Palynological analysis of the Rhaetian clays in the Sibelco WINT15-02 core (Winterswijk, the Netherlands)
M.P.H. Smeets · Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) · 2018
With use of the WINT15-02 core a reconstruction of end-Triassic vegetation of the eastern Netherlands is made. The Rhaetian clays of Winterswijk contain both palynomorphs from before and during the end-Triassic extinction event (c. 201 Ma, hereafter ETE). The core can be characterized by two phases; the lower part shows a pollen dominated interval with high abundances of Classopollis and other conifer pollen. The upper part is a spore-dominated interval with high spore diversity and a dominance of Concavisporites and Polypodiisporites polymicroforatus. Based on Abbinks Spore Ecology Groups, a strong increase in Lowland plants and pioneer species is shown and a trend is visible from a warm climate to warmer and wetter climate conditions during the onset of the ETE. Overall a strong decrease in palynomorph concentration and pollen diversity indicates lower vegetation coverage and/or increased erosion. The trends observed in Winterswijk correlate well with other localities in Northern Europe, where a strong diversification of spores can be found as well.