Palynology and sediments

A combined palynology and sedimentology study of the Umm Irna Formation allowed a comprehensive reconstruction of the palaeoenvironment of this fascinating formation. Samples from argillaceous beds of fluvial origin appear to contain a palynomorph representation of the wider hinterland of the drainage basin of the river including floodplain plants and more distant communities. In restricted water bodies like oxbow lakes or other impermanent stagnant floodplain ponds and peaty mires (immature coals), a higher proportion of purely local palynomorphs appear to be preserved in associated sediments. This ability to identify facies types may allow better understanding of the connectivity of subsurface reservoirs. Read more - Stephenson, M H, and Powell, J H. 2013. Palynology and alluvial architecture in the Permian Umm Irna Formation, Dead Sea, Jordan. GeoArabia, 18, 3, 17-60.