zoned on this basis. Here the Frio is 2,345 feet thick, its top is at the -6861 feet contour and bottom -9206 feet level. 22 23 Fig. lO.—-Location of wells. 2A O n o. a “an” HARDIN 30 30° MONTGOMERY Guavauno UMBER ° NO.I HARRIS "" “CH ~01 o JEFFERSON HOUSTONQ A o MlDDlETON NO 79 0 .g Y. Q; e CHAMBERS O a; ‘0 A V Y 0 C. .p "(E 0‘ c“ N t I 1 9 MILES u 0 n 01 FIGUREIO 25 Lithologic Description The lithologic descriptions of samples listed here are only intended to illustrate variations encountered at different levels within the wells, and are not con- sidered to be accurate petrographic analyses. The loca- tion of wells examined, together with sample position and lithologic descriptions, is listed below. Grayburg Timber Company #1, Hull Field, Liberty County, Texas Sample Number Depth Lithology 2A AA66'-AA96' grayish sandy shale, with occasional Molluscan fossils l A589'-A6l9' grayish calcareous shale l6 A6Sl'—A68l' grayish sandy shale, with occasional Molluscan fossil remains 2 A7A3'-A77A' light-gray fissile shale l9 A839'-A865' grayish sandy shale with fragments of Molluscan(?) remains 21 5017'-50A8' creamy-pink, loosely consolidated sandstone; relatively fine-grained 2O 5250'—5280' loosely consolidated, medium—grained angular-grained sandstone; beige color 5 5352'—5383' light-gray calcareous sandy clay 25 5A96'-5507' light-gray, fine-grained clayey sandstone with fragments of gray quartzite 6 5590'-562l' creamy—pink, fine—grained sandstone; grains angular Sample Number 13 17 11 Sample Number 23 21 18 27 1A Depth 5754'-5786' 5879'-59ll' 6035'—6066' 6l90'-6221' 63A5'—6376' J. M. Rich et. 26 Lithology light—gray shale mixed with grayish, medium-grained sandstone light’gray calcareous shale, mixed with medium, angular-grained sand- stone same lithology as above light—gray clayey sandstone, fine- grained same lithology as above al. #1, Hankamer Field, Liberty County, Texas Depth 6166'-6197' 6382'—6A1A' 6A83'-6514' 6577'—659A' 6692'-6723' 6847'~6878' 6909'-69AO' 7033'-7067' 7098'-7129' 7191'-723o' Lithology grayish calcareous shale virtually same lithology as above, except for being more sandy grayish clayey sandstone, with fragments of Molluscan(?) remains grayish silty shale practically same lithology as above, except a little more calcareous light—gray sandy shale virtually same as above, except for presence of pyrite light-gray sandy shale, slightly lighter in color than above gray-fissile shale light-gray silty shale Sample Number 2O 17 lO 19 ll 16 Sample Number 15 19 2C) 21. 232 214 Depth 7292'-7323' 74A8'-7479' 7572'-7603' 7693'-772“' 77“5'—7776' 7838'-7869' 7962'-7993' 802U'-8055' 8117'-81A8' 27 Lithology same lithology as above same lithology as above gray-silty fissile shale, occasion- ally micaceous (biotite), some molluscan fossils present gray-silty fissile shale light-gray calcareous shale light-gray micaceous (muscovite?), loosely consolidated clay light-gray mainly calcareous soft clay, with occasional mica flakes same lithology as above, but slightly darker gray same lithology as above, but dark- gray in color A. D. Middleton #79, Anahuac Field, Chambers County, Texas Depth 6705'-6861' 6861'-695A' 7047'-7138' 7233'-7327' 7417'-7511' 7638'-7731' 7800'-7926' Lithology light-gray fossiliferous sandy clay, loosely consolidated same lithology as above, only slightly more sandy light—gray silty shale, slightly calcareous same lithology as above same lithology as above same lithology as above same lithology as above Sample Number 11 25 26 Depth 8119'-8111' 820A'-8237' 8300'—8360' 8A85'-8579' 8579'—8710' 87lO'—8835' 8936'-9030' 9112'-9206' 9206'-9300' 28 Lithology dark-gray silty shale, slightly calcareous same lithology as above light-gray well consolidated calcar- eous shale same lithology as above same lithology as above, only slightly darker in color light-gray to light-greenish gray, soft, calcareous, micaceous, shale same lithology as above, except less micaceous light—gray, soft, calcareous shale light-gray, soft, calcareous shale, mixed with light greenish-gray quartzitic sandstone. III. METHODS Maceration Techniques Preparations of the Frio sediments for micro- scopic examinations were carried out in a procedure similar to standard palynological maceration for the study of acid insoluble micro—organisms. But no attempt was made to wash the well-cuttings, since most of the time these samples of the Frio sediments are under 1 cm in size, and one could not accurately differentiate indigenous sediments from the drilling mud. To release the organic entities from the rock matrix, samples were treated according to the following procedure. 1. Weigh 20 gram aliquot 2. Treat with 10% HCl for 2A hours to remove carbonates 3. Decant the HCl A. Treat residue with 70% HF for 36 hours for removal of silicates 5. Wash residue once with distilled water and few drops of 10% HCl 6. Wash residue several times with distilled water by centrifugation 29 3O 7. Treat residue with Schulze solution (1 part KClO3 to 8 parts concentrated nitric acid) for 5 minutes 8. Leave residue in 5% KOH for 3 minutes, then centrifuge and decant 9. Wash residue twice with distilled water 10. Perform specific gravity separation on residue using ZnCl (sp. gr. 1.95) for 10 2 minutes ll. Wash residue twice in distilled water with few drops of 10% HCl by centrifugation 12. Wash residue several times with distilled water by centrifugation 13. Wash residue through a sieve (200 micron openings) to remove relatively large organic debris lA. Stain residue with concentrated Safranin O for 30 minutes, last 5 minutes add 2 drOps of 10% NHuOH 3Residues are stored in a solution of HEC.* Sample Analysis Several slides of each residue were made for prweliminary study to determine and differentiate the petlynomorphs. Once the major taxa were established only \ *Hydroxy ethyl cellulose. 31 one slide for each residue was studied to determine relative abundance. Traverses were made at x800 under oil immersion with a Zeiss GFL standard microscope. No regular order of traverses was followed, but careful attention was given so that all areas of the entire slide would be about equally represented in the examination of the sum of 500 specimens counted. A specimen would be included in the total count only if its center was within the field of view. Since there are taxa of many different sizes, such a method of counting would be less biased by the presence of large spores, bisaccate pollen or micro- plankton. The sum of 500 specimens counted on each slide was established by analogy to similar species-area curves used in terrestrial plant ecological studies to determine Inumber and size of quadrats. Thus the figure of 500 was (determined by‘plotting a curve of number of taxa identi- fied against number of specimens counted. The departure Of‘such a curve from a normal one may be due to various .factors including difference in size of palynomorphs (Smaller entities tend to concentrate near the edge of tdie cover slip). In Figure ll two examples are illustrated and it Gena be observed that the dotted curve reaches a plateau between 425 and A50 specimens counted. But on other SiJnilar graphs a plateau was reached on the curve when 32 Fig. ll.--Two examples are graphically illustrated to indicate the number of entities counted on each slide. 33 SAMPLE I 3 J.M. RICH # I HELL so 0 o 0 ° 70’ o 6 ° ° 0 E60> 0‘0 00 g o 50‘ o 53 o 3; 40¢ o 5‘ o 8 gal O o o ' 20 o o lo» L 1 A J l L 100 200 300 400 500 600 NUMBER OF SPECIMENS COUNTED o 0 o 80 , SAMPLE # 23 J.M. RICH # I WELL 0 0 70« o a o E: 601 o E o a 501 O #4 o 5.. o a O 23 30 o o g 20’ o 10 >0 160 260 360 400 {50 660 NUMBER OF SPECIMENS COUNTED FIGURE 11 O 3A 500 to 550 grains were studied, thus the sum of 500 was considered as being a relatively reliable figure for quantitative studies. IV. ZONATION AND CORRELATIONS Introduction The purpose of this section is to describe the methods used and results obtained using palynomorphs for biostratigraphic correlation. Principles applied and their disadvantages are discussed in the light of limi- tations inherent to palynological methods of correlation. Factors Related to Spore and Pollen Abundance There are a number of factors which influence the abundance of plant microfossils as they are encountered at different stratigraphic horizons. These factors have been discussed in detail by Cross (1964) and Kuyl §t_al,, (1955) and have been divided into two broad divisions; ecological and sedimentary. There are a number of eco- logical factors which govern the abundance of plant micro- fossils. These are: (a) Number of parent plants and their production of pollen and spores, (b) Migration, (c) Evolutionary changes, (d) Climatic variations, and (e) Edaphic control. a. The absolute abundance of different plant micro- fossils has a direct relationship with the number of parent plants and their potential in producing spores or 35 36 pollen. Since plants vary in their spore output, abundance of a particular spore or pollen does not necessarily imply abundance of parent plant in the flora even from the modern pollen rain. In sedimentation and preservation additional inequities of abundance of the palynomorphs are found which make reconstruction of the original flora very difficult. b. Certain plants may emigrate while others immigrate due to local environmental conditions. This has only limited value with regard to correlation since migration need not be synchronous at different geographic locations. 0. Evolutionary changes are usually slow but do have great importance for regional correlations. These changes result in appearance of certain forms and dis- appearance of others either independently or at the expense of each other. d. Climatic changes can produce alternation of floral elements on a large scale in a relatively short time and thus prove to be useful for regional correlations. But it must not be overlooked that climates may vary only locally as a result of differences in topography. e. Edaphic changes such as local transgressions into swamp areas or peneplanation will result in changes in local vegetation and thereby prove to be useful only for short range correlations. 37 Geographic or stratigraphic changes observable in the microfossil flora may also be due to a number of factors which are related mainly to sedimentation. Some of these factors are: (a) Distance from vegetation site, (b) Rate of sedimentation, (c) Variability of wind, and (d) Rainfall and stream flow. a. The distance from spore or pollen producing areas to the site of their final settling and entombment in sediments bears a direct relation to their absolute and relative abundance. Furthermore, pollen-producing plants in the immediate vicinity of basins of sedimentation will distort the true representation of the regional vegeta— tional pattern. This phenomenon is well illustrated in sedimentary basins which have their own autochthonous vegetation such as Ericales in Sphagnum bogs or Rhizophora in mangrove swamps. b. Sedimentation rates depend on distances from shore. Thus it is not improbable to encounter more in- dividuals of the same species of a microplanktonic organism per unit volume of sediment farther from shore even though habitat factors such as salinity, temperature and depth of water may limit production of microplankton and result in fewer fossils. Thus microplankton may parallel reduced sedimentation rates. But as a general rule palynomorphs, and larger cuticular fragments and tracheids, which are carried by streams, tend to settle close to the shore line. 38 c. Seasonal changes in wind direction will alter the plant microfossil assemblage since different plants may shed their spores in different seasons, but the problem becomes less important when there is a long flowering or spore-producing period which is the case in subtropical and tropical forests. In the case of Frio palynomorphs there are indications (see section on paleoeCOIOEY) that the parent flora was presumably thriv- ing in a subtropical to tropical climate, thus discrep— ancies due to seasonal wind variations are minimized. d. Rainfall and stream flow will affect the micro— fossil flora depending on the nature of streams and their velocities. Thus a rapid stream in a juvenile Stage will carry most landvderived palynomorphs to the shore line and very little settling of spores or pollen will take place during its seaward journey. A stream which has reached old age will, by contrast, deposit large amount of palynomorphs during its course before reaching the sea. Principles of Biostratigraphic Zonation Involved Several criteria are used to delimit stratigraphic- palynological horizons: (a) Entities which have a limited stratigraphic range are especially useful for correlation purposes. First occurrence of an entity is usually more reliable as a criterion for zonation than last occurrence. Last occurrence is often modified ...__— .- -..—... - 39 locally by special habitat conditions. (b) Relative abundance of a fossil entity and its fluctuating repre- sentation through time (profile of percentage of relative abundance) can be used for correlation. This method is more subject to variables such as local climatic changes and edaphic factors than (a). (c) A relatively constant association of two or more palynomorphs, and parallel changes in their relative abundance from level to level is a valuable criterion for zonation. Because extensive use was made of the relative abundance method in correlating wells in the Frio Forma- tion, it would be appropriate to review some of the assumptions and weaknesses of such a method. When horizons are set up on the basis of relative frequency or abundance of a certain number of selected palynomorphs the following conditions must be given consideration: (a) The assumption that the total number of palynomorphs counted on a slide are truly representative of the micro- fossil flora present in the sediments at a given strati- graphic level or horizon. (b) The assumption that, if distances are not too great, the distribution of plant microfossils over an area is relatively constant and that any changes in the pattern will be gradual from one area to another. Horizons based on relative abundance of a particular type of palynomorph might prove not to be useful over great distances i.e. several hundred miles. ‘~. A0 (c) That changes observed in spore and pollen ratios indicate certain changes in the parent flora. These may characterize and reflect changes on a regional basis, but may also indicate changes within plant com- munities on a local scale. Thus careful selection of types which are not limited to unusual ecological or environmental factors is paramount. Method of Zonation Each sample of the Grayburg Timber #l and J. M. Rich #1 wells are composite ditch samples representing about 30 feet of section. Samples from the A. D. Middleton #79 well are composite ditch samples, which average about 100 feet of thickness of section. In all, three wells samples were examined, on the average, about every 90 to 100 feet apart, except where abrupt changes in the relative frequency curve for a fossil entity was observed. In such cases at least one additional sample was examined in the intervening zone to supplement the information. In all three wells one sample was examined from the lower part of the Anahuac and one from the upper part of the Vicksburg Formation. A total of 50 samples ‘were studied from the three wells. Relative abundance curves were drawn for 35 pollen Enid spores and 15 dinoflagellates and acritarchs. Of tr11s total number, only 11 entities proved to be useful fcxp correlation. One dinoflagellate and one acritarch ,» ud- r.¢ A.» A. ‘r r 5. .\u I‘- ~\v 9». Hxv Al have restricted ranges and the youngest occurrence of each was observed to be within the section studied. The other nine palynomorphs proved to be useful because they are abundant and relatively easy to identify, even though their ranges extend below and above the section studied. The relative frequency of each Species of pollen or spore was determined by dividing the number of specimens counted by the sum of land-derived palynomorphs. Similarly, the relative abundance of a species of micro- plankton was computed from the total number of micro- plankton. A relative abundance curve indicates maximum values for a given species, but it must be realized that such a curve is not a continuous log and thus is subject to quantitative variations in the interval which was not sampled. Particular attention was given to the trend of a curve; thus the absolute value for a species is not as important as the pattern it follows. The important factor to take into account is whether an increase or a decrease in relative frequency from one level to another is also reflected in other wells or sampling sites. Palynological Correlations Ten horizons can be established from the palynomorph Spectra. Horizon 1: This horizon is the upper limit of the Zone characterized by the last occurrence of Homotryblium lfllectilum. In the Grayburg Timber #1 and the J. M. Rich Y7- .‘I to ... in au\ Q A2 #1 wells that time of last occurrence is in the upper part of the Vicksburg Formation while in the A.D. Middleton #79 well the last occurrence of H. plectilum is in the Lower Frio just above the contact with Vicks- burg (see Figures 12 and 23). It appears that, due to lack of foraminiferal control, updip, the base of the Frio in the Grayburg Timber #1 and the J. M. Rich #1 wells has been placed too low in previous correlations. Horizon 2: This horizon is established on the first peak of relative abundance of Quercoidites henricii above the base of the formation. This taxon reaches this peak just above the top of the Vicksburg, then decreases in relative frequency (see Figure 13). Horizon 3: This horizon is characterized by the first peak of relative abundance of Tricolpopollenites hardiei above the base of the formation. There is another peak about midway up in the formation in the Grayburg Timber #1 and the J. M. Rich #1 wells, but no correlation can be traced to the A. D. Middleton #79 well (see Figure 18). Horizon A: This horizon is established at the level where Liquidambarpollenites stigmosus decreases in relative abundance. In the upper part of the Frio L. igigmosus reaches a peak of relative abundance, but this is limited to the Grayburg Timber #1 and the J. M. Rich #1 wells (see Figure 21). d “3 Horizon 5: This horizon is established on the first significant decrease in relative abundance of Taxodiaceaepollenites hiatus above the base of the formation (see Figure 17). Horizon 6: This horizon is based on the first peak of relative abundance of Engelhardtioipollenites guietus half way up the formation. This palynomorph although present throughout the Frio Formation, tends to decrease in relative abundance upwards near the base of the Anahuac Formation (see Figure 19). Horizon 7: This horizon is based on the peak of relative abundance of Taxodiaceaepollenites hiatus. This peak is present about two-thirds of the way up the forma- tion (see Figure 17). Horizon 8: This horizon is marked by a sudden decrease in the relative abundance of Taxodiaceaepollenites hiatus. This decline in relative abundance is observed two—thirds of the way up the formation (see Figure 17) just above the prominent peak which marks Horizon 7. Horizon 9: This horizon is marked by a peak of relative abundance of Micrhystridium stephensonii near the top of the Frio. This acritarch although present throughout the Frio occurs in greater relative fre- Quency in the upper two-thirds of the formation (see Figure 22) . ##"HW AA Horizon 10: This horizon is characterized by a peak of relative abundance of Quercoidites henricii. This peak is attained above the contact of the Frio and the Anahuac in the Grayburg Timber #1 well, while in the J. M. Rich #1 and the A. D. Middleton #79 wells it is below the contact (see Figure 13). In all three wells the last occurrence of Acostomocystis potane was observed (see Figure 1A), but a time line established on the extinction of this micro- plankton would cross other horizons based on land- derived palynomorphs, especially in the A. D. Middleton #79 well. Looking at the general trend of these other horizons, it can be assumed that A. potane reached its extinction point later in the more marine downdip part of the Frio Formation, and a tentative time line based on its last occurrence is actually more indicative of changes in its environmental conditions (see Figure 23). A rather similar line of reasoning is applicable to the species Cordosphaeridium crossii (see Figures 15 and 23). This dinoflagellate decreases in relative abundance in the lower part of the Frio before attaining a peak one third of the way up the formation. Thus tenta- tive time lines would either cross pollen-based horizons, previously indicated, or converge towards them. Hence it is believed that the departure of such time lines from the general trend followed by other palynomorphs could be due to environmental control exerted on g. crossii. AS Tentative time lines drawn on the basis of peak of relative abundance and decrease in relative frequency of Cicatricosisporites dorogensis would cross horizons A and 5 (see Figures 16 and 23). Such a phenomenon may be due to reworking, this could have been the case of g. dorogensis which is a relatively large sized spore, with a resistant sporoderm capable of withstanding mechanical as well as chemical degradation. A tentative horizon could be based on the peak of relative abundance of Chenopodipollis sp. 2 (see Figure 20), but there is no corresponding peak in the J. M. Rich #1 well. Summary of Correlations In Figure 23 a chart showing the position and lithology of samples together with electric log and palynological horizons are compared graphically. There are a number of observations which should be pointed out: (a) Although a few palynological horizons cor- respond to samples of same lithology at particular stratigraphic levels within the three wells, it must be realized that many alternations of microfossil flora can by synchronous in areas or at levels which have different lithologies. (b) Not all relative abundance curves show correlative values at the same horizon; this can be explained possibly by lack of closer sampling, also by factors explained in the paragraph dealing with certain A6 criteria which affect the relative abundance method. (c) As the Grayburg Timber #1 and the J. M. Rich #1 wells were far enough updip there is no reliable foraminiferal control, and the top and bottom of the Frio Formation are tentatively established; hence no comparison could be made with palynological horizons. (d) Horizon l which is established on the last occurrence of Homotryblium plectilum does not agree with the foraminiferal zonation. Thus on the basis of the last occurrence of H. plectilum the contact between the Frio and the Vicksburg in the Grayburg Timber #1 and the J. M. Rich #1 wells should be set up at a slightly higher level. Of course it is realized that this is a matter of conjecture and there is no absolute necessity to change the contact between two formations because the position of one species of micro- plankton does not agree with prior results obtained from foraminiferal zonations. Yet it must be realized that microplankton do not depend to the same extent on bottom conditions as it is the case for benthonic foraminifera. (e) It is not possible to show time equivalency for the top of the Frio in the three wells as no first or last occurrence of a species could be used for correlative purposes. Comparing electric logs, it can be observed that eight possible correlation points can be set up on relatively similar spontaneous potential and resistivity “7 profiles. This is the case for the Grayburg Timber #1 and the J. M. Rich #1 wells where changes from sands or shaly sands to shales are noticeable. In the A. D. Middleton #79 well much of the sand phases out and the lithology is mainly shale, thus only three correlation points can be observed, i.e. A, B and C (Figure 23). Paleoecologic Considerations Quite an important part of the Frio palynomorphs are dinoflagellate cysts and a smaller number of acritarchs. This is especially the case of the more marine A. D. Middleton #79 well. An assemblage of micro— plankton, though independent of bottom conditions, is affected by factors such as salinity, temperature, amount of nutrients, and water turbulence. Distribution of microplankton is related to latitude, longitude, and depth of water. According to Upshaw (196A), there is some variation in habitat between chorate cysts (Hystricho- sphaerids) and the proximate and cavate cysts. Chorate cysts are more abundant on the continental shelf at intermediate depths and decrease in abundance in shallower . and deeper waters. The proximate and cavate cysts thrive in large numbers in shallow near shore and brackish waters and they decrease in number away from the shore— line. A method used by Sarmiento (1957) and Upshaw (196A) is graphically illustrated (Figure 2A). Such a curve is A); .n h 4" UV -. .... ”I ...