Biostratigraphic Refinements of Paleozoics of Great Basin Using Palynology

T. J. Hutter

Examining material from numerous wells and extensive collections of Paleozoic sediments from throughout the Great Basin shows large morphic diversity of the acritarchs, chitinozoans, and spores. Quantitative analysis of these palynomorphs provides data on biostratigraphy, paleoenvironments, and organic thermal maturation throughout the Paleozoic stratigraphic units. Biostratigraphic boundaries and associated lithostratigraphic units can be recognized by using the acritarch, chitinozoan, and spore assemblages. The Paleozoic microflora and microfauna from the Great Basin show remarkable affinities to assemblage records from western Australia. Comparisons with established graptolite and conodont zone are also established.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91040©1987 AAPG Rocky Mountain Section Meeting, Boise, Idaho, September 13-16, 1987.