The distribution of megaspores from the Upper Carboniferous (Namurian A ) coal-bearing sequence of Dalquhandy. Douglas Coalfield, Lanarkshire, Scotland

Abstract

The Douglas Coalfield of Lanarkshire, Scotland, of early Late Carboniferous age contains a thick sequence of coal-bearing strata of the Limestone Coal Formation. Ten coals occur in an eighty-five meter sequence. Lycopsid megaspores occur abundantly in most of these coals. Ten species of megaspore are recorded from the coals and a discussion of their distribution is presented. The spores are typical of other Namurian A (Pendellian) assemblages and are characterized by the abundance of Lagenicula subpilosa forma major, Setosisporites brevispinosus, S. hirsutus, S. splendidus, Zonalesporites brasserti and Rotatispotites rotatus. Comparisons are made with assemblages from the Lower Limestone Formation and other localities in the Limestone Coal Formation.