— ‘r ‘.. .uv p~v A8 based on the relative abundance of all microplankton entities computed from the total number of palynomorphs counted, i.e., 500 specimens. The curve in Figure 2A shows that all three wells indicate a decrease in relative abundance of micrOplankton about the middle of the Frio which would tend to indicate proximity to the shore. This is preceded and followed by peaks of relative frequency indicating a more marine condition. Thus it is possible to infer that the base of Frio is marked by a transgression which is followed by regression and near the top of the formation another transgressive phase was prevailing. This interpretation is further supported by the comparable decrease and increase in relative frequency of occurrence of Foraminifera, represented by inner chitinous linings. A number of conditions must be fulfilled before environmental interpretation based on relative abundance of micrOplankton as marine indicators can be effectively applied. (a) It must be considered that the volume of sedimentation usually decreases away from the shoreline; thus larger numbers of microplankton per unit volume of sediment tend to settle out and become buried. It is possible that the sedimentary factor is counterbalanced to some extent by limitations of temperature, salinity and especially nutrients, which thereby restrict or reduce the production of A9 microplankton away from the shore. (b) "Blooms" of one or more types of dinoflagellate cysts may distort environmental interpretation by over representation of certain entities. (c) As pointed out by Cross, §t_al, (1966) the abundance of dinoflagellate cysts may depend on changes in direction of prevailing winds and currents. In addition the amount of water run off contributing land derived material may be a limiting factor. Relative Abundance of Lycopodiaceous Spores In Figure 25, the relative abundance of Lycopo- diaceous spores is determined from the total number of land—derived plant microfossils. It can be observed that there is a noticeable decrease in relative abundance from the Grayburg Timber #1 well to the A. D. Middleton #79 well. This phenomenon may be explained by the following assumptions: (a) As distances increase spores have a smaller chance of preservation because as they are carried by streams they undergo attrition and are destroyed in their journey to final site or deposition. (b) Winnowing action of water may penecontemporaneously recycle spores which have settled down. (0) Durability of spores is an important factor. After spores are carried to great distances by streams usually the more resistant ones are better preserved. (d) Spores of larger size tend to settle out first and, therefore, 50 decrease in relative abundance to smaller spores or pollen seaward. The relative abundance of pollen, spores and micro- plankton may help in deciphering environmental conditions which existed during the deposition of a stratigraphic unit. Figure 26 illustrates such an example. The A. D. Middleton #79 well was selected because it is the most downdip and marine of the three wells and microplankton have higher relative frequency. Therefore, it is easier to contrast the differences in relative abundance of different groups of palynomorphs. The number of micro— plankton increase from the base upward while the relative frequency of pollen and spores decreases, presumably indicating successively marine conditions upwards from the base. But at a depth of 8300 feet there is a dis- tinctive increase in the number of pollen while spores and microplankton decrease. This could be explained by proximity to a delta. About the middle of the formation spores increase while pollen and microplankton decrease; this might be explained by the presence of swampy conditions in a nearby delta or lagoon. Farther up the well, microplankton again increase in relative abundance indicating a transgressive marine condition. But just below the contact of the Frio with the Anahuac Formation, pollen grains again become abundant and the other two groups of palynomorphs decrease in relative abundance. 51 This might indicate proximity to the mouth of a stream or at least its delta. Nature of the Frio Flora The list of plant microfossil genera, described in the next section (Systematics, p. 72), reveals that the majority distribution counterparts requirements of these taxa have a subtropical to tropical if the modern distribution of their extant can be used to infer comparable climatic of these taxa during the Frio. Yet there are a number of warm temperate to truly temperate elements in the flora. The following is a list of genera with such a climatic distribution: Taxodiaceaepollenites Nyssapollenites Liquidambarpollenites Engelhardtioipollenites Cicatricosispprites Leiotriletes Pinuspollenites Ilexpollenites Betulaceoipollenites Corsinipollenites Subtriporopollenites To explain the presence of the above-mentioned genera in a predominantly subtrOpical-tropical floral assemblage, three explanations might be considered: 52 (a) That the temperate element could have been thriving on topographic highs close to the basin of sedimentation and thus have their pollen or spores dispersed and carried by winds and streams to the final burial site; (b) that it is possible these genera were living at higher latitudes and the presence of their pollen or spores is due to long-distance stream transport; (0) that it is possible that the ecological requirements of these plants may have changed, i.e., Betulaceoipollenites did not have a temperate distribution twenty-five million years ago. But the nature of sediments, and the geological history of the region, tend to indicate that there was no important highland area close to the site of deposition. Furthermore, the possibility of signifia cant changes in the ecological environment seem to be remote. Hence it appears that long distance transport from a higher latitude, or land mass of higher altitude in the hinterland to be the logical explanation. 53 .NH enswfim .mCOHpmHmppoo mmumoHUCH mafia .Esafiuomam EdaanzquEom no mocmmpsooo pmmq all mafia: m- o om , om OH muse - - - Imxofi>. d --ou- .oom% ... .\ n4 \\\\\ \\ \ 08 ... \ r \\\ om om 3 0mm mm 3 \\..\\ s-:--------------u---JMLHU“c\ onm .IIIIII'II'IIIIIIII qw33mc< 1".' """'Il H .02 mon .2 .h m» .02 ZOBMQQQHZ .0 .¢ H .02 mmmzHE wmsmw¢mw 5A .mCOHpmHmpnoo mpmoHccH mmch .mmpoam cum cmHHoq .mH mpstm no saw no mmmn.monmq mm czonm HHoHpcoz mmuHoHoomeG no mocmccsnm m>HumHmm m1. mmHHE .0 mean umxefi> loomed .. 9 1 com pm, 0.: pm oh oh . o: .H..H....H OHmm z-.. I... IllllllllIl 33:93. mp .02 ZOBmHQQHE .Q .< H .02 mmmzHB omomw & \ .8; xxx 1. \ \\ 28 \xx pm em 3 _ om cm 3 .x\ x x x \ -"'I'II|I'""' |||||||||||| I4 onm T- all-I.'IIII"II"IIIIII"'IIII'""II" umssmc< H.oz mmmEHB wmbmwHumHmm .mCOHpmwmpnoo mmmeHccm mch .Esm couxcquopoHE .mfi mnswfim meHS m4 .oomw a .000 om om OH cm o: om om OH -""-"""'--l H .02 mmmZHB ombmw OHmm wounded ms .02 ZOBMHQQHE .D .< .mmpoam ppm :mHHoa mo saw no ..mnoumemphoo.mcpmoHo:H mcwq mwmpcwopma mm csoRm wfimcmwogc: nopfiuoamHmOOHApMoHo mo mocmvcsnw m>HpmHmm .mH waswfim mm m . S: o om om 3 when 4 1 . . £er % .dom e \ 1. \ \ \ VOOW ‘ \ om om mH om om OH \ I d \ 57 H .02 mmmzHB cmsmw¢mw H .02 mOHm OE Oh a» .02 ZOBMHQQHE .9 .¢ .wcoHumHmpaoo mmpMUHocH mch .mmpoam cam :mHHoa no 83m 58 no mwmpcmonmo mm exogm mzpmfin mmuHCmHHomummomHooxmB mo mocmvCSQm o>prHmm .NH mnszm nmfifiz ‘ m. o . on om om OH mesh . - . - -mxea> ---- " “-'-‘ " ‘ “' --- OHmm H .02 mmmzHB wmsmwHumHmm .mH mnszm mmHHz mi m o: om .whse . . mon> Jfl \ somw 4+ .000 \ OF om om 3 _ om om 3 xx 1 . i 4 J . q . \\\ \ Tal'""-ll'-l tttt \\\\.\\ |I |||||||| n|||.I ..... ..---- ---. 8E. .-.x.. xx- ......III..............:II... Illulalnunnnlxu omega: H .02 mmmEHB OmbmwHumHmm .mH opstm .mcoHpmHohaoo mmymoHnCH mch .mmaoam one cmHHOQ mo 83m no H .02 mmm2HB wmomwdmw mmfifiz m- 0 ON OH 1 whsn q q 'WVAUH a... \ 603W \ n4. _\\ \ 8 oz om cm s OH om om OH x - . 4 . i . - x\ Illl'"-" -J fills-III- .. onm titt|lfixiio IIIIIIII T'sl'""lulllu"lllllll. "'IIIII-"II'II'OI UNSSQC H .02 mOHm .2 .h mm .02 ZOBMHQQH2 .Q .< .mCOHumeppoo mmpmoHch mafia .mmhoam ccm :mHHom mo 61 saw no mmmnumunmu.mm csonw m .Qm mHHHomHoomocmno mo mocmccsnm m>HpmHmm .om mnstm mmHHz m. om om oH has i. . . mon> J1. , w 2.. 7---- 'l“""'|'-"' 1"""""" msnwc< !\ H .02 mmm2HB umamwdmo H .02 mon .2 .6 mm .02 ZOBMHQQH2 .Q .< 62 mwmucmogmd mm czonm msmoswfium mmuHcmHHoqpmnEm .chHWWHmapoo muMoHocH mmch .mwgoam new cmHHoq no saw no pHSqu mo mocmccznm m>HumHmm .Hm enswfim mmHHE mxr, o om om OH when - . . -mxonp % \ illllll .OOme \\ n4. \ \‘\ .00w \x. om! om OH om om OH \\ 1 q q 1 I'l'Ildll' “\ \\\\\\ III; ‘II‘I‘-" “““ OHmm ..IllIaIIIIIIII ...IIIIIIIIII almanac? H .02 mmm2HB umbmwdmo H .02 mOHm .2 .h ms .02 ZOBWHQQH2 .Q .< 63 no ammucmoumm mm u3onm HHcomcmnampw EsHvHHumznpon mo mocmocsnm m>HuMme .mcoHpmHmpHoo mmumoHocH mcHH .Esm coaxcquonoHs .mm mnszm mmHHz m, comm.u 3 .1. icon om om OH om om OH q 4 d T"-.I""""|. IIIIIII I IIOtIIInII v H .02 mmm2HE cmme(dU >02u><.u r; :(Xn 11.0 1.1 NH 324“ «sou-(u.<0u....x.w. :12» 32.3- o a pu.: 1 m.o.:>m c o o .Oz mmm2HB mmbmwhawn: Z. 20:(I¢Om 0.35 wU.-(L i." 3.2; anon-«0:0ww ... al..“ wd4(; Oc:¢nuU.> r—x \.._. .. m (It; 1'! "a 11‘“ 11mm. ‘1 In I .ri c111. L 13‘ 7‘1 [91 EOHm .2 .h H. .. _A . -... #1.-.. \ .u. 0.: 1 {i x fl.. . .....+\ .W \x o . M... w....V..m%\-\. . u o 11.\\\\1\\ AAxIWI ...Imrxl\\l\! U Ill-IIIIIIII I '19.- ..I uh..l...¢ .. n . .. . u . . c . n u n u n W H .-.m IIINH I. h I . Inn-I-silent-I‘II-IIICIIII M. I o-Hw. MI. - u u u . Ml WWII... Q nun-nun .- .B ...-......n-nuunnnn(Inn-.u-uuuuuno-u lb nun-n cunning-unluc- Lr 1L1. MIG & .....H V - n... INIIHH.“ IIIIIIIIEV/IH .. lll"l" M... NH U(=:(2( ms .02 ZOBMHQQHE .Q .< 65 .Esm nahosocsza .zm mpstm Haven 0:» mo mwmucmonma mm csonm couxcmHaopoHE no mocwccsnm m>HpmHmm 1 mafia: o om om OH wasp m 1 1 1 Imxofi> .d . a coma. \ oow \ \ \ om cm 2 S cm om S x s 1 11 . 1 1 1 1 ..\ 11.111111 1 onm I'|"""' ""'|"' mu .oz ZOBmHQQHS .Q .< H .02 mmmzHB umamwHpmc ccmH mo owmvhmonmu mm czoSm mmpoqm mzomomaooaoohq no mocmccsnm m>Humem .mm mhstm mmHHS m..- 1 cm cm 3 , was 1 1 Imon> .d uOM “w \\ \ n+ \\ W2 0: cm . N CH CN OH \\ 1 1 11 \ 1 q \ -.I- ' " H .02 mmmZHB wmamwHumHmm .wm mpszm 1o om om ow om om o: om om ad mass m. 1 . 1 111 1 . . . 1 1 . 1mx0fi> . com? ._ , . n’: r 00 ./ mcfimam :mHHoq no m J «osmocsam m>HpmHmm .1.1.1 / I couxcmHQOQoHE mo .\v mocmocsnm m>HpmHmm ...... 2&1:\\ mmLHOm .IJ mzomomHuoaoohq mo \ mocmccsnm m>HpMHmm ”x ./ v .\ A, onm ./ v .s x .\ x \x w . wanna: mp .02 ZOBmHQDHS .Q .< V. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS This study was undertaken to establish a micro- fossil assemblage and demonstrate its usefulness for time-stratigraphic purposes. Palynologic horizons were established based on qualitative and quantitative methods of correlation. The establishment of ten bio— stratigraphic horizons will, hopefully, supplement infor— mation already available in the more marine section of the subsurface Frio Formation which has been zoned using benthonic and planktonic foraminifera. This would enable updip correlations to be made more accurately. For the purpose of this study, three wells were selected, in Liberty and Chambers Counties, Texas, two of which have a poorly developed foraminiferal fauna and one of which has a good, more nearly normal marine fauna. Fifty composite ditch samples were prepared for micro— scopic examination. A total of 500 specimens were counted on each slide for quantitative and qualitative studies. It was observed that two microplanktonic organisms had a restricted range and their populations terminated near the upper part of the Vicksburg Formation or in the Lower Frio Formation. The occurrence of relatively large numbers of a particular species is considered to have time-stratigraphic value for correlations. 68 69 Based on the presence of taxa of known restricted age and absence of pollen grains of the Compositae the age of the subsurface Frio in the area studied is believed to be Oligocene to Lower Miocene. One hundred sixty-eight different taxa are described. Included are thirty-two new species of microplankton, pollen, Lycopodiaceous(?) and fungal spores. The 168 taxa represent about 75 per cent of the total Frio palynomorph assemblage. A large number of fungal spores were observed but not described. The following conclusions are based on results obtained during the course of this study: 1. Presence and relative abundance of a number of palynomorphs proved to be useful in establishing ten horizons. 2. The majority of Frio palynomorphs are present throughout the formation, indicating either slow evolutionary changes or relatively rapid sedimentation or both. Only two micro- plankton species have a limited range in the sections studied and their last occurrence is recorded. 3. The position of last occurrence of Homotryblium plectilum as recorded in the three wells indi- cates a lower contact between the Frio and the Vicksburg formations in the Grayburg Timber #l 70 and the J. M. Rich #1 wells, thus including some of the section of each, now considered to be Vicksburg, in the lower Frio. Most of the biostratigraphic horizons do not link up sediments of similar lithology in the three wells, thus demonstrating their independence of different depositional environments. Relative abundance of microplankton to total palynomorphs indicates environmental or sedimen- tary basin changes. Some of these differences reflected may be distance from shore or depth of water. Thus the Frio Formation appears to be characterized in Liberty and Chambers Counties by two transgressions and one regression of the sea. Relative abundance of different groups of palynomorphs indicates changes in environment of the nearest source areas, during deposition of Frio sediments in these sections, from deltaic through swampy and back to deltaic conditions. The majority of the terrestrial plant micro— fossils appear to be from vegetation which is now subtropical to tropical in distribution. A smaller, but significant number of warm temperate and truly temperate elements is 71 present. It is postulated that their presence could be explained by long distance stream transport. There are eight correlation points between the Grayburg Timber #l and the J. M. Rich #1 wells established on changes in lithology as reflected by electric logs. Only three correlation points are observed in the A. D. Middleton #79 well. Two of the eight correlation points cross palynological horizons. rP u..- ‘( vVo uht xi» VI. SYSTEMATIC DESCRIPTIONS The object of this section is to provide taxonomic names and references for the palynomorph assembly of the Frio Formation. Attempt has been made to make a rigorous and as far as possible a thorough taxonomic treatment. Thus careful attention has been applied to the problem of validity and priority of names applied. The descriptive terms applied with regard to pollen and spore morphology have been borrowed from Faegri and Iversen (196A) and Erdtman (1952). Terms used to describe dinoflagellate cysts and acritarchs have been borrowed from Downie and Sarjeant in Davey gt_al. (1966). The classificatory scheme used for dinoflagellate cysts is that of Sarjeant and Downie (1966). Pollen and spores are arranged according to an artificial classificatory scheme solely based on their morphology. Nomenclature According to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature there are three different types of genera: natural "Linnean" genera; organ genera, representing parts or stages in the life cycles of a sporophyte; form genera, which refers solely to morphology. The author believes that when studying foSsil palynomorphs one should 72 .N‘ 73 preferably use form genera names. Potonié (1958) has pointed out that since a genus is defined by a type species which in turn is based on a sporophyte holotype it would be unjustified to ascribe a taxon to a genus merely on basis of its spore or pollen morphology. Thus to give a fossil palynomorph a modern generic designation would not be completely justifiable without additional information regarding the sporophyte anatomy and morphology. Hence form genera names have been utilized throughout this section with two exceptions. The modern generic name has been applied to "Ephedra" type pollen for lack of a valid morphogenic term. There are two form genera names for Gnetales pollen: Gnetaceaepollenites Thiergart (1938) and Ephedripites Bolchovitina (1953) but neither term is valid notwithstanding the common use of the latter term in recent literature. It would be more appropriate to erect a new morphogenic term which would include the Gnetales pollen. The other exception is the use of the modern genus name Azolla, but since the specimen compared very closely to Azolla bohemica Pacltova (1960) no attempt was made to adOpt a form genera name. Whenever possible reference was made to an extant form which has spores or pollen comparable in morphology, together with its present day geographic distribution. For the purpose of identification published illustra- tions and descriptions were used and no type specimens . Av-n'v ‘91“- ””1 0v. pm” I"c¢ (I) 1)., 1‘“? V-. ‘ Ihfi A ‘n 5" ‘1‘ 74 were examined. The terms used with regard to relative abundance have the following approximate connotations: Very abundant 25 per 500 Abundant lO-25 per 500 Common 5—10 per 500 Uncommon 3-5 per 500 Rare 2 per 500 Location and Reference Material Each taxon described is accompanied by a sample location indicating from which of the three wells the slide was made. Reference material which gives the slide number and coordinates are from the stage of a Zeiss GFL standard microscope, and every specimen described has a circle drawn in black ink around it on the cover slip. Vials containing residues together with the slide are on file at Michigan State University. List of Taxa in the Frio Formation The following is a list of taxa representing the Frio palynomorph assemblage; each taxon is accompanied by a page number referring to its description, together with a plate and figure number indicating its location. Class DINOPHYCEAE Family HYSTRICHOSPHAERACEAE Hystrichosphaera ramosa var. ramosa p. 87, pl. 1, Figs. 3, A and Na. Hystrichosphaera sp. cf. fl. ramosa var. membranaceae p. 87, pl. 1, Fig. 2. Family Family 75 Hystrichosphaera ramosa var. multibrevis p. 88, pl. 2, Fig. 2. Hystrichosphaera buccina p. 89, pl. 2, Fig. 3. Achomosphaera ramulifera p. 90, pl. 1, Figs. 1 and la. HYSTRICHOSPHAERIDIACEAE Hystrichokolpoma rigaudea p. 91, pl. 3, Fig. 2. fiystrichokolpoma sp. cf. fl. rigaudea p. 91, pl. 3, Figs. 1 and la Friosphaera Williamsii Gen. nov. et sp. nov. p. 92, pl. 3, Fig. 3. Cleistosphaeridium disjunctum p. 93 , pl. 7, Figs. 2 and 2a Cleistosphaeridium disjunctum var. brevispinosum var. nov. p. 93, pl. 9, Fig. 3. Cleistosphaeridium texasi sp. nov. p. 94 , pl. 7, Figs. 1, la, and lb. Polysphaeridium pastielsi p. 95, pl. 7, Fig. 3, also pl. 8, Fig. l. Polysphaeridium sp. p. 96, pl. 8, Figs. 2 and 2a. Cordosphaeridium crossii sp. nov. p. 96, pl. 9, Figs. 1, la and 2. HOMOTRYBLIACEAE Homotryblium plectilum p. 98, pl. 2, Figs. 1, la, and lb. u.- ... un. ... A.“ ... an WA" 76 Cyclonephelium proutyi sp. nov. p. 99, pl. 10, Fig. 1. Cyclonephelium sp. p. 100, pl. 10, Fig. A. Adnatosphaeridium sp. p. 101, pl. 10, Figs. 2 and 3. Family GONYAULACYSTACEAE Gonyaulacysta bilinia sp. nov. p. 102, pl. 12, Fig. 3. Gonyaulagysta sp. p. 103, pl. 12, Fig. 2. Family PALAEOPERIDINIACEAE Lejeunia sp. p. iou, pl. 12, Fig. l. Family DEFLANDRECEAE Deflandrea_minor p. 105, pl. 11, Fig. 1. Family Incertae Sedis Thallasiphora sp. p. 105, pl. 13, Figs. 1 and la. Dinogymnium cretaceum p. 107, pl. 11, Fig. 3. Dinogymnium sp. p. 107, pl. 11, Fig. 2. Hemicystodinium zoharyi p. 108, pl. 11, Figs. A and Aa. Hemicystodinium sp. p. 109, pl. 8, Figs. 3, 3a and 3b. Family ENDOSCRINIACEAE Pentadinium laticinctum p. 110, pl. 13, Figs. 2 and 2a. Group ACRITARCHA Subgroup Subgroup Subgroup 77 Uncertain Acostomocystis potane p. 110, pl. 1“, Figs. 1 and 1a. HERKOMORFHITAE Cymatiosphaera sp. p. 111, pl. 12, Fig. A. ACANTHOMORPHITAE Baltisphaeridium sp. 1 p. 112, pl. 4, Figs. 1, 1a and 2. Baltisphaeridium sp. 2 p. 113, pl. 4, Fig. A. Baltisphaeridium sp. 3 p. 113, pl. A, Figs. 3 and 3a. Baltisphaeridium sp. A p. 11“, pl. 5, Fig. 3. Baltisphaeridium sp. 5 p. 11“, pl. 5, Fig. A. Baltisphaeridium sp. 6 p. 115, pl. 5, Fig. 5. Baltisphaeridium sp. 7 p. 115, pl. 3, Figs. A and Na. Baltisphaeridium scalenofurcatum sp. nov. p. 116, pl. 6, Fig. l. Baltigphaeridium cf. g. ehrenbergi var. brevispinosum p.117 , pl. 5, Figs. 1, la, and 2. Micrhystridium sp. 1 p. 118, pl. 6, Figs. 6 and 7. Micrhystridium sp. 2 p. 119, pl. 6, Figs. 2 and 2a. 78 Micrhystridium capitatum sp. nov. p. 119, pl. 6, Figs. 5 and 5a. Micrhystridium sp. 3 p. 120, pl. 6, Fig. 8. Micrhystridium stephensonii sp. nov. p. 121, pl. 6, Figs. A and Ma. Micrhystridium fragile p. 121, pl. 6, Fig. 10. Micrhystridium sp. cf. Hystrichosphaeridium patulum p. 122, pl. 6, Fig. 9. Micrhystridium sp. 4 p. 122, pl. 6, Fig. 11. Micrhystridium sp. 5 p. 123, pl. 6, Figs. 3 and 3a. Fern Spores TRILETE SPORES Leiotriletes sp. 1 p. 12A, pl. 16, Fig. 3. Leiotriletes sp. 2 p. 125, pl. 1“, Figs. 2 and 3. Leiotriletes sp. 3 p. 126, pl. 15, Figs. 1 and la. Leiotriletes sp. 4 p. 126, p1. 1A, Figs. 4 and Na. Leiotriletes adriensis p. 126, pl. 16, Figs. 1, 1a and 2. Leiotriletes maxoides p. 127, pl. 15, Figs. 2, A, 4a, and Ab. Deltoidospora sp. p. 128, pl. 15, Fig. 3. Cicatricosisporites dorogensis p. 128, pl. 19, Figs. 1 and 1a. 79 Lycopodiumsporites sp. 1 p. 129, pl. 19, Figs. 3 and 3a. Lycopodiumsporites sp. 2 p. 130, pl. 20, Figs. 1 and la. Lycopodiumsporites sp. 3 p. 130, pl. 20, Figs. 2, 2a, 3, and 3a. Hydrogporis azollaensis subsp. azollaensis p. 131. pl. 18, Fig. 4. Azolla bohemica p. 132, pl. 18, Fig. 5. Camarozonosporites sp. p. 132, pl. 18, Figs. 3 and 3a (?) Osmundacidites sp. p. 133, pl. 17, Figs. A and Na. Family SELAGINELLACEAE LusatiSporis perinatus p. 134, pl. 16, Fig. 5. Lusatisporis sp. p. 13“, pl. 16, Fig. A. Family ANTHOCEROTACEAE Saxosporis duebenensis p. 135, pl. 17, Figs. 1, 1a and 2. Rudolphisporis sp. p. 136, pl. 19, Figs. 2 and 2a. Family Incertae Sedis Forma A Gen. et. sp. nov. p. 137, pl. 18, Figs. 1 and 1a. Forma B Gen. et. sp. nov. p. 137, pl. 18, Figs. 2 and 2a. Genus Incertae Sedis p. 138, pl. 17, Fig. 3. 