Abstract

Palynological investigation of Maastrichtian Shales on parts of the western flank of the Anambra Basin has been carried out using the occurrence of spores, pollens, dinoflagellate cysts, and acritarch. The shale units on the studied outcrop sections were deposited in low-energy, swamp environment. The recovered palynofloral assemblage indicates Maastrichtian age for the studied outcrop successions. The Maastrichtian is characterised by an assemblage comprising mainly the miospore species Monocolpites marginatus, Spinizonocolpites baculatus, Longapertites sp., and Cyathidites. The microflora assemblage reflects a freshwater swamp environment that was intermittently flooded by shallow marine water. The presence of some palmae pollen Spinizonocolpites and Longapertites indicates that the study area belongs to the Late Cretaceous Palmae Province.