80 MONOLETE SPORES Laevigatosporites haardti p. 139, pl. 21, Figs. 1 and 2. Laevigatosporites sp. 1 p. 139, pl. 21, Fig. 3. Laevigatospprites sp. 2 p. 1A0, pl. 21, Figs. A and 5. Microfoveolatosporis sp. p. 1A1, pl. 21, Figs. 6 and 7. Polypodiisporites favus p. 1A1, pl. 21, Fig. 12. Po1ypodiisporites secundus p. 1A2, pl. 21, Fig. 11. Polypodiisporites sp. 1 p. 1A2, pl. 21, Fig. 8. Po1ypodiisporites sp. 2 p. 1A3, pl. 21, Fig. 9. Polypodiisporites sp. 3 p. 1AA, pl. 21, Fig. 10. SACCATE POLLEN Pinuspollenites sp. 1 1A5, pl. 22, Fig. 5. Pinuspollenites sp. 2 . 1A6, pl. 22, Fig. l. Pinuspollenites sp. 3 1A6, pl. 22, Fig. 2. Pinuspollenites sp. A . 1A7, pl. 22, Fig. 3. 'U'U’U'U'U Pinuspollenites sp. 5 1A8, pl. 22, Fig. A. Order GNETALES Family GNETACEAE Ephedra sp. 1 p. 1A9, pl. 23, Figs. 5 and 6. Ephedra voluta p. 1A9, pl. 23, Fig. 11. Ephedra sp. 2 p. 150, pl. 23, Figs. 7, 7a, and 8 Ephedra sp. 3 p. 150, pl. 23, Fig. 9. Ephedra sp. A p. 151, pl. 23, Fig. 10. 81 NON-SACCATE POLLEN Taxodiaceaepollenites hiatus p. 152, pl. 23, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and A. PORATE POLLEN Corsinipollenites oculusnoctic pm 153, pl. 23, Fig. 12. Tiliapollenites sp. 1 p. 15A, pl. 23, Fig. 1A. Tiliapollenites sp. 2 p. 15A, pl. 23, Fig. 13. Subtriporopollenites anulatus subsp. anulatus p. 155, pl. 23, Fig. 15 also p1. 2A, Fig. l. Subtriporopollenites sp. 1 p. 156, p1. 2A, Fig. 2. Subtriporopollenites sp. 2 p. 156, p1. 2A, Fig. 3. Subtriporopollenites sp. 3 p. 157, pl. 2A, Fig. A. Triatriopollenites coryphaeus p. 158, p1. 2A, Figs. 5 and 6. Betulaceoipollenites granifer forma megagranifer p. 158, pl. 2A, Fig. 11. Betulaceoipollenites sp. p. 159, p1° 2A, Fig. 7. Engelhardtioipollenites quietus n. comb. p. 160, p1. 2A, Figs. 8, 8a, and 9. Engelhardtioipollenites sp. p. 161, p1. 2A, Fig. 10. Ulmipollenites undulosus p. 162, pl. 2A, Figs. 12, 13, and 1A. COLPATE 82 Liquidambarpollenites stigmosus p. 163, p1. 2A, Figs. 15 and 16. Chenopodipollis sp. 1 p. 16A, pl. 2A, Figs. 17 and 18. ChenOpodipollis sp. 2 p. 16A, p1. 2A, Fig. 19. Monoporopollenites sp. p. 165, pl. 2A, Figs. 20 and 20a. Forma A, Gen. et. sp. nov. p. 166, pl. 2A, Fig. 21. AND COLPORATE POLLEN Ilexpollenites iliacus p. 167, pl. 2A, Figs. 25 and 26. Quercoidites sp. p. 167, pl. 25, Figs. 11 and 12. Quercoidites henricii p. 169, pl. 25, Figs. 1, la, and 2. TricolpOpollenites hians p. 170, pl. 25, Figs. 8 and 8a. Tricolpopollenites hardiei sp. nov. p. 170, pl. 25, Figs. 9 and 10. Tricolpopollenites sp. 1 p. 171, pl. 2A, Figs. 22 and 22a. Tricolpopollenites sp. 2 p. 172, p1. 2A, Figs. 23 and 2A. Tricolpopollenites sp. 3 p. 172, pl. 25, Figs. 3, 3a, and A. Tricolpopollenites sp. A p. 173, pl. 25, Fig. 5. 83 Tricolpopollenites sp. 5 p. 17A, pl. 25, Fig. 6. Tricolpopollenites sp. 6 p. 17A, pl. 25, Fig. 7. Nyssapollenites sp. p. 175, pl. 26, Fig. A. Pollenites ventosus p. 176, pl. 25, Fig. 23. Tricolporopollenites sp. 1 p. 177, pl. 25, Figs. 13 and 13a. Tricolporopollenites sp. 2 p. 177, pl. 25, Figs. 1A and 15. Tricolporopollenites sp. 3 p. 178, pl. 25, Fig. 16. Tricolporopollenites sp. A p. 179, pl. 25, Figs. 17 and 17a. Tricolporopollenites sp. 5 p. 179, pl. 25, Fig. 18. Tricolporopollenites sp. 6 p. 180, pl. 25, Fig. 19. Trico1poropollenites sp. 7 p. 180, pl. 25, Fig. 20. Tricolporopollenites sp. 8 p. 181, pl. 25, Fig. 21. TricolporOpollenites sp. 9 p. 182, pl. 25, Fig. 22. Tricolporopollenites sp. 10 p. 182, pl. 25, Fig. 2A. Tricolporopollenites sp. 11, p. 183, pl. 26, Fig. l. 8A Trico1poropollenites sp. 12 p. 183, pl. 26, Fig. 2. Tricolporopollenites cf. Tricolporopollenites sp. 1 Engelhardt p. 18A, pl. 26, Fig. 3. Myrtaceidites mesonesus p. 185, pl. 26, Figs. 5 and 6. Sapotaceoidaepollenites lesguereuxiana p. 186, pl. 26, Figs. 10, 11, and 11a. Sapotaceoidaepollenites sp. 1 p. 187, pl. 26, Fig. 9. Sapotaceoidaepollenites sp. 2 p. 187, pl. 26, Fig. 12. Sapotaceoidaepollenites sp. 3 p. 188, pl. 26, Figs. 8 and 8a. Sapotaceoidaepollenites sp. A p. 189, pl. 26, Figs. 7 and 7a. MONOSULCATE POLLEN Calamuspollenites pertusus p. 189, pl. 26, Figs. 13, 13a, and 1A. Calamuspollenites elsikii sp. nov. p. 191, pl. 26, Fig. 15. Liliacidites intermedius p. 191, pl. 26, Figs. 18 and 18a. Liliacidites sp. p. 192, pl. 26, Figs. 17 and 17a. 85 Liliacidites cf. Liliacidites variegatus p. 193, pl. 26, Fig. 16. Liliacidites variegatus p. 193, pl. 27, Fig. 1. FUNGI Dicellaesporites sp. 1 sp. nov. p. 19“, pl. 27, Fig. 2. Dicellaesporites sp. 2 sp. nov. p. 19“, pl. 27, Fig. 3. Dicellaesporites sp. 3 sp. nov. p. 195, pl. 27, Fig. 5. Dicellaesporites sp. A sp. nov. p. 195, pl. 27, Fig. 19. Fusiformisporites sp. sp. nov. p. 196, pl. 27, Fig. A. Multicellaesporites sp. 1 sp. nov. p. 197, pl. 27, Fig. 6. Multicellaesporites sp. 2 sp. nov. p. 197, pl. 27, Fig. 7. Multicellaesporites sp. 3 sp. nov. p. 198, pl. 27, Fig. 8. Multicellaesporites sp. A sp. nov. p. 198, pl. 27, Fig. 9. Multicellaesporites sp. 5 sp. nov. p. 199, pl. 27, Fig. 18. Lacrimasporonites smithii sp. nov. p. 199, pl. 27, Fig. 10. 86 Lacrimasporonites fisheri sp. nov. p. 200, pl. 27, Fig. 11. Dyadosporonites richii sp. nov. p. 200, pl. 27, Fig. 16. Diporicellaesporites sp. 1 sp. nov. p. 201, pl. 27, Fig. 12. Diporicellaesporites sp. 2 sp. nov. p. 202, pl. 27, Fig. 13. Diporicellaesporites sp. 3 sp. nov. p. 202, pl. 27, Fig. 1A. Diporicellaesporites sp. A sp. nov. p. 203, pl. 28, Fig. 3. Pluricellaesporites middletonii sp. nov. p. 203, pl. 27, Fig. 17. Family MICROTHYRIACEAE Forma A p. 204, pl. 28, Fig. 1. Forma B p. 205, pl. 28, Figs. 2 and 2a. Fungal Hyphae p. 205, pl. 27, Fig. 15. FORAMINIFERA Forma A p. 206, pl. 29, Fig. 1. Forma B p. 206, pl. 29, Fig. 2. Forma C p. 207, pl. 29, Fig. 3. Forma D p. 207, pl. 29, Fig. A. 87 Class DINOPHYCEAE Pascher Family Hystrichosphaeraceae Evitt Genus HyStrichosphaera O. Wetzel, 1932, emend. Davey and Williams, 1966. Type species: Hystrichosphaera (Xanthidium) ramosa (Ehrenberg), 1838. Upper Cretaceous (Senonian); Germany. fiystrichosphaera ramosa var. ramosa Davey, Downie, et al., 1966 (p. 33) Pl. 1, Figs. 1-6; Pl. 3, Fig. l Hystrichosphaera ramosa var. ramosa P1. 1, Figs. 3, A and Aa Description: Specimen conform in morphology to H. ramosa var. ramosa in every aspect. Diameter of central body 39 to A3 microns; length of processes 13.7 to 15.5 microns. Occurrence: uncommon to common depending on horizon down in the wells. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 5579'-67O5' Reference slide: slide number; 6 coordinates; Al.l x 99.8 Michigan State University* Hystrichosphaera sp. cf. Hystrichosphaera ramosa var. membranaceae7(Rossignof), avey, Downie, et al., 1966 P1. 1, Fig. 2 *The initials M.S.U. will be used in further references. 88 Description: Chorate cyst, outline of central body spherical. Processes of three type: 1. Solid, closed, bifurcated at about 2/3 of their length, bifurcated again at their tip. 2. Solid, closed, trifurcated at about 2/3 of their length, bifurcated again distally. 3. Two large antapical processes, with broad bases and slightly shorter than previous two types, bifurcated distally, with con- spicuous sutural membrane. Periphragm thin and granular. Archanpyle precingular (not observable in illustrated specimen). Maximum length of central body 3A.A microns; length of gonal and border processes 11.13 microns, length of antapical processes 10 microns. Discussion: This specimen compares favorably to g. ramosa var. membranaceae, except for the two well develOped large dorsal antapical processes. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #l Depth; 5250'-5280'. Reference slide: slide number; A coordinates; 35.5 x 110.3 M.S.U. fiystrichosphaera ramosa var. multibrevis Davey, Downie, et al., 1966 (p. 35) P1. 1, Fig. A; Pl. A, Fig. 6 Hystrichosphaera ramosa var. multibrevis Pl. 2, Fig. 2 89 Description: Specimens conform in morphology to the type specimen in every aspect. Diameter of central body A0 to A6 microns; length of processes 6 to 12 microns. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the Frio Forma- tion. Range: 5. ramosa var. multibrevis has been recorded from the Lower Cretaceous to the Eocene in England, and from the Upper Cretaceous of France and Germany. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6861'-695A'. Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; A0.5 x 101.2 M.S.U. Hystrichosphaera buccina Williams, in Davey et al., 1966 P1. 2, Fig. 3 Description: Specimens compare favorably in morphology to the species described by Dr. Graham L. Williams. Diameter of central body 55 to 62 microns; length of process minimum 12 to 15 microns, maximum 28 to 31 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Range: Eocene-Pleistocene. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8579'-8710'. Reference slide: coordinates; 29.A x 116. q 9O Genus Achomosphaera Evitt, 1963 Type species: A. (al. Hystrichosphaeridium) ramulifera (Deflandre, 1937a), Upper Cretaceous; France. Achomosphaera ramulifera (Deflandre), Evitt, 1963 P1. 1, Figs. 1 and la 1937. Achomosphaera (al. Hystrichosphaeridium) ramulifera, (Deflandre, 1937), p. 7A, p1. 1A, Figs. 5-6. Upper Cretaceous; France. Description: Specimens conform in morphology to the type species in every aspect. Length of central body 3A to A0 microns, width of central body 30 to 36 microns, length of processes 13 to 18 microns. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the Frio Formation. Range: Upper Cretaceous to Pleistocene (Dr. Graham L. Williams, personal communication). Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7572'-7603' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 36 x 102.5 M.S.U. Family Hystrichosphaeridiaceae Evitt (Group 5 of Sarjeant and Downie, 1966) Genus Hystrichokolpoma Klumpp 1953, emend. Williams, Downie, in Davey et al., 1966 (p. 176) (I! (n l ([1 'r1 (1) ....- g, " o 'V'l‘. ...; u. 111*“ o1‘.‘ 91 Type species: Hystrichokolpoma cinctum Klumpp 1953. Eocene; Germany. Hystrichokolpoma rigaudea Deflandre and Cookson 1955 P1. 6, Figs. 6-10 Hystrichokolpoma rigaudea P1. 3, Fig. 2 Description: Specimens conform in morphology to the type specimen in every aspect. Diameter of central body 36 to A0 microns; length of the antapical process 29 to 32 microns. Occurrence: Common to uncommon, present throughout the Frio Formation. Range: Eocene (London Clay) to Pleistocene (recorded by Rossignol, in Israel). Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 9425'-9528' Reference slide: slide number; A coordinates; 28.A x 102.A M.S.U. Hystrichoko1poma sp. cf. H. rigaudea Deflandre and Cookson 1955 P1. 3, Figs. 1 and la Comparison: Specimens conform favorably to H. rigaudea in most aspects. The only difference is that the long antapical process does not taper distally. 92 Genus Friosphaera williamsii Gen. nov. et sp. nov. Pl. 3, Fig. 3 Diagnosis: Chorate cyst, outline of central body spherical. Periphragm thin and granular. Processes variable in shape and size. Tabulation not determinable. Archaeopyle not observed. Description: Three types of processes observable: l. Slender, entire, hollow, Open distally where it is slightly flared; length 10 to 13 microns. 2. Relatively wide, hollow processes, bifurcated 2/3 of their length, open distally; length 10 to 13 microns. 3. Broad, hollow, striate processes closed distally where a number of small spines are observable; length 12 to 15 microns. Archanpyle not observed. Diameter of central body Al to A5 microns (number of specimens examined seven). Discussion: There are a number of characteristics which this taxon has in common with the genus Hystrichokolpoma, such as presence of broad and long processes as well as smaller ones. Yet since no archaeopyle has been observed and the varied type of processes hinders one to put it in that genus. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg-Timber #1 Depth; AA66'-AA96' Holotype: slide number 1, from AA66'-AA96' sample coordinates; 3A.2 x 111 M.S.U.* Pb. NO. 9026 Paleobotanical maceration number. 93 Genus Cleistosphaeridium Davey et al., 1966 (p. 166) Type species: Cleistopphaeridium diversispinosum Davey et al., 1966. Eocene; England. Cleistosphaeridium disjunctum Davey et al., 1966 (p. 169) P1. 11, Fig. 9 Cleistosphaeridium disjunctum Pl. 7, Figs. 2 and 2a Description: Specimens conform in morphology to g. disjunctum in every aspect. Diameter of central body 3A to A2 microns; length of processes variable: minimum 7 microns, maximum 13 microns. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the Frio Forma- tion. A Rgpgg: Upper Cretaceous to Pleistocene (Dr. Graham L. Williams, personal communication). Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 802A'-8055' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 31 x 96.2 M.S.U. Cleistosphaeridium disjunctum var. brevispinosum var. nov. Pl. 9, Fig. 3 Description: Chorate cyst, outline of central body more or less spherical. Periphragm thin and smooth giving rise 9A to processes. Processes numerous, more or less uniform in size, although some appear slightly thinner than others. Processes wide proximally, acuminate, hollow, closed distally. Archaeopyle apical, with zigzag margin. Diameter of central body A8 to 52 microns; length of processes 8 to 9.5 microns. Number of specimens measured twelve. Discussion: This taxon compares closely to g. disjunctum, yet it has smaller and more numerous pro- cesses, hence the reason to describe a new variety. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; AA66'-AA96' Holotype: slide number 1, from AA66'-AA96' sample coordinates; 37.5 x 110.8 M.S.U. Pb. NO. 9026 Cleistosphaeridium texasi sp. nov. Pl. 7, Figs. 1, la and 1b Description: Chorate cyst, outline of central body spherical. Periphragm thin and granular, giving rise to processes. Processes about sixty in number, variable in shape: 1. Processes solid, closed distally where they are "half" capitate; length 11 to 12.5 microns. 2. Pro- cesses bifurcated half-way their length and bifurcated again at their tip; length 12 to 13.5 microns. 3. Pro- cesses solid, entire, bifurcated at their tip, where one branch may be longer than the other. Archaeopyle 95 apical (not observable on specimen illustrated). Diameter of central body A0 to A7 microns. Discussion: Taxon differs from g. diversispinosum Davey et al., 1966, mainly by virtue of possessing more spines. Range: Oligocene (Frio Formation) to Pleistocene (Dr. Graham L. Williams, personal communication). Occurrence: Common to uncommon, present throughout the Frio Formation. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8A85'-8579' Holotype: slide number 1, from 8A85'—8579' sample Coordinates; Al.A x 95.6 M.S.U. Pb. No. 9070 Genus Polysphaeridium Davey and Williams, in Davey et al., 1966 (p. 91) Type species: Polysphaeridium subtilum Davey and Williams, in Davey et al., 1966. Eocene (Ypresian); England. Polysphaeridium pastielsi Williams in Davey et al., 1966 P1. 7, Fig. 3 also Pl. 8, Fig. l Description: Specimens compare favorably to P. pastielsi as described by Williams. Diameter of central body 32 to A0 microns; length of processes 9.7 to 12 microns. Range: Eocene. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the Frio Formation. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7033'-7o67' 96 Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 33.1 x 98.2 M.S.U. Polysphaeridium sp. Pl. 8, Figs. 2 and 2a Description: Chorate cyst, outline of central body spherical. Periphragm thin and finely granulose, giving rise to processes. Processes numerous, uniform in width but not in length; minimum length 10.6 microns, maximum 18 microns. Processes hollow, broad proximally, Open distally with aculeate to denticulate tip. Archanpyle apical. Diameter of central body AA to 52 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7962'-7993' Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 39.9 x 100.2 M.S.U. Genus Cordopphaeridium Eisenack, 1963 emend. Davey and Williams in Davey et al., 1966 (p. 83) Type species: Cordosphaeridium (Hystrichosphaeridium) inodes (Klumpp) 1953. Eocene; German. Cordosphaeridium crossii sp. nov. Pl. 9, Figs. 1, la and 2 97 Emended Diagnosis: Sub-spherical chorate cysts, with central bodies composed of two distinct layers, periphragm variably developed, forming well developed processes, tubiform to buccinate, solid or hollow, intratabular and reflecting a tabulation of 1', 6", 6c, 6"' (1p), 1"" and a variable number of sulcal processes. Archaeopyle precingular resulting from the loss of field (plate) 3". Discussion: The author had the privilege of consulting Dr. Graham L. Williams who believes that his emended diagnosis of the genus Cordosphaeridium should be modified since the position of the archaeopyle is not apical but precingular. Description: Chorate cyst, outline of central body sub— circular. Periphragm and endophragm distinct. Periphragm thin and granular. Processes variable in shape and mainly of three types: 1. Processes hollow, entire, open distally; length 18 to 21 microns. 2. Processes hollow, bifurcated near their tip, open distally, width (average) 2.6 microns; length 17.5 to 19.6 microns. 3. Processes hollow, trifurcated near their tip, with distinct ridges or ribs running along their length, open distally, average width A.2 microns; length 26 to 29 microns. Archaeopyle precingular. Diameter of central body 50 to 61 microns, number of specimens measured thirty. Occurrence: Uncommon to very abundant especially in Lower Frio (see chapter on correlation). 98 Location of sample: Figs. 1 and la. Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 9030'-9120' Holotype: slide number 1, from 9030'—9120' sample coordinates; Al.5 x 102.8 M.S.U. Pb. NO. 9076 Location of sample: Fig. 2 Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 9206'-9300' Reference slide: coordinates; A0.5 x 116.1 M.S.U. Family Homotrybliaceae Sarjeant and Downie, 1966 Genus Homotryblium (cyst-family Aeroligeraceae Evitt, 1963a), Davey and Williams, in Davey et al., 1966. Type species: Homotryblium tenuispinum Davey and Williams 1966. Eocene; England. Homotryblium plectilum Drugg and Loeblich 1967 P1. 2, Figs. 1, 1a and lb Description: Specimens compare favorably in every aspect to H. plectilum of Drugg and Loeblich (1967). Diameter of central body 51 to 60 microns; length of processes 13 to 17 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. 99 Range: Oligocene of the Gulf Coast, U.S.A. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 9A251—9528' Reference slide: slide number; A coordinates; 33.3 x 101.9 M.S.U. Genus Cyclonephelium Deflandre and Cookson, 1955 emend. Williams and Downie in Davey et al., 1966 (p. 223) Type species: Cyplonephelium compactum Deflandre and Cookson, 1955. Lower to Upper Cretaceous; Australia. Cyclonephelium proutyi sp. nov. P1. 10, Fig. 1 Description: Chorate cyst, outline of central body spheroidal. Periphragm thin and granulose, giving rise to processes. Processes variable in shape, mainly of two types: 1. Processes hollow, closed distally either bifurcated or trifurcated at about 2/3 of their length. 2. Processes hollow, closed distally, either bifurcated or trifurcated near their tip. Both types of processes are joined distally by a thin and narrow system of trabecula. Archanpyle apical (not observable on specimen illustrated). Diameter of central body A6 to 52 microns; length of processes 15 to 18.5 microns. Number of specimens studied eight. 100 Occurrence: Uncommon to common especially at the top of the Frio Formation and bottom of the Anahuac. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; AA66'—AA96' Holotype: slide number 1, from AA66'-AA96' sample coordinates; 30.8 x 10A.8 M.S.U. Pb. NO. 9026 Cyclonephelium sp. P1. 10, Fig. A Description: Chorate cyst, outline of central body spheroidal. Periphragm thin and granular, giving rise to processes. Processes numerous and variable in shape and mode of division; processes can be bifurcated, trifurcated, and some are distally four-branched. System of trabecu- lation is complex; some processes are joined at 2/3 of their length by wide trabeculae, while others are joined by a thin network of trabeculae only distally. Archaeo— pyle apical. Diameter of central body A5 to 51 microns; length of processes 15 to 17.5 microns. Number of specimens examined five. Comparison: Cyclonephelium sp. although quite similar to Cyclonepmelium proutyi, differs from it with respect to the position and width of trabeculae which is much broader. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #l Depth; 5250'—528o' 101 Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 38.7 x 100.5 M.S.U. Family Adnatospheridiaceae Sarjeant and Downie, 1966 Genus Adnatosphaeridium Williams and Downie, in Davey et al., 1966 (p. 215) Type species: Adnatosphaeridium vittatum Williams and Downie, 1966. Eocene; England. Adnatosphaeridium Sp. P1. 10, Figs. 2 and 3 Description: Chorate, trabeculate cyst, outline of central body spheroidal to sub-polygonal. Periphragm thin and granulose. Processes relatively numerous. Processes broad proximally, becoming narrow about half way their length but widen distally where they join one another by trabeculae. Processes solid, closed, weakly striate; striations run along their length. Archaeopyle apical. Diameter of central body 32 to 35 microns; length of processes 15 to 17 microns. Number of specimens studied four. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sample: Fig. 2 Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 60351—60661 102 Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 39.9 x 100.2 M.S.U. Location of sample: Fig. 3 Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 6035'-6066' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 33.3 x 9A.2 M.S.U. Family Gonyaulacystaceae Sarjeant and Downie, 1966 Genus Gomyaulapysta Deflandre 196A emend. Sarjeant, in Davey et al., 1966 (p. 111) Type species: Gonyaulax jurassica Deflandre 1938. Upper Jurassic; France. Gonyaulacysta bilinia sp. nov. P1. 12, Fig. 3 Description: Proximate cyst, outline ovoidal. Tabula— tion not very distinct in specimens studied, but could establish a tentative one as follows: 3-A'(?), 6", 6"', with 2"' almost triangular in outline. In hypotract one can discern secondary sutures developed along normal field boundary. Cingulum quite well pronounced with pointed edge. Epitract 26 to 28 microns in length, hypotract 39 to Al microns in length. Overall length 82 to 8A microns; 103 width 7A to 76 microns. Archaeopyle precingular (not observable on specimen illustrated). Discussion: g. bilinia was described by Dr. Graham L. Williams in his doctoral dissertation on the London Clay, but he did not subsequently effectively describe it. Hence the specific epithet coined by Dr. Williams is retained here. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of Sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7731'-7820' Holotype: slide number 1, from 773l'-7820' sample coordinates; 29.5 x 103.3 M.S.U. Pb. NO. 9077 Gomyaulapysta sp. P1. 12, Fig. 2 Description: Proximate cyst, outline ovoidal, one apical horn present. Tabulation is not determinable, and in general it is rarely that one can see the outline of the fields. Cingulum quite prominent with thick edges. Length of epitract A3 to A6 microns; length of hypotract 25 to 28 microns. Overall dimensions: length 75 to 78 microns, width 56 to 59 microns. Archaeopyle not observed. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7962'-7993' 10A Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 35.9 x 102.7 M.S.U. Family Palanperidiniaceae Vozzhennikova, 1961, emend. Sarjeant 1967 Genus Lejeunia Gerlach, in N. Jb. Geol. Palaont., 1961 (p. 112) Type species: Lejeunia hyalina Gerlach, 1961. Upper Oligocene; Germany. LeJeunia sp. P1. 12, Fig. l Description: Proximate cyst, outline pentagonal with bilateral symmetry. One apical and two antapical horns present. Cingulum 6.A micron in width and spiral. Cyst wall smooth and thin (under 0.5 microns). Tabulation absent. No trace of sulcus observable. Overall length 63.6 microns, width 82.7 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 9A25'-9528' Reference slide: slide number; A coordinates; 32.3 x 101.9 M.S.U. Family Deflandreceae Eisenack 105 Genus Deflandrea Eisenack 1938, emend. Williams and Downie in Davey et al., 1966 (p. 231) Type species: Deflandrea phosphoritica Eisenack, 1938. Oligocene; East Prussia. Deflandrea minor Alberti 1959 P1. 11, Fig. 1 Description: Specimen compares favorably in all aspects to that described by Alberti. Overall length A9.2 microns width 37.1 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; A589'-A619' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 32.1 x 106.5 M.S.U. Family Incertae Sedis Genus Thallassiphora Eisenack and Gocht 1960, emend. Davey, in Davey et al., 1966. Type species: Bion pelagicum Eisenack 1938. Oligocene; East Prussia. Thallasiphora sp. P1. 13, Figs. 1 and la 106 Description: Cavate cyst, outline of endocoel ellipsoidal Periphragm thin and smooth; endophragm is slightly thicker. Characteristic keel present on periphragm. Archaeopyle precingular and triangular convex. Pericoel 26.5 microns wide with thin projections crossing it. Length of endocoel 83.7 microns, width of endocoel 66.8 microns. Overall length 1AA.5 microns; width 129.2 microns. Discussion: This specimen resembles T. pelagica (Eisenack) Gerlach 1963, but it differs from the latter by possess— ing a smooth periphragm instead of a reticulate one which is the case of T. pelagica. Furthermore,it is much smaller in size i.e. 1AA.5 microns compared to 170 to 220 microns for T. pelagica. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8A85'-8579' Reference slide: slide number; 6 coordinates; 30.1 x 101.2 M.S.U. Family Incertae Sedis Genus Dinogymnium (Gymnodinium Stein, 1878) Evitt, Clarke, and Verdier 1967 Type species: Dinogymnium acuminatum Evitt, Clarke, and Verdier 1967, Cretaceous (Maastrichtian); California, U. S. A. 107 Dinogymnium cretaceum (Deflandre, 193A) emend. Evitt, Clarke and Verdier 1967 P1. 11, Fig. 3 Description: Specimen compares favorably in all aspects to species of Evitt et al., 1967. Overall length 29.15 microns; width 19 microns. Discussion: Presumably this taxon is the result of reworking, since the genus Dinogymnium appears to be limited to Upper Cretaceous marine strata. Stanley (1965) has reported Q. nelsonense from the Palaeocene Cannonball Formation, but Evitt (1967) believes that this occurrence is plausibly the result of reworking. The author after counting over thirty five thousand grains found no more than fifteen Dinogymnium spp., hence favors Evitt's statement. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; AA66'-AA96' Reference slide: coordinates; 29.9 x 98.5 M.S.U. Dinogymnium sp. P1. 11, Fig. 2. Description: Proximate cyst, outline biconical with hypotract more round than epitract. Fields with fairly thick sutures. Cingulum relatively broad and well pro— nounced. Sulcus not visible. Small archaeopyle visible 108 just below the apical protuberance. Epitract 21.2 microns long; hypotract 19 microns. Overall length 28.6 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 68u7'—6878' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; Al.A x 102.1 M.S.U. Family Incertae Sedis Genus Hemicystodinium Wall, 1967 Type species: Hemicystodinium (Hystrichosphaeridium) zoharyi (Rossignol, 1962), Wall 1967. Pleistocene; Caribbean Sea. Hemicystodinium zoharyi P1. 11, Figs. A and Aa Description: Specimen compares favorably in all aspects to the species described by Wall. Diameter of central body A8 to 55 microns, length of processes 11 to 15 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon to abundant in Upper Frio. Discussion: W. A. S. Sarjeant has included the genus Hemicystodinium in the Cyst-Family Eodiniaceae, but since his paper haS‘not yet been effectively published the author has retained Wall's classification. .‘Al ( hfi. ~ 109 Range: Eocene to Recent. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; AA66'-AA96' Reference slide: coordinates; 36.9 x 98.8 M.S.U. Hemicystodinium sp. Pl. 8, Figs. 3, 3a and 3b Description: Chorate cyst, outline of central body spherical. Periphragm thin and finely reticulate, giving rise to the processes. Processes over fifty in number, hollow, entire, broadened proximally and open distally. Processes unequal in length; size range from 9 to 15 microns. Archaeopyle not observable. Diameter of central body AA to 51 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon to common. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8579'-8710' Reference slide: coordinates; 27.7 x 98 MOSQU. Family Endoscriniaceae Vozzhennikova, 1965 emend. Sarjeant and Downie, 1966 Genus Pentadinium Gerlach, 1961 Type species: Pentadinium laticinctum, Gerlach 1961. Middle Oligocene; Germany. 110 Pentadinium laticinctum P1. 13, Figs. 2 and 2a Description: Specimens compare favorably to the type species in every aspect. Overall size 79.5 to 85 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Range: Middle Oligocene to Middle Miocene. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 6692'—6723' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 37 x 98.2 M.S.U. Group ACRITARCHA Evitt, 1963 Subgroup Uncertain Genus Acostomocystis Drugg and Loeblich, 1967 Type species: Acostomocystis hydria, Drugg and Loeblich 1967. Eocene; Alabama, U.S.A. Acostomocystis pptane Drugg and Loeblich 1967 P1. 1A, Figs. 1 and 1a Description: Specimens compare favorably in all aspects to A. potane Drugg and Loeblich 1967. Overall dimensions: length 80 to 90 microns, width 72 to 80 microns. Occurrence: Rare to common in Lower Frio. Range: Oligocene 111 Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8A52'-8A55' Reference slide: coordinates; 39 x 95.5 M.S.U. Subgroup Herkomorphitae Genus Cymatiosphaera Wetzel 1933, emend. Deflandre 195A Type species: Cymatiosphaera radiata Wetzel 1933. Cretaceous; Germany. Cymatiosphaera sp. P1. 12, Fig. A Description: Acritarch, outline ellipsoidal, composed of two distinct layers. Outer layer thin, folded and granu- lose divided into a polygonal pattern of reticulation; reticulum of variable size, maximum length 20.1 microns. Inner layer thick and granulose, also with pattern of reticulation; maximum length of reticulum 1A.8 microns. Overall dimensions: length 69.9 microns, width 6A.l microns. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 686l'-695A' Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 37.9 x 98.1 M.S.U. 112 Subgroup Acanthomorphitae Downie, Evitt and Sarjeant, 1963 Genus Baltisphaeridium Eisenack 1958, emend. Downie and Sarjeant 1963 Type species: Baltisphaeridium (al. Ovum hispidum) longispinosum (Eisenack, 1931) Silurian; Baltic Baltisphaeridium sp. 1 Pl. A, Figs. 1, la, and 2 Description: Outline of central body circular. Outer membrane thin and granulose giving rise to processes. Processes numerous, two types observable: l. Processes hollow, slightly broader proximally than distally where they are closed and capitate; length 5.30 to 12.7 microns. 2. Processes short, solid, spiny and closed distally. Diameter of central body 36 to A2 microns. Occurrence: Common to abundant, especially at the top of the Frio Formation (see chapter on correlation). Location of sample: Figs. 1 and la Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8A52'_8A55' Reference slide: coordinates; 28.8 x 92.5 M.S.U. Location of sample: Fig. 2 Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8579'-8710' 113 Reference slide: coordinates; 36.9 x 107.9 M.S.U. Baltisphaeridium sp. 2 Pl. A, Fig. A Description: Outline of central body circular. Outer membrane thin and finely granulose. Processes numerous, uniform in size but different in shape. 1. Three pro- cesses are hollow and open distally. 2. Processes hollow, broader proximally than distally where they are closed. Diameter of central body 38 to Al microns; length of processes 6 to 7.5 microns. Occurrence: Common to uncommon. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7745'-7776' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 32 x 93.7 M.S.U. Baltisphaeridium sp. 3 P1. A, Figs. 3 and 3a Deschption: Outline of central body circular. Outer membrane thin and smooth giving rise to processes. Process numerous hollow (?), distally bifid, unequal in length, minimum 7.A microns, maximum 10.6 microns. A small number of processes are trifurcated distally. Pylome not observed. Diameter of central body A2 to A5 microns. 11A Occurrence: Uncommon to rare Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 6909'-69A0' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 33.9 x 97.9 M.S.U. Baltisphaeridium sp. A Pl. 5, Fig‘ 3 Description: Outline of central body circular. Outer mem— brane thin and smooth, giving rise to the processes. Pro- cesses in excess of 50 in number, hollow, broader proximally than distally where they are closed and weakly capitate to bulbous. Size of processes variable, minimum 5.8 microns, maximum 12.2 microns. Pylome absent. Diameter of central body 37 to Al microns. 7 Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 6909'-69A0' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 33.9 x 97.9 M.S.U. Baltisphaeridium sp. 5 Pl. 5, Fig. A Description: Outline of central body circular. Outer mem- brane thin and finely granulose giving rise to processes. Processes very numerous, hollow (?), entire. Length of pro- cesses variable, minimum 7.A microns, maximum 11.7 microns. Due to poor preservation of the specimen, presence or absence of a pylome cannot be ascertained. Diameter of central body AA microns. 115 Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5250'—5280' Reference slide: slide number; A coordinates; 36.2 x 101.8 M.S.U. Baltisphaeridium sp. 6 Pl. 5, Fig. 5 Description: Outline of central body spheroidal. Outer mem— brane thin and granular, giving rise to processes. Processes very numerous, similar in shape and width but unequal in length; minimum 5.8 microns, maximum 9 microns. Processes hollow, entire, closed distally with faintly serrate tips. Pylome absent (?). Diameter of central body A9 to 58 microns. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the Frio Formation. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; AA66'-AA96' Reference slide: coordinates; 33 x 107.5 M.S.U. Baltisphaeridium sp. 7 P1. 3, Figs. A and Aa Description: Outline of central body circular. Outer mem- brane thin and granulose giving rise to processes. Pro- cesses over 50 in number, solid, proximally with a bulbous base, distally closed and weakly capitate. Processes uni- form in width and height, length of processes 6.9 microns, diameter of central body 30 to 37 microns. Pylome present (not visible on specimen illustrated). 116 Occurrence: Common to uncommon, present throughout the Frio Formation. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6861'-695A' Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 35.5 x 103 M.S.U. Baltisphaeridium scalenofurcatum sp. nov. Pl. 6, Fig. l Description: Outline of central body ellipsoidal. Outer mem- brane thin and granular giving rise to processes. Processes over 50 in number, solid, closed distally and bifurcated, one branch of bifurcation is longer than the other one. Processes more or less uniform in length and width. Dia— meter of central body 29 to 33.5 microns; length of pro- cesses 6 to 7.8 microns. Number of specimens examined five. Pylome absent (?). Discussion: This taxon was described by Dr. Graham L. Williams in his doctoral dissertation on the London Clay, but subsequently did not validly erect it. Thus the specific epithet coined by Dr. Williams is retained here. Occurrence: Rare. Range: Eocene to Oligocene. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7962'-7993' Holotype: slide number 1, from 7962'-7993' sample coordinates; 33.9 x 102.7 M.S.U. Pb. NO. 9057 117 Baltisphaeridium of. g. ehrenbergi var. brevispinosum Sarjeant, 1961 P1. 5, Figs. 1, la and 2 Description: Outline of central body ellipsoidal. Outer membrane thin and distinctly granulose, giving rise to processes. Processes over fifty in number, hollow, closed distally and acuminate. Processes uniform in width and height, length of processes 7 to 8.5 microns. Length of central body A3 to A6 microns, width 35 to 38 microns. No pylome observed. Comparison: Specimens fit in most respects the specific description given by Sarjeant (1961) especially with regard to the shape of the processes and the ratio of their length to that of the central body. The main differences are that the variety set up by Sarjeant has a smooth body with a diameter of 25 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Figs. 1 and la Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7233'-7327' Reference slide: coordinates; 35.2 x 113.5 M.S.U. Location of sample: Fig. 2 Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5250'—5280' 118 Reference slide: slide number; 3 coordinates; 3A.3 x 111.6 M.S.U. Genus Micrhystridium Deflandre, 1937, emend. Downie and Sarjeant, 1963 Type species: Micrhystridium (a1. Hystrichosphaera) inconspicuum (Deflandre, 1935) Cretaceous; France. Micrhystridium sp. 1 Pl. 6, Figs. 6 and 7 Description: Outline of central body circular. Outer wall thin and smooth giving rise to processes; these do not communicate with test interior. Processes twenty eight in number, broad and bulbous at their base, solid, acuminate,and closed distally. Diameter of central body 7.5 to 9.9 microns; length of processes 2.5 to 2.9 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sample: Fig. 6 Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 6166'—6l97' Reference slide: coordinates; 38.A x 92 M.S.U. Location of sample: Fig. 7 Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7233'-7327' 119 Reference slide: coordinates; AO.9 x 105 M.S.U. Micrhystridium sp. 2 Pl. 6, Figs. 2 and 2a Description: Outline of test circular. Outer wall thin and smooth giving rise to processes. Processes very numerous, uniform in length and width. Processes proximally slightly widen, thinning greatly towards the tip where they become hair-like. Diameter of central body 10.3 microns; length of processes 7.3 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8A85'-8579' Reference slide: coordinates; 3A x 96.2 M.S.U. Micrhystridium capitatum sp. nov. P1. 6, Figs. 5 and 5a Description: Outline of central body spheroidal to weakly pentagonal. Outer wall thin and smooth giving rise to processes. The processes do not communicate with test interior. Processes about thirty in number, proxi- mally relatively broad and with a bulbous base, solid, closed with capitate tips. Processes unequal in length; minimum 3.6 microns, maximum 6.0 microns. Diameter of test 8 to 9.5 microns. 120 Comment: The genus Michrystridium with its numerous species exhibits quite a variation with respect to shape of processes, yet as far as the author knows none have capitate processes. Occurrence: Uncommon to abundant especially in upper 0' two—thirds of the Frio Formation. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7233'-7327' Holotype: slide number 1, from 7233'-7327' sample coordinates; 35.2 x 115.7 M.S.U. Pb. No. 9063 Micrhystridium sp. 3 P1. 6, Fig. 8 Description: Outline of central body circular. Outer wall thin and smooth. Processes about fifteen in number, equal in width but not in length: minimum 3.8 microns, maximum 5.0 microns. Processes slightly broader proximally, solid, with capitate tips. Diameter of central body 9.5 microns. Occurrence: Common to uncommon. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 6909'—69uo' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 37 x 88 M.S.U. 121 Micrhystridium stephensonii sp. nov. P1. 6, Figs. A and Aa Description: Outline of test circular. Outer wall thin and smooth giving rise to processes. Processes about twenty-five in number, uniform in width, but not in height; minimum A.2 microns, maximum 5.8 microns. Pro- cesses solid, proximally relatively wide and bulbous, distally closed and capitate. Diameter of central body 9 to 13.5 microns. Number of specimens studied twenty. Occurrence: Present throughout the Frio Formation, but especially abundant towards the top (see chapter on correlation. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7Al7'-751l' Holotype: slide number 1, from 7A17'-751l' sample coordinates; 32.9 x 107 M.S.U. Pb. NO. 906A. Micrhystridium fragile Deflandre, l9A7 Pl. 6, Fig. 10 Description: Specimens compares favorably to the species set up by Deflandre (19A7). Diameter of central body 12 to 16.5 microns; length of processes 8 to 11.5 microns. figggg: This species has been reported from the Middle Jurassic of France (Deflandre 19A7d; Valensi, 19A7, 195A), and the Upper Jurassic of Britain (Sarjeant, 1959, 1960, 1961a). Williams (1963) has recorded the same 122 species from the London Clay, Eocene, of England. Thus this species has little stratigraphic value by virtue of its long geologic range. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 77A5'—7776' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 39 x 9A.2 M.S.U. Micrhystridium sp. cf. Hystrichosphaeridium atulum Williams, 1966 P1. 6, Fig. 9 Discussion: This specimen has many features in common with E. patulum Williams, in Davey et al., 1966, especially with respect to the form and variation within the processes. But the absence of an archanpyle or a pylome of any form hinders one in naming it E. patulum. Diameter of central body 17.6 microns; length of processes 3.8 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6705'-6861' Reference slide: coordinates; 33.6 x 100.5 M.S.U. Micrhystridium sp. A Pl. 6, Fig. 11 123 Description: Outline of central body circular. Outer wall thin and granular giving rise to processes. Processes twenty—six in number and mainly of two types: 1. Processes hollow, broad proximally, thinning distally, open with flared tip, length 3 microns, width 0.8 micron. 2. Processes hollow, open distally where they are weakly flared, length 2.1 microns, width 1.3 micron. Diameter of central body 16.8 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 575A'-5786' Reference slide: coordinates; 37.1 x 105.1 M.S.U. Micrhystridium sp. 5 Pl.’6, Figs. 3 and 3a Description: Outline of test spheroidal. Outer wall thin and finely granular. Processes over thirty in number and of three types: 1. Processes hollow and entire. 2. Processes greatly bifurcated at their tip. 3. Processes hollow with markedly capitate tip. Length of processes uniform A.2 microns, width variable, from 0.5 micron to much thinner. Diameter of central body 12 to 17 microns. Number of specimens studied six. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 9206'-9300' 12A Reference slide: coordinates; A0 x llA.l M.S.U. FERN SPORES TRILETE SPORES Genus Leiotriletes Naumova, 1937?, 1939, emend. Potonié and Kremp, 195A Type species: Leiotriletes (Sporonites Loose, 1932) sphaerotriangulus Potonié and Kremp, 195A. Westphalian; Ruhr. Leiotriletes sp. 1 P1. 16, Fig. 3 Description: Trilete spore, radially symmetrical, outline subtriangular concave. Laesurae reaches half-way to the periphery. Margo moderate, sporoderm psilate, uniform in thickness. Thickness of sporoderm 1.0 to 1.3 micron. Overall size 50 to 61 microns. Occurrence:. Common. Affinity: Lygodium (Schizaceae); mostly tropical, rare in temperate regions. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5590'-5621' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 38.5 x 103.1 M.S.U. 125 Leiotriletes sp. 2 Pl. 1A, Figs. 2 and 3 Description: Trilete spore, radially symmetrical, outline subtriangular convex. Laesurae with weak margo, reaches two-thirds of the way to the periphery. Sporoderm psilate, except between arms of laesurae where it is punctate. Punctation uniform in size. Exine uniform in width, thickness 0.8 micron. Overall dimension: 53 to 62 microns. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the formation. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7693'-772A' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 32.9 x 101.3 M.S.U. Leiotriletes sp. 3 P1. 15, Figs. 1 and 1a Description: Trilete spore, outline subtriangular with straight to moderately convex sides. Laesurae with weak margo spreads half the way to the periphery. Exine very thin, uniform in thickness, psilate throughout. Overall size: 58 to 62 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7233'-7327' 126 Reference slide: coordinates A0.9 x 101.6 M.S.U. Leiotriletes sp. A Pl. 1A, Figs. A and Aa Description: Trilete spore, outline subtriangular convex. Laesurae with moderate margo spreads two-thirds of the way to the periphery. Exine psilate, average thickness 1.0 micron. Overall size: A0 to A5 microns. Comparison: Leiotriletes sp. A has a thicker exine and is also smaller in overall size than Leiotriletes sp. 3. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8A85'-8579' Reference slide: slide number; 6 coordinates; 37.2 x‘98 M.S.U. Leiotriletes adriensis Potonié and Gelletich, 1933 emend. Krutzsch, 1959a, in Beiheft Geologie 21/22 P1. 16, Figs. 1, 1a and 2 Deschption: Specimens compare favorably in all aspects to the species of Krutzsch. Overall size: 55 microns. Comparison: T. adriensis differs from Leiotriletes sp. 2 because of the punctation which is smaller, and its overall shape which is more subspherical than subtriangular convex. Furthermore the endexine, in L. adriensis is thicker than Leiotriletes sp. 2. 127 Occurrence: Common, present throughout the formation. Range: Upper Oligocene. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5352'-5385' Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 37.9 x 102.9 M.S.U. Leiotriletes maxoides Krutzsch, 1962 P1. 15, Figs. 2, A, Aa and Ab Description: Specimens compare favorably to the species of Krutzsch. Overall size: 6A to 72 microns. Range: Middle to Upper Oligocene. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the formation. Location of sample: Figs. A, Aa and Ab Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6579'—6705' Reference slide: slide number; A coordinates; 30.8 x 105 M.S.U. Genus Deltoidospora Miner, 1935 Type species: Deltoidospora hallii (Miner, 1935) Potonié 1956. Jurassic—Cretaceous boundary; Montana, U.S.A. 128 Deltoidospora sp. Pl. 15, F180 3 Description: Trilete spore, outline subtriangular con— cave. Laesurae with weak margo extends two-thirds of the way to the periphery. Texture psilate, exine thin. Overall size: 26.5 microns. Affinity: Lycopodiaceous Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 6909'—69uo' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 37 x 87.5 M.S.U. Genus Cicatricosisporites Potonié and Gelletich 1933 Type species: Cicatricosisporites dorogensis Potonié and Gelletich, 1933. Eocene; Hungary. Cicatricosisporites dorogensis P1. 19, Figs. l'and la Description: Specimens compare favorably to the type Species of Potonié and Gelletich (1933). Overall size 65 to 76 microns. Affinity: Anemia possibly (Schizaeaceae), mostly tropical, rare in temperature regions. 129 Occurrence: Abundant especially in lower two-thirds of the Frio Formation, becoming uncommon to rare in upper part of the formation (see chapter on correlation). Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5879'-59ll' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 32.3 x 102.9 M.S.U. Genus Lycppodiumsporites (Thiergart, 1938) Delcourt and Sprumont, 1955 Type ppecies: Lycopodiumpporites agathoecus (Potonié) Delcourt and Sprumont, 1955. Eocene; Germany. Lycopodiumsporites sp. 1 P1. 19, Figs. 3 and 3a Description: Trilete spore, outline triangular convex. Laesurae with moderate margo extends completely to the periphery. Distal surface reticulate; lumina 6.A microns in width, muri 1.0 micron wide. Proximal surface reticulate; lumina 2.6 microns wide. Exine 1 micron thick. Overall size: A3 microns. Affinity: Lycopodium; wide in geographic distribution, but particularly abundant in subtropical and trOpical forests. Occurrence: Rare. 130 Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8A85'-8579' Reference slide: slide number; 6 coordinates; 35.8 x 101.2 M.S.U. Lycopodiumsporites sp. 2 P1. 20, Figs. 1 and la Description: Trilete spore, outline spheroidal, Laesurae with moderate margo extends to the periphery. Texture reticulate, width of lumina 5.3 microns, more or less uniform in size, muri under 0.8 micron in thickness. Exine 6.0 microns thick. Overall size: 58 to 6A microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8u85'-8579' Reference slide: slide number; 6 coordinates; 3A.3 x 101 M.S.U. Lycopodiumsporites sp. 3 P1. 20, Figs. 2, 2a, 3 and 3a Description: Trilete spore, outline spherical. Laesurae with weak margo reaches periphery. Texture reticulate, reticulum smaller on proximal surface than distal side. Width of lumina 8.0 microns (on distal surface), muri 1.7 micron in width. Exine A.2 microns wide. Overall size: 5A to 62 microns. 131 ’Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8A52'-8A55' Reference slide: coordinates; Al.5 x 10A.3 M.S.U. Genus Hydrosporis Krutzsch, 1962 Type species: Hydrosporis azollaensis Krutzsch, 1962 Oligocene - Pliocene; Germany. Hydrosporis azollaénsis subsp. azollaensis Krutzsch, 1962 P1. 18, Fig. A Description: Specimens compare favorably to the species erected by Krutzsch (1962). Overall size 15 to 17.5 microns. Affinity: Presumably microspore of Azolla; latter is abundant in all continents, but of greatest abundance in the tropics. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7693'—772A' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; A1.9 x 92.9 M.S.U. Genus Azolla L. 132 Type species: (based on extant type Species). Azolla bohemica Pacltova, 1960 P1. 18, Fig. 5 Description: Fragment of Azolla megaspore compares favorably to illustrations of A. bohemica by Krutzsch (1962) and to the species erected by Pacltova (1960). Occurrence: Common in wells Grayburg Timber #1 and J. M. Rich #1, rare in well A. D. Middleton #79. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 6035'—6066' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 32.5 x 98 M.S.U. Genus Camarozonosporites Pant, 195A emend. Potonié, 1956 Type species: Camarozonosporites (Rotaspora Weyland and Krieger 1953) cretaceus, Potonié, 1956. Cretaceous; Germany. Camarozonosporites sp. P1. 18, Figs. 3 and 3a Description: Trilete spore, outline subtriangular con- vex. Laesurae thin with no visible margo, extends pre- sumably all the way to the periphery. Exine thickens in the interradial parts and thins over radial regions. Thickness of exine in interradial regions 2.1 microns. 133 Texture rugulate, rugulae 1.06 micron in width. Overall size: 2A to 28 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6705'-6861' Reference slide: coordinates; 39.A x 100.9 M.S.U. Genus Osmundacidites Couper, 1953 Type species: Osmundacidites wellmanii Couper, 1953. Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous; New Zealand. (?) Osmundacidites sp. P1. 17, Figs. A and Aa. Description: Trilete spore, outline subtriangular con- vex. Laesurae with weak margo extends two—thirds of the way to the periphery. Exine scabrate, 1.06 micron in thickness, slightly thicker over the apices. Overall size: 5A microns. Discussion: Specimen differs from the generic description of Osmundacidites by virtue of its shape and texture which is not reduced on proximal face. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sampie: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8A85'-8579' 13A Reference slide: coordinates; 33.5 x 110 M.S.U. Family Selaginellaceae Genus Lusatisporis Krutzsch, 1963 Type species: Lusatisporis punctatus Krutzsch, 1963. Middle Miocene; Germany. Lusatisporis perinatus Krutzsch, 1963 P1. 16, Fig. 5 Description: Specimens conform favorably in all aspects to the species described berrutzsch (1963). Overall size: A3 to 51 microns. Affinity: Selaginellaceae; according to Lawrence (1951) the family with its single genus Selaginella is widely distributed, but it is mostly found in tropical regions. Occurrence: Uncommon. Range: Middle Miocene. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7098'-7129' Reference slide: coordinates; 3A.8 x 109.3 M.S.U. Lusatisporis sp. P1. 16, Fig. A Description: Trilete spore, outline subtriangular convex. Laesurae strongly developed reaching the 135 equator. Outer sporoderm wall lifted from inner wall producing a perine-like feature. Exine 9.01 microns in thickness. Texture scabrate. Overall size: A3 to 50 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 77A5'-7776' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 33.6 x 102 M.S.U. Family Anthocerotaceae Genus Saxosporis Krutzsch, 1963 Type species: Saxosporis duebenensis Krutzsch, 1963. Miocene; Germany. Saxosporis duebenensis Krutzsch, 1963 P1. 17, Figs. 1, 1a, and 2 Description: Specimens compare favorably to the type Species erected by Krutzsch (1963). Overall size: A6 to 50 microns. Affinity: Anthocerotaceae. Range: Miocene. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6861'-695A' 136 Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 28.5 x 97.7 M.S.U. Genus Rudolphisporis Krutzsch, 1963 Type species: Rudolphisporis rudolphii Krutzsch, 1963. Lower Miocene; Northern Bohemia. Rudolphisporis sp. P1. 19, Figs. 2 and 2a Description: Trilete spore, outline subspherical. Laesurae with moderate margo extends all the way till near the endexine. Exine 2.1 microns thick, echinate and reticulate on the proximal surface; lumina variable in Size being large at the center of the specimen, 7.A microns wide. Muri 2.1 microns wide. Foveolate on the distal surface, fovaeae 3.7 microns wide. Spines 2.1 microns high, 3.A microns wide, and 6.A microns apart. Overall Size 51 microns. Affinity: Anthocerotaceae. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7A17'-7511' Reference Slide: Slide number; 3 coordinates; 31.3 x 109.3 M.S.U. 137 Forma A Gen. et sp. nov. P1. 18, Figs. 1 and la Diagnosis: Trilete spore, radially symmetrical, outline triangular concave, kyrtome present. Texture verrucate. Description: Trilete spore. Laesurae with strong kyrtome extends over two-thirds of the way to periphery. Texture verrucate, verrucae slightly larger in the radial regions, diminishing in size in the interradial zone. Verrucae 2.6 microns apart. Exine 0.86 micron thick. Overall Size A6 to 50 microns; five specimens studied. Discussion: This taxon exhibits some resemblance to Concavisporites (Pflug, 1953) especially with respect to overall Shape and presence of a kyrtome, but it differs in texture, since Concavispprites includes mainly psilate forms. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7A17'-7511' Holotype: Slide number 3, from 7A17'-751l' sample coordinates; 38.2 x 10A.A M.S.U. Pb. NO. 906A Forma B Gen. et sp. nov. P1. 18, Figs. 2 and 2a 138 Diagnosis: Trilete spore, radially symmetrical, outline subtriangular concave. Kyrtome present. Psilate on distal surface, verrucate on proximal Side. Description: Trilete spore. Laesurae relatively short extends about half the way to the periphery. Well defined kyrtome observable. Texture psilate on distal side, but verrucate on proximal surface. Verrucae irregularly Spaced, 0.86 micron high. Overall Size 38 to A7 microns. Number of specimens studied eight. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 77A5'-7776' Holotype: slide number 2, from 77A5'-7776' sample coordinates; 33.9 x 108.9 M.S.U. Pb. NO. 9055 Genus Incertae Sedis P1. 17, Fig. 3 Description: Trilete spore, outline subtriangular. Laesurae extends all the way to the periphery. Kyrtome present (?). Exine psilate except in the vicinity of laesurae where round projections can be seen. Exine thickens in the interradial regions. Thickness of exine 3.7 microns. Overall Size: 33.A microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5139'-5159' 139 Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 35 x 101.9 M.S.U. MONOLETE SPORES Genus Laevigatosporites Ibrahim, 1933 Type species: Laevigatosporites vulgaris Ibrahim, 1933. Paleocene; Ruhr. Laevigatosporites haardti Potonié and Venitz, 193A P1. 21, Figs. 1 and 2 Description: Specimens compare favorably to the species described by Potonie and Venitz (193A). Length 30 to 38 microns, width 2A to 27 microns. Occurrence: Abundant, present throughout the formation. Synonyms: Phaseolites (Wilson), Punctatosporites (Ibrahim) and Reticulatosporites (Loose). Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 6035'-6066' Reference Slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 36.3 x 96 M.S.U. Laevigatosporites Sp. 1 P1. 21, Fig. 3 Description: Monolete spore, bilaterally symmetrical, outline in meridional view reniform. Laesura extends on 1A0 two-thirds of the surface. Exine psilate except near laesura where it becomes punctate. Exine about 0.5 micron thick. Length 28 to 32 microns, width 18 to 22 microns. Occurrence: Abundant, present throughout the formation. Location of Sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7191'-7230' Reference slide: Slide number; 2 coordinates; 31.8 x 100 M.S.U. Laevigatosporites sp. 2 P1. 21, Figs. A and 5 Description: Monolete spore, bilaterally symmetrical, reniform in meridional view. Laesura extends two-thirds of the length to the periphery. Exine psilate uniform in width, thickness 0.86 micron. Length A9 to 51 microns, width 39 to A1 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 820A'-8237' Reference Slide: coordinates; 30.8 x 110.8 M.S.U. Genus Microfoveolatosporis Krutzsch, 1959 1A1 Type species: Microfoveolatosporis pseudodentatus Krutzsch, 1959. Middle Eocene; Germany. MicrofoveolatOSporis sp. P1. 21, Figs.6*and 7 Description: Monolete spore, bilaterally symmetrical, outline in meridional View reniform. Laesura extends two-thirds of the way to the periphery. Margo weak. Texture foveolate, foveae about 0.5 micron across, getting smaller near laesura. Exine 1.6 micron thick. Length A5 to 61.5 microns, width 25 to 3A microns. Affinity: Schizaea; according to Lawrence (1951) the genus although occasionally found in temperate regions is mostly tropical. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 6190'-6221' Reference slide: Slide number; 3 coordinates; 38.6 x 100.2 M.S.U. Genus Polypodiisporites Potonié, 193A Type species: Polypodiisporites favus Potonié, 193A. Miocene; Germany. Poiypodiisporites favus Potonié, 193A P1. 21, Fig. 12 1A2 Description: Specimens conform favorably in all aSpects to the type Species erected by Potonié (193A). Length: 50 to 56 microns, width 37 to A3 microns. Affinity: Polypodiaceae. Ramgg: Miocene. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5352'-5383' Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 3A.5 x 101 M.SGU. Poiypodiisporites secundus Potonié, 193A P1. 21, Fig. 11 Description: Specimen conforms favorably to all aSpects of the Species described; by Potonié (193A). Length: A2.A microns, width 29.7 microns. Range: Eocene. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 575u'-5786' Reference Slide: coordinates; 36.5 x 101.3 M.S.U. Polypodiisporites Sp. 1 P1. 21, Fig. 8 1A3 Description: Monolete spore, ovate in equatorial view, bilaterally symmetrical. Laesura extends two-thirds of the way over the surface of the grain. Margo well developed. Texture weakly verrucate to rugulate. Exine 0.5 micron thick. Length A2.A microns, width 29.1 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6705'-6861' Reference Slide: coordinates; 38 x 101.A M.S.U. Polypodiisporites sp. 2 P1. 21, Fig. 9 Description: Monolete spore, outline reniform in meridional view, bilaterally symmetrical. Laesura extends over two- thirds of the length of the grain. Margo weak to moderate. Texture weakly verrucate, getting psilate near laesura. Verrucae under 0.86 micron in height and width. Exine 1.0 micron thick. Length 30.2 microns, width 22.7 microns. Comparison: Polypodiisporites sp. 2 differs from Poly— ppdiisporites sp. 1 by virtue of its Size and texture. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth: A651'-A681' 1AA Reference Slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; A0 x 111.1 M.S.U. Polypodiisporites sp. 3 P1. 21, Fig. 10 Description: Monolete spore, outline in meridional view reniform, bilaterally symmetrical. Laesura extends over two-thirds of the surface. Margo moderate. Texture verrucate, verrucae different in size; maximum height 1.7 microns, width 5.6 microns. Smaller verrucae present near laesura. Exine 1.0 micron thick. Length A2 to A9 microns, width 26 to 30 microns. Synonym: Verrucatosporites, Pflug and Thomson (1953). Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6861'-695u' Reference Slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; A2 x 98 M.S.U. GYMNOSPERMOUS POLLEN SACCATE POLLEN Genus Pinuspollenites Raatz, 1937 emend. Potonic, 1958 1A5 Type Species: Pinuspollenites (Pollenites Potonie, 1931) labdacus Raatz 1937, emend. Potonié, 1958. Oligocene- Miocene; Germany. Pinuspollenites sp. 1 P1. 22, Fig. 5 Description: Bisaccate pollen grain. Corpus more or less elliptical in polar View, marginal ridge well developed. Sacci circular, smaller than corpus, exine 1.6 micron thick in cap region, texture punctate. Exine of sacci 1.06 micron thick, coarsely reticulate, lumina 2.65 microns across, muri about 0.5 micron in thickness. Reticulum becomes smaller towards the periphery of sacci. Dimensions: overall height A2.A microns, length 7A.2 microns. Corpus: height 35.5 microns, length AA.5 microns. Sacci: height 31.8 microns, length not observable. Affinity: Pimps; according to Lawrence (1951) the genus is of wide geographic distribution, although occurring mostly at lower latitudes and elevations. Occurrence: uncommon. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 575A'-5786' Reference slide: coordinates; 32.A x 110 M.S.U. 1A6 Pinuspollenites sp. 2 P1. 22, Fig. 1 Description: Bisaccate pollen grain. Corpus elliptical in polar view, marginal ridge not observable, exine punctate. Sacci elliptical, about the same size as the corpus, reticulate, reticulum more or less of the same size, lumina 1.7 micron across, muri under 0.5 micron. Overall height 63 microns, length 70 microns. Corpus: height 63 microns, length not observable. Sacci: height 56 microns, length not observable. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the formation. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7572'-7603' Reference Slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 36.9 x 90.9 M.S.U. Pinuspollenites Sp. 3 P1. 22, Fig. 2 Description: Bisaccate pollen grain. Corpus more or less subtriangular in polar View with well developed marginal ridge, exine 1.25 micron thick finely reticulate, tectate, baculate-clavate. Sacci circular in outline and smaller than the corpus, exine 1.0 micron thick and reticulate, lumina 3.2 microns, muri 0.86 micron, reticulum decreases in size near periphery. Overall height 50.3 microns, length 79.50 microns. Corpus: 1A7 height AO.8 microns, length 55.1 microns. Sacci: height 32.3 microns, length 32.3 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6861'-695A' Reference Slide: Slide number; 2 coordinates; 3A.5 x 102.1 M.S.U. Pinuspollenites Sp. A P1. 22, Fig. 3 Description: Bisaccate pollen grain. Corpus circular in polar view, marginal ridge weakly develOped, exine 2.1 microns thick, reticulate, reticulum uniform in Size (?), lumina 3.2 microns across, muri 0.5 micron in thickness. Sacci reniform, exine 2.6 microns thick, reticulate, reticulum larger in center of bladder becom- ing small near the periphery. Maximum width of lumina A.8 microns, width of muri 1.1 micron. Overall height 5A.6 microns, length 79 microns. Corpus: height 5A.6 microns, length A7.7 microns. Sacci, height A5 microns, length 35 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7Al7'-7511' 1A8 Reference slide: slide number; 3 coordinates; AO.6 x 103.9 M.S.U. Pinuspollenites Sp. 5 P1. 22, Fig. A Description: Bisaccate pollen grain, corpus more or less circular in polar View with well developed marginal ridge, exine 1.3 micron thick, tectate, baculate-clavate, producing a reticulate pattern, lumina 0.86 micron across, muri under 0.5 micron in thickness. Sacci reni- form in shape, exine 2.1 microns thick, reticulate, lumina 1.1 micron across, muri under 0.5 micron in thickness. Overall height A2.A microns, length 56.2 microns. Corpus: height A2.A microns, length 35.5 microns. Sacci: height 38.2 microns, length 20.7 microns. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the formation. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7233'-7327' Reference slide: coordinates; 39.3 x 100.A M.S.U. ORDER GNETALES Family GNETACEAE Genus Ephedra Linnaeus Type species: (based on extant type Species). 1A9 Ephedra Sp. 1 P1. 23, Figs. 5 and 6 Description: Perprolate pollen grain, bilaterally symmetrical, polyplicate, folds are parallel to the long axis. Plication smooth of the distachyate type i.e., with zigzag pattern between plications. Exine psilate, thin generally except near poles where it thickens slightly. Polar axis A7 to 56 microns, equatorial diameter 15.9 to 20 microns. Discussion: Since the form genera.EphedripiteS (Bolchovi- tina) and Gnetaceaepollenites (Thiergart) are not valid terms and Equisetosporites (Singh) includes non-dystachyate formS,the author rather reluctantly adopts the extant generic name. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the formation. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 4589'—u619' Reference Slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 37 x 105.8 M.S.U. Ephedra voluta Stanley, 1965 P1. 23, Fig. 11 Description: Specimen conform favorably in all aspects to the species erected by Stanley (1965). Polar axis 35.5 microns, equatorial diameter 21.2 microns. Occurrence: Rare. 150 Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7098'-7129' Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 3A.2 x 108.1 M.S.U. Ephedra Sp. 2 P1. 23, Figs. 7, 7a, and 8 Description: Perprolate pollen grain, bilaterally symmetrical, polyplicate. Plicae 1.0 micron wide, straight to Slightly wavy, no conspicuous distachya present. Plicae generally psilate and parallel to polar axis. Exine very thin and psilate, Slight pinching in polar region. Polar axis A6 to 5A microns, equatorial diameter 1A to 18 microns. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the formation. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 6035'-6066' Reference Slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 39.8 x 9A.2 MOSOUO Ephedra sp. 3 P1. 23, Fig. 9 Description: Perprolate pollen grain, polyplicate, bilaterally symmetrical. Plicae thin of the distachya type. Exine psilate and very thin. Polar axis 26 to 28 microns, equatorial diameter 8 to 9.5 microns. 151 Comparison: Ephedra Sp. 3 differs from Ephedra sp. 1 essentially by virtue of its smaller size. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 820A'—8237' Reference Slide: coordinates; 39.8 x 102.9 M.S.U. Ephedra Sp. A P1. 23, Fig. 10 Description: Perprolate pollen grain, polyplicate, bilaterally symmetrical, plicae parallel to the long axis. Plication of the distachya type, producing knotty or gnarled positive features between folds. Polar area slightly angular. Exine psilate under 0.86 micron in thickness. Polar axis A6.6 microns, equatorial diameter 19.08 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 82OA'-8237' Reference Slide: coordinates; 31.9 x 101. M.S.U. NON—SACCATE POLLEN Genus Taxodiaceaepollenites Kremp, 19A9 152 Type species: Taxodiaceaepollenites (Pollenites Potonie, 1931) hiatus Kremp, 19A9. Middle Tertiary; Germany. Taxodiaceaepollenites hiatus Kremp, l9A9 P1. 23, Figs. 1, 2, 3 and A Description: Specimens compare favorably in all aspects to the type Species of Kremp (19A9). Overall size: 25 to 37 microns. Affinity: Presumably Taxodium, although other genera such as Sequoia, Metasquoia and Cryptomeria have similar pollen. According to Lawrence (1951) Taxodium occurs in North America from southern Delaware to Florida and Mexico, extending west into Illinois, Missouri and Texas. Occurrence: Very abundant, peak of abundance half way through the Frio Formation. Range: Middle Tertiary Location of sample: Fig. l Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5250'-5280' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 37 x 110.5 M.S.U. Location of sample: Fig. 3 Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7033'-7o67' 153 Reference Slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 37.5 x 97.1 M.S.U. PORATE POLLEN Genus Corsinipollenites Nakoman, 1965 Type Species: Corsinipollenites (Pollenites Thiergart, 19AO) oculusnoctis Nakoman, 1965. Oligocene; Germany. Corsinipollenites oculusnoctis Nakoman, 1965 P1. 23, Fig. 12 Description: Specimen compares favorably to the type species described by Nakoman (1965). Overall size: 51 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Affinity: Presumably related to the Oenotheraceae; cf. Epilobium, Fuchsia, Oenothera, especially abundant in temperate regions. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6861'-695A' Reference slide: Slide number; 2 coordinates; 37 x 103.1 M.S.U. Genus Tiliapollenites (Potonié, 1931) PotofiiéRand VEnitz, 193A Type Species: Tiliapollenites instructus (Potonié, 1931) Potonié and Venitz, 193A. Eocene; Germany. “who Liv .1 . PO to. m. a 15A Tiliapollenites sp. 1 P1. 23, Fig. 1A Description: Triporate pollen grain, outline Spherical, pores equatorial. Pores equatorially distributed on one hemisphere, diameter 2.1 microns, annulus 2.65 microns thick, characteristic post-vestibulum present. Exine 1.6 micron thick, tectate, columellate, reticulate, on one surface reticulum larger at the center becoming smaller near periphery. On the other Side of grain reticulum uniform in size. Maximum width of lumina 1.7 micron, overall size 37 to 39.5 microns. Affinity: Tiiia, mostly tropical in distribution with a few extensions into temperate regions. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sampie: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7693'-772A' Reference slide: Slide number; 2 coordinates; 39.8 x 99.A M.S.U. Tiliapollenites sp. 2 P1. 23, Fig. 13 Description: This species is practically identical to Tiliapollenites Sp. 1, the only difference is that the reticulum is uniform on both hemispheres. Overall size A2.A microns. Occurrence: Uncommon. 155 Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7098'—7l29' Reference Slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 36.8 x 106.8 M.S.U. Genus Subtriporopollenites Pflug and Thomson, 1953 Type species: Subtriporopollenites anulatus subsp. anulatus Pflug and Thomson, 1953. Danian to Lower Eocene; Germany. SubtriporOpolleniteS anulatus subsp. anulatus Pflug and Thomson 1953, P1. 23, Fig. 15 also Pl. 2A, Fig. 1 Description: Specimens compare favorably to the taxon described by Pflug and Thomson (1953). Diameter 35 to 50 microns. Affinity: Qagya (Juglandaceae), distributed widely in eastern and western hemispheres. Junior synonym: Caryapollenites (Raatz, 1937) Potonié, 1960. Occurrence: Abundant, present throughout the formation. Location of sample: P1. 23, Fig. 15 Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; A651'-A68l' 156 Reference Slide: Slide number; 2 coordinates; 3A x 98.5 M.S.U. Location of sample: Pl. 2A, Fig. l Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5139'-5159' Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 31.9 x 101.5 M.S.U. Subtriporopollenites sp. 1 Pl. 2A, Fig. 2 Description: Triporate pollen grain, pores subequatorial present on one hemisphere only, outline Spherical, ani- sopolar. Pores A.2 microns in diameter, annulus 1.06 micron wide. Exine 1.6 micron thick, psilate to more or less scabrate. Diameter 32.3 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8579'-8710' Reference slide: coordinates; 29.A x 110.7 M.S.U. Subtriporopollenites sp. 2 Pl. 2A, Fig. 3 Description: Triporate pollen grain, pores subequatorial present in one hemisphere only, outline of grain 157 spherical. Pores 1.06 micron in diameter, annulus 1.6 micron wide. Exine 2.12 microns thick, ektexine clearly differentiable from endexine. Texture psilate to scabrate. Overall size 25 to 28 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5A96'-5507' Reference slide: Slide number; 1 coordinates; 36.9 x 100.5 M.S.U. Subtriporopollenites sp. 3 P1. 2A, Fig. A Description: Triporate pollen grain, pores subequatorial in distribution, outline Spherical. Pores 2.65 microns in diameter, annulus 1.06 microns in diameter, annulus 1.06 micron wide. Exine 1.06 micron thick, scabrate. Overall size 26 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7292'—7323' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 32.2 x 98.9 M.S.U. Genus Triatriopollenites Pflug, 1953 158 Type Species: Triatriopollenites rurensis Pflug and Thomson, 1953. Danian to Eocene; Germany. Triatriopollenites coryphaeus Thomson and Pflug, 1953 P1. 2A, Figs. 5 and 6 Description: Specimens compare favorably in all aspects to the Species set up by Pflug and Thomson (1953). Overall size 21 to 25 microns. Affinity: Myricaceae (?). Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6861'-695A' Reference slide: Slide number; 1 coordinates; Al x 99.1 M.S.U. Genus Betulaceoipollenites Potonié, 1951 Type Species: Betulaceoipollenites (Pollenites, Potonie 1931) granifer Potonié, 1951. Miocene; Germany Betulaceoipollenites ranifer forma megagranifer Potonig, 1951 P1. 2A, Fig. 11 Description; Specimens compare favorably in all aspects to the Species erected by Potonié (1951). Overall size 25 to 32 microns. 159 Affinity: Betula (Betulaceae), found mostly in the northern hemisphere. Range: Miocene. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the formation. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 6035'—6066' Reference slide: Slide number; 2 coordinates; 36.9 x 93.8 M.S.U. Betulaceoipollenites sp. P1. 2A, Fig. 7 Description: Triporate pollen grain, pores equatorial in distribution, outline subtriangular convex. Pores 1.29 micron in diameter, circular in Shape, annulus 1.29 micron thick. Exine 0.86 micron thick, Slightly thicker near pores up to 1.29 micron, no vestibulum or post- vestibulum present, a weak labrum observable. Texture punctate, punctation uniform in size and distribution. Overall size 23 to 26 microns. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the formation. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 686l'-695A' Reference Slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 37 x 95.A M.S.U. 160 Genus Engelhardtioipollenites (Potonié 1951) ex. Potonie, 1960 Type species: Engelhardtioipollenites pmnctatus (Potonié 1931) Potonié, 1960. Miocene; Germany. Engelhardtioipollenites (Pollenites quietus Potonié 193A, Triatriopollenites quietus Thomson and Pflug, 1953) uietus n. comb. Pl. 2A, Figs. , a, and 9 Description: Triporate pollen grain, pores located at the corners, outline subtriangular convex. Exine thickens near pores and thins in the interporal regions. Characteristic thickening and folding of exine in the polar area observable. Atrium present, endooore 5.8 microns wide, exopore 1.25 micron across. Exine in inter— poral zones 0.86 micron thick, punctate, punctation uniform in size and distribution. Overall Size 20.6 to 2A microns. Discussion: This taxon compares favorably to Triatrio- pollenites quietus of Pflug and Thomson (1953) and like their species it has the typical polar thickening found in the genus Engelhardtioipollenites Potonié (1960) hence the author has used this ground to set up a new combina- tion. Affinity: Emgelhardtia (Juglandaceae), occurs according to Lawrence (1951) in both eastern and western hemi- spheres. 161 Range: Middle Eocene. Occurrence: Abundant, present throughout the formation, peak of abundance half way down the Frio Formation (see chapter on correlation). Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5352'-5383' Holotype: Slide number 1, from 5352'-5383' sample coordinates; 36.A x 106.9 M.S.U. Pb. NO. 9033 Engelhardtioipollenites Sp. Pl. 2A, Fig. 10 Description: Triporate pollen grain, pores equatorial at the corners, outline triangular convex. Pores elliptical under 0.86 micron across, typical atrium present. Exine 1.29 micron thick except near pore where endexine is detached from ektexine to form the atrium, endospore 3.87 microns wide. Texture psilate to weakly scabrate. Overall size 13 to 15 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 9206'—9300' Reference Slide: coordinates; 36 x 112.2 M.S.U. Genus Ulmipollenites Wolff, 193A 162 ”Type species: Ulmipollenites undulosus Wolff, 193A. Pliocene; Germany. Ulmipollenites undulosus Wolff, 193A P1. 2A, Figs. 12, 13, and 1A Description: Specimens conform favorably to the type species of Wolff (193A). Overall Size 25 to 33 microns. Affinity: gimme (Ulmaceae), mostly distributed through- out the northern hemisphere, and more particularly in the tropics and subtropics. Synonym: Ulmoideipites Anderson (1960). Elsik in a paper due to appear in Pollen et Spores will emend the genus Ulmoideipites to include only verrucate ulmoid pollen (personalm communication). Range: Pliocene (very rare). Occurrence: Common, present throughout the formation. Location of sample: Fig. 1A Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7693'-772u' Reference Slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 37.9 x 106.1 M.S.U. Location of sample: Fig. 13 Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6861'-695A' 163 Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; A6.2 x 95.1 M.S.U. Genus Liquidambarpollenites Raatz, 1937 Type Species: Liquidambarpollenites (Pollenites Potonié, 1931) stigmosus Raatz, 1937. Miocene; Germany. Liquidambarpollenites stigmosus Raatz, 1937 P1. 2A, Figs. 15 and 16 Description: Specimens compare favorably to the type Species of Raatz (1937). Overall size 25 to 30 microns. Affinity: Liguidambar (Hamamelidaceae), indigenous to eastern North America and to eastern Asia. Range: Miocene. Occurrence: Abundant, present throughout the formation. Peak of abundance in Upper Frio. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6861'—695A' Reference slide: Slide number; 2 coordinates; 39.8 x 99.7 M.SOUO Genus Chenopodipollis Krutzsch, 1966 Type species: Chenopodipollis multiplex (Weyland and Pflug 1957), Krutzsch, 1966. Tertiary; Germany. 16A Chenopodipollis sp. 1 P1. 2A, Figs. 17 and 18 Description: Polyporate pollen grain, anisopolar, outline spheroidal. Pores 1.3 micron in diameter evenly dis- tributed over the surface, annulus 1.3 micron in width. Exine 1.3 micron thick, intectate, psilate to weakly scabrate. Overall size: 15 to 21 microns. Affinity: ChenOpodiaceae, most abundant in xerophytic and halophytic areas. Occurrence: Abundant to common, present throughout the formation. Location of sample: Fig. 17 Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; A589'-A6l9' Reference Slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 29.2 x 96.5 M.S.U. Location of sample: Fig. 18 Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7233'-7327' Reference slide: coordinates; 36.3 x 116.5 M.S.U. Chenopodipollis Sp. 2 Pl. 2A, Fig. 19 Description: Polyporate pollen grain, pores evenly distributed on the surface, anisopolar, outline 165 spheroidal. Pores 1.72 micron in diameter, uniform in size and distribution, annulus 1.3 micron wide. Exine 0.86 micron thick, punctate, punctae uniform in size and distribution. Overall Size: 16 to 21 microns. Occurrence: Very abundant, present throughout the formation, peak of abundance in Upper Frio. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7693'-772u' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 35.9 x lOA.6 M.S.U. Genus Monoporopollenites Meyer 1956, emend. Potonié, 1960 Type species: Monoporopollenites graminesides (Meyer, 1956) Potonié, 1960. Upper Tertiary; Bavaria. Monoporopollenites sp. Pl. 2A, Figs. 20 and 20a Description: Monoporate pollen grain; outline circular. Pore 1.72 micron in diameter, annulus 1.72 micron wide. Exine under 0.86 micron in thickness. Texture scabrate. Overall size 22 to 26 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Affinity: Gramineae (?). Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; u589'—u619' 166 Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 3A.? x 96.7 M.S.U. Forma A, Gen. et Sp. nov. P1. 2A, Fig. 21 Diagnosis: Diporate pollen grain, pores located in one hemisphere and equatorialixldistribution, outline circular. Description: Pores circular in outline diameter 1.6 to 1.8 microns, annulus 1.7 to 1.9 microns in width. Exine thin and uniform in thickness except for slight thicken- ing near pores. No atrium, vestibulum or postvestibulum observable. Texture psilate to weakly scabrate. Overall Size 15 to 18 microns, number of specimens studied four. Affinity: Unknown. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7233'-7327' Holotype: slide number 1, from 7233'—7327' sample coordinates; 36 x 100.8 Pb. No. 9063 MOSOU. COLPATE AND COLPORATE POLLEN Genus Ilexpollenites Thiergart, 1937 167 Type epecies: Ilexpollenites (Pollenites Potonié, 1931) iliacus Thiergart, 1937. Oligocene to Miocene; Germany. Ilexpollenites iliacus Thiergart, 1937 P1. 2A, Figs. 25 and 26 Description: Specimens compare favorably to the type Species of Thiergart (1937). Polar axis 2A to 27 microns, equatorial diameter 18 to 21 microns. Affinity: Tiem_(Aquifoliaceae); according to Lawrence (1951) the genus is common to eastern United States and Asia, with its chief center of world distribution in Central and South America. Ramge: Oligocene to Miocene. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7233'-7327' Reference slide: coordinates; AO.3 x 105 M.S.U. Genus Quercoidites Potonié, Thomson and Thiergart, 1950 Type species: Quercoidites (Pollenites Potonié, 1931) henricii Potonie, Thomson and Thiergart, 1950. Oligocene to Miocene; Germany. Quercoidites sp. P1. 25, Figs. 11 and 12 168 Description: Tricolporate pollen grain, isopolar, bilaterally symmetrical, outline prolate. Colpi Spread on two-thirds of the polar axis, narrow near the poles becoming wide and forming a distinct geniculus near the pores. Pores equatorially distributed 2.65 microns in diameter, annulus moderate. Exine 1.3 micron thick becoming thicker near poles, ektexine clearly differenti- able from endexine. Texture scabrate to weakly verru- cate. Polar axis 21 to 28 microns, equatorial diameter 19 to 23 microns. Discussion: As the genus Quercoidites stands now it incorporates all tricolpate pollen grains which have a distinct geniculus and with a texture close to the extant genus Quercus. But Since one can find in modern QEEEEEE pollen a transition from tricolpate to tricolporate grains, and furthermore the presence of a geniculus is an indication of a pore hence the author deems it appropriate to emend the genus Quercoidites to include tricolporate Quercus-like pollen. Emended diagnosis: Tricolpate or tricolporate pollen grains, prolate, size variable, colpi long, Open or closed with distinct geniculus which may grade into a pore— annulus system. Exine sculpture variable. Affinity: Quercus (Fagaceae), dominant in temperate and subtropical regions of the northern hemisphere. 169 Occurrence: Very abundant in lower part of the Frio Formation, becoming uncommon from the upper two-thirds of the formation. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich, #1 Depth; 8117'—81A8' Holotype: slide number 1, from 8117'-81A8' sample coordinates; 36.7 x lOA.6. Pb. No. 9059 M.S.U. Quercoidites henricii Potonié, Thomson and Thiergart, 1950 P1. 25, Figs. 1, 1a, and 2 Description: Specimens conform favorably to the type Species described by Potonie, Thomson, and Thiergart (1950). Polar axis 22 to 28 microns, equatorial diameter 17 to 21 microns. Ramge: Oligocene to Miocene. Occurrence: Very abundant especially in bottom of Lower Frio and top of the Upper Frio. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5250'-5280' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 32.6 x 11A.6 M.SOUO Genus Tricolpopollenites Pflug and Thomson, 1953 170 Type species: Tricolpppollenites (Pollenites Potonié, 193A) parmularius Pflug and Thomson, 1953. Eocene; Germany. Tricolpopollenites hians Stanley 1965 P1. 25, Figs. 8 and 8a Description: Specimens compare favorably in all aspects to the species described by Stanley (1965). Polar axis 20 to 2A microns, equatorial diameter 12 to 15 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sampie: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 63A5'—6376' Reference slide: coordinates; 35 x 107.2 M.S.U. Tricolpopollenites hardiei sp. nov. P1. 25, Figs. 9 and 10 Description: Tricolpate pollen grain, iSOpolar, bilaterally symmetrical, outline prolate. Colpi wide, Spread over two-thirds of the surface, in polar view a fine membrane present between colpi. Exine 1.3 microns thick, ektexine clearly differentiable from endexine, ektexine baculate forming a fine reticulation, baculae under 0.5 micron in height and width. Polar axis 29 to 38 microns, equatorial diameter 20 to 29 microns. Number of specimens studied seventeen. 171 Affinity: Unknown. Occurrence: Abundant to common, present throughout the formation, peak of abundance halfway down the formation in wells Grayburg Timber #1 and J. M. Rich #1. Location of sample: Fig. 9 Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 63A5'-6376' Holotype: slide number 2, from 63A5'—6376' sample coordinates; 30.9 x 100.5. Pb. No. 90A0 M.S.U. Location of Sample: Fig. 10 Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 686l'-695A' Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; Al.1 x 95 M.S.U. Tricolpopollenites sp. 1 Pl. 2A, Figs. 22 and 22a Description: Tricolpate pollen grain, iSOpolar, outline prolate. Colpi long and narrow except for middle one which is Slightly wider than other two. Exine 1.72 microns thick, tectate, clavate, clavae about 0.5 micron in height producing a reticulate pattern, lumina ‘under 0.5 micron in diameter. Polar axis 21 to 2A Inicrons, equatorial diameter 18 to 19.5 microns. Occurrence: Common to uncommon. 172 Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7745'-7776' Reference Slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 36.A x 99.5 M.S.U. Tricolpopollenites Sp. 2 P1. 2A, Figs. 23 and 2A Description: Tricolpate pollen grain, isopolar, bilaterally symmetrical, outline prolate. Colpi relatively long and wide. Exine 0.5 micron thick, psilate to more or less scabrate. Polar axis 23 to 26 microns, equatorial diameter 17 to 20 microns. Occurrence: Common to uncommon. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; AA66'-AA96' Reference Slide: coordinates; 35.9 x 101.7 M.S.U. Tricoipppollenites sp. 3 P1. 25, Figs. 3, 3a, and A Description: Tricolpate pollen grain, iSOpolar, outline prolate. Middle colpus slightly Shorter than other two. Exine 1.72 microns thick, ektexine clearly differentiable from endexine, exine semitectate, baculate, baculae 1.3 microns high forming a distinct reticulum, lumina about 0.5 micron in diameter, muri under 0.5 micron in width. 173 Polar axis 27 to 31 microns, equatorial diameter 20 to 21.5 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sample: Figs. 3 and 3a Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 575A'-5786' Reference Slide: coordinates; 31.9 x 110.8 M.S.U. Location of sample: Fig. A Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; A589'—4619' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 37.8 x 109.8 M.S.U. Tricolpopollenites Sp. A P1. 25, Fig. 5 Description: Tricolpate pollen grain, isopolar, bilaterally symmetrical, outline prolate. Middle colpus slightly shorter than other two, colpi narrow Spread over two third of the polar axis. Exine 1.72 microns thick, tectate, gemmate, gemmae 1.0 micron high and less than 0.5 micron wide, ektexine differentiable from endexine. Gemmae form a reticulate pattern with small lumina and relatively thick muri. Polar axis 26 microns, equatorial diameter 15.A microns. 17A Comparison: This taxon differs from Tricolpopollenites sp. 3 with regards to its length of colpi and structure of exine. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; A589'-A619' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 37.2 x 107.1 M.S.U. Tricolpopollenites sp. 5 P1. 25, Fig. 6 Description: Tricolpate pollen grain, isopolar, bilaterally symmetrical, outline prolate. Colpi relatively narrow, extends over two-thirds of the polar axis, fine granular material present between colpi. Exine 1.72 microns thick, tectate, punctate, punctae uniform in size and distribution. Polar axis 26 to 29 microns, equatorial diameter 18 to 21 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7638'—773l' Reference Slide: coordinates; 35.A x 107.8 M.S.U. Tricolpopollenites sp. 6 P1. 25, Fig. 7 175 Description: Tricolpate pollen grain, isopolar, bilaterally symmetrical, outline prolate. Colpi long and narrow. Exine under 0.5 micron in thickness, intectate, baculate, possibly duplibaculate producing a reticulate pattern, both lumina and muri under 0.5 micron. Polar axis 18 microns, equatorial diameter 12 microns. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the formation. Location of sampie: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5590'-5621' Reference Slide: Slide number; 2 coordinates; 32.7 x 96.8 M.S.U. Genus Nyssapollenites Thiergart, 1937 Type species: Nyssapollenites (Pollenites Potonié 1931) pseudocruciatus Thiergart, 1937. Miocene; Germany. Nyssapollenites Sp. P1. 26, Fig. A Description: Tricolporate pollen grain, isopolar, bilaterally symmetrical, outline suboblate, equatorially subtriangular convex. Pores 2.0 microns in diameter, annulus 2.A microns wide. Exine 2.0 microns thick, ektexine clearly differentiable from endexine, texture scabrate to weakly verrucate. Polar axis 21 to 26 microns, equatorial diameter 15 to 19.5 microns. 176 Affinity: Nyssaceae, according to Lawrence (1951) members of this family are found in eastern North America and Asia. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 9112'-9206' Reference Slide: coordinates; 35.1 x 112.3 M.S.U. Genus Pollenites H. Pot., 1893 Pollenites ventosus Potonié, 1931 P1. 25, Fig. 23 Description: Specimens compare favorably to the Species described by Potonié (1931). Overall Size 1A to 17 microns. Affinity: Unknown. Occurrence: Uncommon. Range: Eocene. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 820A'-8237' Reference slide: coordinates; 30.1 x 99.A M.S.U. Genus Tricolporopollenites Pflug and Thomson, 1953 'Type species: Tricolporopollenites (Pollenites Potonié, 1931) dolium Thomson and Pflug 1953. Middle Tertiary; Germany. 177 Tricolporopollenites sp. 1 P1. 25, Figs. 13 and 13a Description: Tricolporate pollen, isopolar, bilaterally symmetrical, outline prolate to perprolate. Colpi narrow cover two-thirds of the equatorial axis. Pores aligned along the equator, 1.72 microns in diameter, annulus very thin. Exine just over 0.5 micron in thickness dif- ferentiable into ektexine and endexine, texture scabrate. Polar axis 16 to 19 microns, equatorial diameter 11 to 13 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon to common especially in lower two- thirds of the Frio Formation. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 8117'—81A8' Reference Slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 29.1 x 109.1 M.S.U. Tricolporopollenites Sp. 2 P1. 25, Figs. 1A and 15 Description: Tricolporate pollen grain, isopolar, out— line prolate. Colpi extend over two-thirds of the polar axis. Pores more or less aligned along the equator, circular in Shape, 1.72 microns in diameter, annulus under 0.5 micron in thickness. Exine 1.0 micron thick, tectate, clavate to baculate clavae 0.5 micron high pro- ducing a reticulum, both lumina and muri under 0.5 178 microns. Polar axis l6.A microns, equatorial diameter 13.8 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. Location of sample: Fig. 1A Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5352'-5383' Reference slide: Slide number; 1 coordinates; 37.9 x 99 M.S.U. Location of sample: Fig. 15 Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5352'-5383' Reference Slide: Slide number; 1 coordinates; 38.9 x 107.8 M.S.U. Tricolporopollenites Sp. 3 P1. 25, Fig. 16 Description: Tricolporate pollen, isopolar, outline prolate to perprolate. Colpi thin and long. Pores aligned along the equator, outline of pore circular 1.72 microns in diameter, annulus very thin. Exine Just under 1.0 micron in thickness, scabrate. Polar axis 21.2 microns, equatorial diameter 13.2 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 63A5'-6376' 179 Reference Slide: coordinates; A2.3 x 105 M.S.U. Tricolporopollenites Sp. A P1. 25, Figs. 17 and 17a Description: Tricolporate pollen grain, isopolar, outline prolate to suboblate. Colpi extend over two-thirds of the polar axis. Pores aligned along the equator, circular 0.5 micron in diameter, annulus 1.3 microns in thickness. Exine 0.86 micron thick, tectate, clavate— baculate forming a fine reticulation, lumina and muri under 0.5 micron. Polar axis 13.2 microns, equatorial diameter 12.2 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5A96'-5507' Reference Slide: slide number; 1 coordinates, 36.2 x 96.5 M.S.U. Tricoiporppollenites sp. 5 P1. 25, Fig. 18 Description: Tricolporate pollen grain, isopolar, outline prolate. Colpi length over two-thirds of the polar axis. Pores aligned along the equator, circular 3.01 microns in diameter, annulus very thin under 0.5 micron. Exine 1.8 microns thick, tectate clavate, clavae 1.3 microns 180 high, giving rise to a reticulum, lumina under 0.86 micron in diameter, muri very thin. Polar axis 23.3 microns, equatorial diameter l6.A microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 63A5'-6376' Reference slide: coordinates; 38 x 109.6 M.S.U. Tricolporopollenites Sp. 6 P1. 25, Fig. 19 Description: Tricolporate pollen, isopolar, outline pro- late. Colpi Spread over two-thirds of the polar axis. Pores aligned along the equator, circular 3.01 microns in diameter, annulus under 0.5 micron in width. Exine 1.72 microns thick duplibaculate, semitectate, reticulate, lumina Just over 0.5 micron in width. Polar axis 21.2 microns, equatorial diameter 15.A microns. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 63A5'-6376' Reference slide: coordinates; 39.1 x 110.1 M.S.U. Tricolporopollenites sp. 7 P1. 25, Fig. 20 181 Description: Tricolporate pollen grain, isopolar, outline in equatorial view prolate and circular in polar view. Colpi long and narrow. Pores aligned along the equator, circular 2.15 microns in diameter, annulus very thin. Exine 0.5 micron thick, psilate to weakly scabrate. Polar axis 21.7 microns, equatorial diameter 19.6 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7AA8'-7A79' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; Al.9 x 111.2 M.S.U. Tricolporopollenites Sp. 8 P1. 25, Fig. 21 Description: Tricolporate pollen grain, isopolar, outline prolate. Colpi long and relatively thin. Pores aligned along the equator, outline circular 2.1 microns in diameter, annulus under 0.5 micron in width. Exine 1.8 microns thick clearly differentiable into ektexine and endexine, tectate, baculate-clavate producing a fine reticulum. Polar axis 23 to 29 microns, equatorial diameter 18 to 21.5 microns. Occurrence: Common. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5352'-5383' 182 Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 36.7 x 95.5 M.S.U. Tricolporopollenites sp. 9 P1. 25, Fig. 22 Description: Tricolporate pollen, isopolar, outline prolate. Colpi spread on two-thirds of the length of the polar axis. Pores elliptical, maximum length 2.2 microns, annulus under 0.5 micron in width. Exine 1.72 microns thick, foveolate, foveae under 0.5 micron in size. Polar axis 23 to 29 microns, equatorial diameter 15 to 18 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7098'—7129' Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 35.5 x 110 M.S.U. Tricolporopollenites sp. 10 P1. 25, Fig. 24 Description: Tricolporate pollen, isopolar, perprolate. Colpi spread on two-thirds of the polar axis. Pores aligned along the equator, circular, diameter 0.5 micron, weak annulus present. Exine about 0.7 micron t:hick, scabrate, thickening in polar regions. Polar axis 11.5 to 1M microns, equatorial diameter 6.5 to 8.5 microns. 183 Occurrence: Common to uncommon, present throughout the formation. Affinity: Castanea (Fagaceae), mostly of temperate and subtrOpical regions. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 9206'-9300' Reference slide: coordinates; 33.6 x 111.7 M.S.U. Tricolporopollenites sp. 11 P1. 26, Fig. l Description: Tricolporate pollen, isopolar, prolate. Colpi relatively short and wide. Pores aligned along the equator, circular, diameter 5.5 microns, annulus very thin. Exine 0.86 micron, psilate to weakly scabrate. Polar axis 20 to 25 microns, equatorial diameter 15 to 18.5 microns. Occurrence: Common to uncommon. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 6035'-6066' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 39.3 x 95.3 M.S.U. Tricolporopollenites sp. 12 P1. 26, Fig. 2 184 Description: Tricolporate pollen grain, isopolar, outline prolate. Colpi spread over two-thirds of the length of the polar axis and relatively wide. Pores circular, diameter 0.7 micron, aligned along the equator. Exine 1.7 microns thick, tectate, baculate—clavate, baculae about 1.0 micron high producing a reticulum, lumina under 0.5 micron. Polar axis 16 to 20 microns, equatorial diameter 12 to 15 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6705'—6861' Reference slide: coordinates; 38 x 96.5 M.S.U. TricolporOpollenites cf. Tricolporopollenites Sp. 1 Engelhardt, 1964 P1. 26, Fig. 3 Description: Specimens compare favorably to the species described by Engelhardt (1964). Polar axis 22 to 26 microns, equatorial diameter 13 to 16.3 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7098'-7l29' Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 40.1 x 103.8 M.S.U. 185 Genus Myrtaceidites Cookson and Pike, 1954. emend. Potonie, 1960 in Synopsis III Type species: Myrtaceidites mesonesus Cookson and Pike, 1954, emend. Potonié 1960. Australia; Eocene to Pliocene. Myrtaceidites mesonesus Cookson and Pike, 1954 P1. 26, Figs. 5 and 6 Description: Specimens compare favorably to the type species described by Cookson and Pike (1954). Overall size 14 to 17 microns. Affinity: Uncertain, according to Cookson and Pike (1954): "Some of the larger examples of M. mesonesus are morpho- locigally close to certain species of Eucalyptus, such as E. tessellaris F. Muell, in which the exine is unthickened around the apertures." Range: Eocene to Pliocene. Occurrence: Common to uncommon. Location of sample: Fig. 5 Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5352'-5383' Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 35.5 x 95.7 M.S.U. Location of sample: Fig. 6 Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 87lO'-8835' 186 Reference slide: coordinates; 36.9 x 109.5 M.S.U. Genus Sapotaceoidaepollenites Potonie, Thomson and Thiergart 1950 Type species: Sapotaceoidaepollenites (Pollenites Potonié, 1931) manifestus Potonié, Thomson and Thiergart, 1950. Miocene; Germany. Synonyms: Sapotaceoipollenites Potonié, 1951, Tetra- colporopollenites Thomson and Pflug, 1953. Sapotaceoidaepollenites (Manilkara Traverse, 1955) lesquereuxiana Potoniéjl960 P1. 26, Figs. 10, 11 and 11a Description: Specimens compare favorably to the species described by Traverse (1955). Polar axis 32 to 40 microns, equatorial diameter 30 to 34 microns. Affinity: Sapotaceae, primarily tropical found both in eastern and western hemispheres. Occurrence: Common in lower two-thirds of the Frio Formation, uncommon to rare in upper part of the formation. Raggg: Oligo-Miocene. Location of sample: Figs. 11 and 11a Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7385'-74l6' Reference slide: coordinates; 30.5 x 106.8 M.S.U. 187 Location of sample: Fig. 10 Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7693'-7724' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 42.8 x 105.5 M.S.U. Sapotaceoidaepollenites sp. 1 P1. 26, Fig. 9 Description: Tetracolporate pollen grain, isopolar, bilaterally symmetrical, outline suboblate with slight protuberance at equator. Colpi long and narrow. Pores aligned on the equator, circular, diameter 1.85 microns, annulus indistinct. Exine 1.0 micron thick, psilate to more or less scabrate. Polar axis 21 to 25 microns, equatorial diameter 13 to 15 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 4589'—4619' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 33.2 x 103.6 M.S.U. Sapotaceoidaepollenites sp. 2 P1. 26, Fig. 12 Description: Tricolporate pollen grain, isopolar, bilaterally symmetrical, outline suboblate. Colpi thin 188 and relatively short i.e. less than two-thirds of the length of the polar axis. Pores aligned along the equator, circular, diameter 3.4 microns, annulus under 0.5 micron in width. Exine 1.3 microns thick, endexine clearly distinguishable from ektexine, texture psilate. Polar axis 22 to 28 microns, equatorial diameter 17 to 24 microns. Occurrence: Common, present throughout the formation. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5352'-5383' Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 36.5 x 104 M.S.U. Sapotaceoidaepollenites sp. 3 P1. 26, Figs. 8 and 8a Description: Tetracolporate pollen, isopolar, bilaterally symmetrical, outline suboblate. Middle coplus slightly shorter than other two. Pores aligned along the equator, elliptical, long axis 1.3 microns, annulus very thin. Exine 1.0 micron thick differentiates into a light stained ektexine and a dark stained endexine, texture psilate to faintly scabrate. Polar axis 18.02 microns, equatorial diameter 13.25 microns. Occurrence: Uncommon to rare. 189 Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5754'-5786' Reference slide: coordinates; 34.1 x 98.5 M.S.U. Sapotaceoidaepollenites sp. 4 P1. 26, Figs. 7 and 7a Description: Tetracolporate pollen, isopolar, bilaterally symmetrical, outline oblate. Colpi long and thin. Pores aligned along the equator, elliptical, long axis 1.4 microns, annulus indistinct. Exine under 0.5 micron in thickness, finely scabrate. Polar axis 13 to 15.5 microns, equatorial diameter 10 to 12.9 microns. Occurrence: Abundant to common. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 6483'-65l4' Reference slide: coordinates; 39.5 x 96.8 M.S.U. MONOSULCATE POLLEN Genus Calamuppollenites Elsik, 1966 Type species: Calamuppollenites pertusus Elsik, 1966. Lower Eocene; Gulf Coast, U.S.A. Calamuspollenites pertusus Elsik, 1966 P1. 26, Figs. 13, 13a and 14 190 Description: Specimens compare favorably to the type species described by Elsik (1966). Length 35 to 47.5 microns, width 21 to 30.4 microns. Affinity: According to Elsik (1966): "The exine pattern of Q. pertusus is basically the same as that found in Calamus guruba and Calamus microcarpus (Palmae) and Liriodendron tulipifera (Magnoliaceae). g. microcarpus and L. tulipifera are generally monosulcate but the ectosexine between the rows of punctae is swollen into verrucae or low rugulae. g. guruba has a sculpture pattern and wall thickness identical to g. pertusus, but 9. guruba is normally bisulcate. Pollen similar to g. pertusus are found in the extant families Palmae and Mag- noliaceae, and possibly in other families as well. It is evident that Calamuspollenites should be treated strictly as a form genus." Occurrence: Common to uncommon. Lgpation of sample: Figs. 13 to 13a Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6861'-6954' Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 34.9 x 89.2 M.S.U. Location of sample: Fig. 14 Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5352'-5382' 191 Reference slide: slide number; 1 coordinates; 36.5 x 108.9 M.S.U. Calamuspollenites elsikii sp. nov. P1. 26, Fig. 15 Description: Monosulcate pollen grain, anisopolar, bilaterally symmetrical. Sulcus spreads over two-thirds of the pollen's length till nearly the nexine, width 0.86 micron. Exine 1.0 micron thick clearly differentiated into an ektexine and an endexine, infrapunctate, punctae uniform in size and distribution separated by small verrucae. Polar axis 23 to 26 microns, equatorial diameter 17 to 18.6 microns, number of specimens studied seven. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 6035'-6066' Holotype: slide number 2, from 6035'—6066' sample coordinates; 36.1 x 112.8. Pb. No. 9038 M.S.U. Genus Liliacidites Couper, 1953 Type species: Liliacidites kaitangataensis Couper, 1953. Cretaceous; New Zealand. Liliacidites intermedius Couper 1953 P1. 26, Figs. 18 and 18a 192 Description: Specimens compare favorably to the species described by Couper (1953). Length 39 to 46 microns, width 28 to 33 microns. Affinity: Liliaceae, widely distributed, especially abundant in warm temperate and tropical regions. Occurrence: Common to uncommon, present throughout the formation. Range: Upper Cretaceous to Miocene. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 6035'—6066' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 32.5 x 100.7 M.S.U. Liliacidites sp. P1. 26, Figs. 17 and 17a Description: Monosulcate pollen, anisopolar, bilaterally symmetrical. Sulcus 24.5 microns long and 1.3 microns wide. Exine tectate, duplibaculate, reticulate, in center of grain lumina 1.7 micron wide, near the edge 0.5 micron, muri 0.86 micron thick. Length 32.3 microns, width 24.4 microns. Occurrence: Common to uncommon, present throughout the formation. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 6035'—6066' 193 Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 33.5 x 102.6 M.S.U. Liliacidites cf. Liliacidites variegatus Couper, 1953 P1. 26, Fig. 16 Discussion: Taxon resembles L. variegatus Couper (1953) quite closely especially with regards to texture and size, the only basis for not including it in L. variegatus is the size of lumina in the center of the grain which is 0.5 micron while for L. variegatus it is 1.0 micron. Length 23 to 26 microns, width 16 to 17.5 microns. Occurrence: Rare. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8579'-8710' Reference slide: coordinates; 38.4 x 107.8 M.S.U. Liliacidites variegatus Couper, 1953 P1. 27, Fig. 1 Description: Specimens compare favorably to the species described by Couper (1953). Length 26 to 30.5 microns, width 17.5 to 21 microns. Occurrence: Common. Eggggg: ‘Upper Cretaceous to Lower Oligocene. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7745'-7776' 194 Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 37.4 x 100 M.S.U. FUNGI Genus Dicellaesporites Elsik, 1968 Type species: Dicellaesporites popovii Elsik, 1968. Paleocene; Texas, U.S.A. Dicellaesporites sp. 1 sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 2 Description: Bicellular spore, elliptical, septate, inaperturate. Septa withtho large triangular thickening, perforate (?). Sporoderm one-layered under 0.5 micron in thickness, slightly thicker at apices, psilate. Length 27 microns, width 16.4 microns. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth: 7572'-76o3' Holotype: slide number 2, from 7572'-7603' sample coordinates; 33.1 x 101.8. Pb. No. 9053 M.S.U. Dicellaesporites sp. 2 sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 3 Description: Bicellular spore, septate, elliptical, inaperturate. Septa with two more or less triangular thickening and with a slit which runs parallel to the 195 sporoderm wall. Spore wall thin except at apices, one— layered, finely scabrate. Length 31 to 33.4 microns, width (maximum) 8 to 9.01 microns. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7233'-7327' Holotype: Slide number 1, from 7233'-7327' sample coordinates; 42.9 x 113.1. Pb. No. 9063. M.S.U. Dicellaesporites sp. 3 sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 5 Description: Bicellular spore, septate, inaperturate, elliptical. Septation simple i.e. without thickening or slit, width 2.2 microns. Wall one-layered 0.5 micron thick, punctate, punctae uniform in size and distribution. Length 27.03 microns, maximum width 17.5 microns. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7593'-7724' Holotype: slide number 2, from 7693'-7724' sample coordinates; 33.9 x 100.9. Pb. No. 9054 M.S.U. Dicellaesporites sp. 4 sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 19 Dgscription: Bicellular spore, septate, inaperturate, ellipsoidal. Septum simple 6.9 microns thick. Wall one— 196 layered 1.8 micron thick, psilate. Length 72 microns, width at septum 44.5 microns. I Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8204'—8237' Holotype: slide number 1, from 8204'-8237' sample coordinates; 30.8 x 110.9. Pb. No. 9068 M.S.U. Genus Fusiformisporites Rouse 1962, emend. Elsik, 1968 Type species: Fusiformipporites marii Elsik, 1968. Paleocene to Upper Tertiary; Gulf Coast, U.S.A. Fusiformispprites sp. sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 4 Description: Bicellular, septate, inaperturate, ellipsoidal fungal spore. Septation simple, septum 1.8 microns thick. Two«1ayered wall, sporderm thin except at apices, striate striation numerous parallel to cell wall. Length 17.2 microns, maximum width 9.5 microns. Affinity: Cookeina. Location bf'sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7417'—7511' Holotype: slide number 1, from 7417'-7511' sample coordinates; 34.9 x 111.7. Pb. No. 9064. M.S.U. 197 Genus Multicellaesporites Elsik, 1968 Type ppecies: Multicellaesporites nortonii Elsik, 1968. Paleocene; Gulf Coast, U.S.A. Multicellaesporites sp. 1 sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 6 Description: Linear, tetracellular, inaperturate, septate fungal spore. Septa perforated at mid-point, perforations aligned, septum 1.0 micron thick. Sporoderm one—layered 0.5 micron thick, slightly thicker at the apices, scabrate. Length 31.8 microns, maximum width 10.6 microns. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 74l7‘-7511' Holotype: slide number 1, from 74l7'—7511' sample coordinates; 35 x 102.4. Pb. No. 9064. M.S.U. Multicellaesporites sp. 2 sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 7 Description: Fungal spore, tetracellular, inaperturate septate, linear. Septa simple 0.5 micron thick. Wall one-layered thin and granular. Length 28.09 microns, Inaximum width 13.78 microns. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6705'—6861' 198 Holotype: slide number 1, from 6705'-6861' sample coordinates; 42 x 107.6. Pb. No. 9060. M.S.U. Multicellaesporites sp. 3 sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 8 Description: Six-celled, linear, septate, inaperturate fungal spore. Septation simple 1.3 microns thick. Two- 1ayered wall 0.5 micron thick, psilate to weakly scabrate. Length 25.4 microns, maximum width 6.5 microns. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 63usv—6376' Holotype: slide number 1, from6345'-6376' sample coordinates; 30.9 x 113.5. Pb. No. 9040 M.S.U. Multicellaesporites sp. 4 sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 9 Description: Fungal spore, tetracellular, linear, inaperturate, septate. The two apical cells on the extremities are hemispherical. Septa with triangular thickening, each septum has two thickenings. Wall two— 1ayered, layers equal in thickness, psilate to weakly scabrate. Length 25 microns, maximum width 12.7 microns. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5250'-5280' 199 'Holotype: slide number 4, from 5250'-5280' sample coordinates; 35.8 x 107.1. Pb. No. 9032 M.S.U. Multicellaesporites sp. 5 sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 18 Description: Fungal spore, tricellular, linear, inaperturate, septate. Septa thick and without secondary thickening. Two—layered wall, maximum thickness 3.2 microns, psilate to weakly scabrate. Length 71.5 microns, maximum width 44 microns. Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 5590'-5621' Holotype: slide number 2, from 5590'-5621' sample coordinates; 35.9 x 104.9. Pb. No. 9035 M.S.U. Genus Lacrimapporonites Clarke, 1965 emend. Elsik, 1968 Type ppecies: Lacrimaaporonites basidii (Rouse, 1962) Elsik, 1968. Paleocene; Gulf Coast, U.S.A. Lacrimasporonites smithii sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 10 ‘Description: Fungal spore, monoporate, elliptical, non- septate. Pore apical 0.86 micron in diameter, annulus 0.5 micron in width. One-layered wall under 0.5 micron 200 in thickness, psilate. Length 25.4 microns, maximum width 18.5 microns. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7638'-7731' Holotype: slide number 1, from 7638'-7731' sample coordinates; 36.1 x 101. Pb. No. 9065 M.S.U. Lacrimasporonites fisheri sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 11 Description: Elliptical fungal spore, monoporate, nonseptate. Pore apical slightly protruding, diameter 1.0 micron. Two-layered wall of equal thickness, slightly thicker near pore, psilate. Length 30.7 microns, maximum width 18.02 microns. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 6705'-6861' Holotype: slide number 1, from 6705'—6861' sample coordinates; 38.9 x 98.9. Pb. No. 9060 M.S.U. Genus Dyadosporonites Elsik, 1968 Type ppecies: Dyadosporonites schwabii Elsik, 1968. Paleocene; Gulf Coast, U.S.A. Dyadosporonites richii sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 16 201 Description: Fungal spore, diporate, bicellular, septate, ellipsoidal. Pores elliptical located at each end of spore, long axis 5.8 microns, short axis 2.8 microns, annulus thin under 0.5 micron in width. Septum simple 1.06 microns wide. Wall one—layered, very thin and scabrate. Length 38.9 microns, maximum width 21.73 microns. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 8117'-8148' Holotype: slide number 1, from 8117'-8148' sample coordinates; 31.1 x 101. Pb. No. 9059 M.S.U. Genus Diporicellaesporites Elsik, 1968 Type species: Dippricellaesporites stacyi Elsik, 1968. Paleocene; Gulf Coast, U.S.A. Diporicellaesporites sp. 1 sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 12 Description: Fungal spore, six cellular, diporate, septate. Septa with two triangular thickening each, perforated. Pores located at each end of the spore, circular in outline, diameter 2.1 microns. One—layered wall under 0.5 micron in thickness, scabrate. Length 22.3 microns, maximum width 9.5 microns. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth, 8485'-8579' 202 Holotype: slide number 1, from 8485'-8579' sample coordinates; 42 x 98. Pb. No. 9070 M.S.U. Diporicellaesporites sp. 2 sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 13 Description: Fungal spore, tetracellular, diporate, septate, ellipsoidal with conical end cells. Septa with two triangular thickening each and splitted. Pores more or less circular, diameter under 0.5 micron. One’ layered wall, thin, psilate to scabrate. Length 21.7 microns, maximum width 11.1 microns. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7033'-7067' Holotype: slide number 1, from 7033'-7067' sample coordinates; 31.6 x 101.6. Pb. No. 9048 M.S.U. Diporicellaesporites sp. 3 sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 14 Description: Fungal spore, diporate, six—cellular, septate, more or less lentil—shaped. Septa with two triangular thickening each. Two—layered wall more or less equal in width, thickness 1.3 microns, becoming thicker near the end cells, texture psilate. Length 39.7 microns, maximum width 16.9 microns. 203 Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 6345'—6376' Holotype: slide number 1, from 6345'-6376' sample coordinates; 39.1 x 99.8. Pb. No. 9040 M.S.U. Diporicellaesporites sp. 4 sp. nov. P1. 28, Fig. 3 Description: Fungal spore, diporate, seven-celled, septate, linear. Septa thick with two triangular thickening on each. Pores more or less circular, diameter 5.3 microns. Two—layered wall 2.1 microns thick, psilate. Length 88 microns, maximum width 33.4 microns. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8204'-8237' Holotype: slide number 1, from 8204'—8237' sample coordinates; 39.1 x 98.9. Pb. No. 9068 M.S.U. Genus Pluricellaesporites Hammer, 1954 emend. Elsik, 1968 'Type species: Pluricellaesporites melanii Elsik, 1968. Paleocene; Gulf Coast, U.S.A. Pluricellaesporites middletonii sp. nov. P1. 27, Fig. 17 204 Description: Fungal spore, symmetrical around one long axis, monoporate, tetracellular, septate. Septa with two triangular thickening. Pore circular, located at end of one cell, diameter 1.3 micron. Tw0v1ayered wall 0.86 micron thick, slightly thicker near pore, psilate. Length 21.7 microns, maximum width 9.5 microns. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8485'-8579' Holotype: slide number 1, from 8485'-8579' sample coordinates; 33 x 108. Pb. No. 9070 M.S.U. Family MICROTHYRIACEAE Forma A P1. 28, Fig. 1 Description: Fungal spore, septate, inaperturate, outline circular. Numerous thick radial septa and slightly thinner interradial connections present producing a con- centric pattern. Wall 2.3 microns thick, diameter 70 microns. Location of sample: Well; A.D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7327'-74l7' Reference slide: slide number 1 ' coordinates; 35 x 101.9 M.S.U. 205 Forma B P1. 28, Figs. 2 and 2a Description: Fungal spore, inaperturate, septate, out- line circular. Radial septa as thick as interradial connections. Wall thin and granulose. Diameter 58.3 microns. Comparison: This taxon has fewer interradial connections than Forma A, thus the concentric pattern is not as well developed. Location of sample: Well; J. M. Rich #1 Depth; 7593'-7724' Reference slide: slide number; 2 coordinates; 39 x 96.4 M.S.U. Fungal Hyphae P1. 27, Fig. 15 Description: Linear fungal hyphae, eight—celled, septate. Septa with two small triangular thickening, splitted, openings aligned and parallel to edge of cell. Wall single—layered, psilate. Cells 10.07 microns high and 7.4 microns wide. Overall length 94.34 microns. .Location of sample: Well; Grayburg Timber #1 Depth; 6345'-6376' Iheference slide: coordinate; 39.1 x 112.1 M.S.U. 206 FORAMINIFERA Forma A P1. 29, Fig. 1 Description: Inner chitinous lining, of Foraminifera. Chambers uniserial, planispiral evolute. Proloculum spherical 10.07 microns in diameter. Overall size 86.4 microns. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8485‘-8579' Reference slide: slide number; 6 coordinates; 32.2 x 101 M.S.U. Forma B P1. 29, Fig. 2 Description: Inner chitinous lining of Foraminifera. Chambers uniserial eight in number, planispiral, evolute. Proloculum 13.4 microns in diameter. Overall size 53 microns. Discussion: It is difficult to identify the inner chitinous remains of Foraminifera, since one could be dealing with a Juvenile form which exhibits recapitulation in its ontogeny. Thus one is faced with the uncertainty as to once the specimen has reached maturity what would be its taxonomic identity. 207 Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 7417'-7511' Reference slide: slide number; 3 coordinates; 34 x 102.2 M.S.U. Forma C P1. 29, Fig. 3 Description: Inner chitinous lining of a foraminiferal proloculum. Diameter 47 microns. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8485'-8579' Reference slide: coordinates; 32.5 x 116.4 Forma D P1. 29, Fig. 4 Description: Inner chitinous lining of a foraminiferal proloculum. Diameter 19.6 microns. Location of sample: Well; A. D. Middleton #79 Depth; 8485'-8579' Reference slide: coordinates; 33.98.3 M.S.U. REFERENCES 208 REFERENCES Alberti, G. 1959b. Zur Kenntis der Gatung Deflandrea Eisenack (Dinoflag.) in der Kreide und im Alttertiar Nord und Mitteldeutschlands. Mitt. Geol. Staatsinst., Hamburg, vol. 28, pp. 93-105, pls. 9-110 Barton, D. C., Ritz, C. H., and Hickey, M. 1933. Gulf Coast geosyncline. Am. Assoc. Petrol. GeolOgists, Bull., vol. 17, pp. 1446—1458. Bolchovitina, N. A. 1953. Spore and pollen character— istics of Cretaceous deposits of Central regions of USSR. Acad. Sci. USSR, Inst. Geol. Soc., no. 145 (Geol. Series No. 61), pp. 1-183, pls. 1-16. *Bornhauser, M. 1958. Gulf Coast Tectonics. Bull. of American Assoc. Petrol. Geol., vol. 42, no. 2, pp° 339‘3700 *Boyd, D. R., and Dyer, B. F. 1964. Frio barrier bar system of south Texas. Trans. Gulf Coast Assoc. Geol. 8008., vol. 14, pp. 309-322. *Butler, A. E. 1960. Miocene-Oligocene boundary problems in Gulf Coast. American Assoc. Petrol. Geol., Bull. 44, part 2, p. 1600. *Colle, J., et a1. 1952. Sedimentary volumes in Gulf coastal plain of United States and Mexico, Pt. 4, volume of Mesozoic and Cenozoic sediments in western Gulf coastal plain of United States. Geol. Soc. American Bull., v. 63, pp. 1193—1200. Cookson, I. C., and Pike, K. M. 1954. Some dicotyledonous pollen types from Cainozoic deposits in the Australian region. Australian Jour. Bot., vol. 2, no. 2, pp. l97_219. Couper, R. A. 1953. Upper Mesozoic and Cainozoic spores and pollen grains from New Zealand. New Zealand Geol. Surv. Palaeont. Bull., Bull. 22, 77 pp- F Reference used for geology of the Gulf Coast. 209 210 Cross, A. T. 1964. Plant microfossils and geology: an introduction. Palynology in Oil Exploration, A Symposium. Soc. Econ. Paleon. and Mineral. Spec. Pubs, no. 11, pp. 3-13. Cross, A. T., et a1. 1966. Source and distribution of palynomorphs in bottom sediments, southern part of Gulf of California. Marine Geology., 4, pp. 467—524. Davey, R. J., et a1. 1966. Studies on Mesozoic and Cainozoic dinoflagellate cysts. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Geology, supple- ment 3, 248 pp., pls. 1—26. Davey, R. J., and Williams, G. L., in Davey, R. J., et al. 1966. Studies on Mesozoic and Cainozoic dino- flagellate cysts. Bull. British Mus. (Nat. Hist.) Geol., suppl. 3, pp. 28-105. Deflandre, G. 1947. Sur quelques micro—organisms planctoniques des silex jurassique. Bull. Inst. Oceanogr. Monaco., 921, pp. 1-10, Figs. 1-5. Deflandre, G., and Cookson, I. C. 1955. Fossil microplankton from Australian Late Mesozoic and Tertiary sediments. Australian Journ. Mar. Freshwater Res., vol. 6, pp. 242-313. Downie, C., and Sarjeant, W. A. S., in Davey, R. J. et al. 1966. Studies on Mesozoic and Cainozoic dinoflagellate cysts. Bull. British Mus. (Nat. Hist.) Geol., suppl. pp. 10-18. Drugg, W. S., and Loeblich, A. R. Jr. 1967. Some Eocene and Oligocene phytoplankton from the Gulf Coast, U.S.A., Tulane Studies in Geology, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 181-194. *Dumble, E. T. 1924. A revision of the Texas Tertiary section with special reference to the oil-well geology of the Coast region. Bull. American Assoc. Petrol. Geol., vol. 8, no. 4, pp. 424-444. *Dumble, E. T., 1894. The Cenozoic Deposits of Texas. Journal of Geology. Vol. 2, pp. 549-567. *Ellis, A. D. Jr. 1939. Significant Foraminifera from the Chickasawhay Beds of Wayne County, Mississippi. Journ. Paleon., vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 423-424. 211 *Ellisor, A. C. 1933. Jackson Group of formations in Texas with notes on Frio and Vicksburg. Bull. American Assoc. Petrol. Geol., vol. 17, no. 11, pp. 1293-1350. Elsik, W. C., 1968. Palynology of a Paleocene Rockdale Lignite, Milam County, Texas. Part I, Morphology and Taxonomy. Pollen et Spores, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 261-314, pls. 1—15. Elsik, W. C., in Stover, L. E., et al. 1966. New genera and species of early Tertiary palynomorphs from Gulf Coast. The Univ. of Kansas Paleont. Contributions, paper 5, pp. 1—11. Engelhardt, D. W. 1964. Plant microfossils from the Eocene Cockfield Formation, Hinds County, Missis- sippi. Mississippi Geol. Research Papers, Bull. 194, pp. 65-96, pls. 1-5. Erdtman, G. 1952. Pollen morphology and plant taxonomy, Angiosperms. Almgvist and Wiksells Boktryckeriak— tiebolag, Uppsala, pp. 11-24. Evitt, W. R. 1963. A discussion and proposals concern— ing fossil dinoflagellates, hystrichosphaeres and acritarchs. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., vol. 49, nos. 2 and 3, pp. 158-164, 298-302. Evitt, W. R., et al. 1967. Dinoflagellate studies III. Dinogymnium acuminatum n. gen., n. sp. (Maastrichtian) and other fossils formerly referable to Gymnodinium. Stein. Stanford Univ. Publications, Geol. Sciences, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 3-27, pls. 1-3. Faegri, K., and Iversen, J. 1964. Textbook of modern pollen analysis, Ejna Munksgaard, Copenhagen, 237 PP- *Garrett, J. B. 1938. The Hackberry Assemblage-~an interesting foraminiferal fauna of post-Vicksburg age from deep wells in the Gulf Coast. Journ. Paleon., vol. 12, no. 4, pp. 309—317. *Garrett. J. B., and Ellis, A. B., Jr. 1937. Distinctive foraminifera of the genus Marginulina from Middle Tertiary beds of the Gulf Coast. Journ. Paleon., vol. 11, no. 8, pp. 629—633. 212 Gerlach, E. 1961. Mikrofossilien aus dem Oligozan und Miozan Nordwestdeutschland unter besonderer Berucksichtigung der. Hystrichosphaerideen und Dinoflagellaten. N. Jb. Geol. Palaont. Abh., Stuttgart, 112, pp. 143—228, pls. 25-29. Gerlach, E. 1963. Hystrichosphaerideen und audere Kleinelebewesen aus Oligozan ablagerunger Nord und Mittledeutschlands. Geologie, Berlin, 1, pp. 301-320, pls. l und 2. Gray, J., 1960. Temperate pollen genera in the Eocene (Clairborne) flora, Alabama. Science, vol. 132, pp. 808-810. *Hardin, G. C., Jr. 1962. Notes on Cenozoic sedimentation in the Gulf Coast Geosyncline, U.S.A. In Geology of the Gulf Coast and Central Texas: Houston Geol. Soc. for 1962 Meetings of the Geol. Soc. America and Associated Societies. pp. 1-15. *Holcomb, C. W. 1964. Frio Formation of southern Texas. Trans. Gulf Coast Assoc. Geol. Soc., vol. 14, pp' 23-330 *Israelsky, M. C., 1940. Notes on the Frio: Report of Houston Geological Society Study Group. Bull. American Assoc. Petrol. Geol., vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 376—382. KLohnson, R. B., and Mathy, H. E. 1957. The south Texas Frio trend. Trans. Gulf Coast Assoc. of Geol. Soc., vol. 7, pp. 207-218. Jtuues, E. L. 1962. Palynology of the Midway-Wilcox boundary in south-central Arkansas. Gulf Coast Assoc. Geol. Socs. Trans., vol. 12, pp. 285-294, pls. 1—3. Kreinp, G. 0. W. 1949. Pollen analytische untersuchung des Miozanen Braunkohlenlagers von Konin an der Warthe. Palaeontographicafg vol. 90, pp. 53—93. Krutzzsch, W. 1959. Mikropalaontologische (sporen- palaontologische) Untersuchungen in der Braunkohle des Geiseltales. Geologie Jg. 8, Beih, 21/22, 145 pp. Krutzzsch, W. 1962. Atlas der Mittel—und Jungteriaren Dispersen Sporen und Pollen Sowie der Mikro- planktonformen des nordlichen MittleeurOpas. ‘Vol. I. Deutscher Verlag der Wissenschaft, Berlin. 232 pp. 213 Krutzsch, W. 1963. Atlas der Mittel-und Jungtertiaren Dispersen Sporen und Pollen Sowie der Mikro- planktonformen des nordlichen Mittleeuropas. Vol. III. Deutscher Verlag der Wissenschaft, Berlin. Kuyl, O. S., Muller, J., and Waterbolk, H. T. 1955. The application of palynology to oil geology with reference to western Venezuela. Geol. en Mijnb. Neue Series 17, Nr. 3, pp. 47-86. Lawrence, G. H. M. 1951. Taxonomy of vascular plants. Macmillan Co., 823 pp. Nakoman, A. 1965. Annales de la Societe Geologique Nord., vol. 85, no. 2, p. 155. Pacltova, B1. 1960. Plant microfossils (mainly *sporomorphae) from the lignite deposits near Mydlovary in Ceske Budejovice basin. Part 1. Sborink UUG, 25, Reihe Palaont., 68. *Plummer, F. B. 1932. Cenozoic Systems in Texas. The Geology of Texas, vol. 1, Pt. 3, Bur. Econ. Geol. Bull., 3232, pp. 519-818. Potonié, R. 1931. Pollenformen aus Tertiaren Braunkohlen (3 Mitt). Jb. Preuss. Geol. L. A. f. 52:1-7. . 1934. Zur Mikrobotanik der Kohlen und Iher Verwandten I. Zur Morphologie der Fossilen Pollen und Sporen. Arb. Inst. F. Palaeob. U. Petrogr. Brennst, 4, 5. . 1934. Zur Mikrobotanik des Eozanen Humodils des Geiseltals. Arb. Inst. Palaeobot. U. Petrogr. Brennst., Preuss. Geol. L. A. Berlin 4, pp. 25-125. . 1951. Revision Stratigraphisch Wichtiger Sporomorphen Mittleeuropaischen Tertiars. Palaeon tographica Ab. B., Bd. 91, pp. 131-151. . 1958. The taxonomy of fossil plants (includes spore dispersae) in the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. The Paleobotanist, vol. 7. pp. 32-42. . 1960. Synopsis der Gattungen der sporae Dispersae. 111 Teil: Nachtrage Sporites Fortset- zurg Pollenites Mit General Beih. Geol. Jb. 39, 189 pp. 214 , and Gelletich, J. 1933. Uber PteridOphyten— sporen Einer Eozanen Braunkohle aus Dorog in Ungarn. Sber. Ges. Nat. Freunde, vol. 33, pp. 517-528. , and Venitz, A. 1934. Zur Mikrobotanik des Miozanen Humodils der Niedeuheinischen Bucht. Preuss. Geol. Landes, Inst. Palaeobot. U. Petrogr. Brennsteine, Arb., vol. 5, pp. 1-54. , Thomson, P. W., and Thiergart, F. 1950. Zur Nomenklatur und Klassifikation du neogenen Sporomorphae (Pollen und Sporen). Geol. Jahrb. Band 65 , pp. 35-70. Raatz, G. V. 1937. Mikrobotanisch-stratigraphische Untersuchung der Braunkohle des Muskauer Bogens. Preuss. Geol. Landes., Abh., neue Folge, vol. 183, pp. 1-48. *Reedy, R., Jr. 1949. Stratigraphy of Frio Formation Orange and Jefferson Counties, Texas. Bull. American Assoc. Petrol. Geol., vol. 33, no. 11, pp. 1830- 1858. Sarjeant, W. A. S. 1961. Microplankton from the Kellaways Rock and Oxford Clay of Yorkshire. Palaeont., vol. 4, pt. 1, pp. 90-118, pls. 13-15. , and Downie, C. 1966. The classification of dinoflagellate cysts above generic level. Grana Palynologica, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 503-527. Sarmiento, R. 1957. Microfossil Zonation of Mancos Group. Bull. American Assoc. Petrol. Geol., vol. 41, no. 8, pp. 1683-1693. Singh, C. 1964. Microflora of the Lower Cretaceous Mannville Group, east-central Alberta. Research Council Alberta. Bull. 15, 239 pp., 29 pls. Stanley, E. A. 1965. Upper Cretaceous and Paleocene dinoflagellate and Hystrichosphaerids from north western south Dakota. Bull. American Paleont., vol. 49, no. 222, pp. 179-383, pls. 19-49. Stover, L. E., et a1. 1966. New Genera and species of Early Tertiary Palynomorphs from Gulf Coast. Univ. of Kansas Paleont. Contributions, Paper 5, pp. 1-11, pls. 1—5. 215 *Stuckley, C. W., Jr. 1946. Some Textulariidae from the Gulf Coast Tertiary. Journ. Paleont.; vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 163—165° Thiergart, F. 1938. Die pollen-flora der Niederlansitzer Braunkohle, besonders in Profil der Grube Marga bei Senftenberg. Jahrb. Preuss. Geol. Landes., vol. 58, pp. 282—351 (Separatum, 1937). Thomson, P. W., and Pflug, H. 1953. Pollen und sporen des mitteleurOpaischen Tertiars. Palaeontographica, Abt. B, Band 94, pp. 1-138, pls. 1-15. Traverse, A. 1955. Pollen analysis of the Brandon Lignite of Vermont, U.S.A. Bur. Mines Rept. Inv., no. 5151, 107 pp. ' Upshaw, C. F. 1964. Palynological zonation of the Upper Cretaceous Frontier Formation near Dubois, Wyoming. In Palynology in Oil Exploration, a Symposium. Soc. Econ. Paleon. and Mineral. Spec. Pubs. no. 11, pp. 153-168, pl. 1 Wall, D. 1967. Fossil microplankton in deepsea cores from the Caribbean Sea. Palaeontology, vol. 10, part 1, pp. 95—123. *Warren, A. D. 1957. The Anahuac and Frio sediments in Louisiana. Trans. Gulf Coast Assoc. Geol. Socs. vol. 7, pp. 221-235. Williams, G. L. 1963. Organic-walled microplankton of the London Clay. Unpublished doctorate thesis. Univ. of Sheffield, England. , in Davey et a1. 1966. Studies on Mesozoic and Cainozoic dinoflagellate cysts. Bull. British Mus. (Nat. History) Geol., suppl. 3, p. 248, pp. pls. 1-26. Wolff, H. 1934. Mikrofossilen des pliozanen Humodils. Preuss. Geol. Landes., Inst. Palaobot. U. Petrog. Brennsteine, Arb., vol. 5, pp. 55-86. PLATES 216 1 — la 2 3 - 4a PLATE 1 Achomosphaera ramulifera Hystrichosphaera sp. of. H. ramosa var. membranaceae Hystrichosphaera ramosa var. ramosa All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 217 PIA?! PLATE 2 1 - lb Homotryblium plectilum, 1a photographed by phase contrast. 2 Hystrichosphaera ramosa var. multibrevis. 3 Hystrichosphaera buccina All illustrations X1000 unless otherwise indicated. 219 PIA?! 2 - 1a - 4a PLATE 3 Hystrichokolpoma sp. cf. H. rigaudeau Hystrichokolpoma rigaudea Friosphaera williamsii Gen. nov. et sp. nov. Baltisphaeridium sp. 7, 4 photographed by phase contrast All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 221 'm w’flwfl— PIA?! 3 1—2 3—3a 4 PLATE 4 Baltisphaeridium sp. 1, 1a photographed by phase contrast. Baltisphaeridium sp. 3, 3a photographed by phase contrast. Baltisphaeridium sp. 2 All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 223 PIA?! 4 PLATE 5 ‘Baltisphaeridium sp. cf. B. ehrenbergi var. brevispinosum, la photographed by phase contrast. Baltisphaeridium sp. 4 Baltisphaeridium sp. 5 Baltisphaeridium sp. 6 All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 225 'lA'E 5 10 11 2a 3a 4a 5a PLATE 6 Baltisphaeridium scalenofurcatum sp. nov. Micrhystridium sp. 2, 2a photographed by phase contrast. Micrhystridium sp. 5, 3a photOgraphed by phase contrast Micrhystridium stephensonii sp. nov., 4a photographed by phase contrast. Micrhystridium capitatum sp. nov., 5a photographed by phase contrast. Micrhystridium sp. 1 Micrpystridium sp. 3 Micrhystridium sp. cf. Hystrichosphaeridium patulum Micrhystridium fragile Micrhystridium sp. 4 All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 227 nut o PLATE 7 l - lb Cleistospmaeridium texasi sp. nov., 1a and lb photographed by phase contrast. 2 — 2a Cleistosphaeridium disjunctum, 2a photographed by phase contrast. 3 Polysphaeridium pastielsi All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 229 PIA?! 7 1 2 - 2a 3-3b PLATE 8 Polysphaeridium pastielsi Polysphaeridium sp., 2a photographed by phase contrast. Hemicystodinium sp., 3a and 3b photographed by phase contrast. All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 231 _“__,/”"'——fl_—_“‘~F“-_. PIAI! I PLATE 9 Cordosphaeridium crossii sp. nov., 1 and 2 composite photographs Cleistosphaeridium disjunctum var. brevispinosum var. nov. All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 233 PIA?! P 2-3 PLATE 10 Cyclonephelium proutyi sp. nov. Adnatosphaeridium sp. Cyclonephelium sp. All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated 235 PIA?! l0 PLATE 11 1 Deflandrea minor 2 Dinogymnium sp. 3 Dinogymnium cretaceum 4 — 4a Hemicystodinium zoharyi, 4a focuss to show shape and position of archaeopyle All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 237 PIA?! I I PLATE l2 Lefleunia sp., composite photograph Gomyaulapysta sp. Gonyaulacysta bilinia sp. nov. CymatiOSphaera sp. All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 239 PIA?! PLATE 13 l - 1a Thallasiphora sp., 1a photographed by phase contrase. 2 - 2a Pentadinium laticinctum All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 241 PIA?! I) 1 — 1a 2-3 4 - 4a PLATE l4 Acostomocystis pgtane, 1a photographed by phase contrast. Leiotriletes sp. 2 Leiotriletes sp. 4, 4a focuss on proximal surface to show extent of laesurae. All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 243 ,I- PIA?! N - 4b PLATE l5 Leiotriletes sp. 3, l focuss on sporoderm, la focuss on proximal laesurae. Leiotriletes maxoides Deltoidospora sp. Leiotriletes maxoides, 4b focuss on proximal laesurae to shown punctation. All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 245 PIA?! PLATE 16 Leiotriletes adriensis Leiotriletes sp. 1 Lusatisporis sp. Lusatisporis perinatus All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 247 PIA?! 1 - 2 3 4 — 4a PLATE 17 Saxosporis duebenensis, l focuss on proximal laesurae, la focuss on spines. Incertae Sedis (?) Osmundacidites sp., 4 focuss on sporoderm All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 249 PIA?! I7 l - la 2 — 2a 3-3a L1 5 PLATE 18 Forma A Gen. nov. proximal laesurae sporoderm. Forma B Gen. nov. distal surface to et. sp. nov., la focuss on and kyrtome, 1 focuss on et. sp. nov., 2 focuss on show verrucate texture, 2a focuss on proximal laesurae to show psilate texture. Camarozonosporites sp., 3 focuss on rugulae. Hydrosporis azollaensis subsp. azollaensis Azolla bohemica All illustrations indicated. x1000 unless otherwise 251 PIA?! 1 - 1a 2 - 2a 3-3a PLATE 19 Cicatricosisporites dorqgensis, l focuss on proximal laesurae, 1a focuss on distal surface. Rudolphisporis sp., 2 focuss on proximal laesurae, 2a focuss on spines. Lycgpodiumsporites sp. 1, 3 focuss on distal surface, 3a focuss on proximal laesurae. All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 253 PIA?! 1 — 1a 2 — 3a PLATE 20 LyCOpodiumsporites sp. 2, l focuss on proximal laesurae, la focuss on sporoderm. Lycopodiumsporites sp. 3, 2 focuss on proximal laesurae, 2a focuss on distal surface. All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 255 PIA?! 20 PLATE 21 Laevigatosporites haardti Laevigatosporites sp. 1 Laevigatosporites sp. 2 Microfoveolatosporis sp. Polypodiisporites Sp. 1 Polypodiisporites sp. 2 Polypodiisporites sp. 3 Polypodiisporites secundus Polypodiisporites favus All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 257 PIA?! 2| PLATE 22 Pinuspollenites sp. 2 Pinuspollenites sp. Pinuspollenites sp. 4 Pinuspollenites sp. 5 Pinuspollenites sp. 1 All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 259 PIA?! 22 l - 4 5 - 6 7 - 8 10 ll 12 13 l4 15 PLATE 23 Taxodiaceaepollenites hiatus Ephedra sp. 1 Ephedra sp. 2 Ephedra sp. 3 Ephedra sp. 4 Ephedra voluta Corsinipollenites oculusnoctis Tiliapollenites sp. 2 Tiliapollenites sp. 1 Subtriporopollenites anulatus All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 261 MA?! I, CDNIU‘l-L'WI'UH 10 11 12 15 l7 19 20 21 22 23 25 - 20a — 22a PLATE 24 Subtriporopollenites anulatus Subtriporopollenites sp. 1 Subtriporopollenites sp. 2 SubtriporOpollenites sp. 3 Triatrippollenites coryphaeus Betulaceoipollenites sp. Engelhardtioipollenites quietus n. comb., 8 focuss on atria, 8a focuss on punctae. Engelhardtioipollenites sp. Betulaceoipollenites granifer forma mggaf granifer Ulmipollenites undulosus Liquidambarpollenites stigmosus Chenopodipollis sp. 1 Chengpodipollis sp. 2 MonoporOpollenites sp. , 20 focuss on pore and annulus, 20a focuss on exine. Forma A gen. et. sp. nov. Tricolpopollenites sp. 1, 22 focuss on exine structure, 22a focuss on colpi. Tricolpopollenites sp. 2, 23 Equatorial view, 24 polar View. Ilexpollenites iliacus, 25 Equatorial View, 26 polar View. All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 263 PIA?! 24 \OGDNONUT 11 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 8a 10 12 13a 15 17a PLATE 25 Quercoidites henricii, 2 two grains in polar and equatorial views A TricolpOpollenites sp. 3, 3 focuss on exine structure, 3a focuss on colpi, 4 polar view Tricolpopollenites sp. 4 Tricolpopollenites sp. 5 Tricoipopollenites sp. 6 Tricolpopollenites hians, 8 focuss on reticulum Tricolpopollenites hardiei sp. nov., 9 Equatorial view, 10 polar view Quercoidites sp. Tricoiporopollenites sp. 1, 13 focuss on apertures, 13a focuss on exine structure Tricolporopollenites sp. 2 Tricolporopollenites sp. 3 Tricolporopollenites sp. 4, 17 focuss on exine ‘structure, 17a focuss on pore-annulus system Tricolporopollenites sp. 5 Tricolporopollenites sp. 6 Tricolporopollenites sp. 7, two grains in equatorial view and one in polar view Tricolporopollenites sp. 8 TricolporOpollenites sp. 9 Pollenites ventosus Tricolporppollenites sp. 10 All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 265 PIA?! 25 10 12 13 15 16 17 18 — 11a - 17a - 18a PLATE 26 Tricolporopollenites sp. 11, Polar view Tricolporopollenites sp. 12, Polar View Tricolporopollenites sp. cf. Tricolporopollenites sp. 1, Engelhardt Nyssapollenites sp. Myrtaceidites mesonesus Sapotaceoidaepollenites sp. 4, 7 focuss on apertures, 7a focuss on exine structure Sapotaceoidaepollenites sp. 3, 8 focuss on exine structure Sapotaceoidaepollenites sp. 1 Sapotaceoidaepollenites lesquereuxiana, 11 focuss on exine structure, 11a focuss on pores Sapotaceoidaepollenites sp. 2 Calamuspollenites pertusus Calamuspollenites elsikii sp. nov. Liliacidites sp. cf. Liliacidites variegatus Liliacidites sp. , l7 focuss on sulcus, 17a focuss on muri Liliacidites intermedius, 18 focuss on reticulum, 18a focuss on clavae All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 267 K W Q? ’- 7 PIA?! 26 \OCDNOU'I-fiw 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 l8 l9 PLATE 27 Liliacidites variegatus Dicellaesporites sp. 1, sp. nov. Dicellaesporites sp. 2, sp. nov. Fusiformisporites sp., sp. nov. Dicellaesporites sp. 3, sp. nov. Multicellaesporites sp. 1, sp. nov. Multicellaesporites sp. 2, sp. nov. Multicellaesporites sp. 3, sp. nov. Multicellaesporites sp. 4, sp. nov. Lacrimasporonites smithii sp. nov. Lacrimasporonites fisheri psp. nov. Diporicellaesporites sp. 1, sp. nov. Diporicellaesporites sp. 2, sp. nov. Diporicellaesporites sp. 3, sp. nov. Fungal Hyphae Dyadosporonites richii sp. nov. Pluricellaesporites middletonii sp. nov. Multicellaesporites sp. 5, sp. nov. Dicellaesporites sp. 4, sp. nov. All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 269 PIA?! 27 PLATE 28 1 Forma A (Microthyriaceae) 2 - 2a Forma B (Microthyriaceae) 3 Diporicellaesporites sp. 4, sp. nov. All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 271 PIA?! 2! PLATE 29 Forma A (Foraminifera) Forma B (Foraminifera) Forma C (Foraminiferal proloculum) Forma D (Foraminiferal proloculum) All illustrations x1000 unless otherwise indicated. 273 I, PIA?! 29