2005(1):138-156.
DOI: 1
CSTR:
Abstract:
Summary Palynofacies analyses have been widely applied to determinations of palaeoenvironment and petroleum source potential during the last 20 years. More recently they have also contributed to improving sequence stratigraphic determinations and, to a lesser extent, to detailed biostratigraphic correlations on a regional or local level. However, they are still not used as much as they could be for solving geological problems, especially in China. In this article we review the general principles and methods involved. These include the terminology that is applied to the components of palynological matter, sampling requirements, laboratory techniques, data collection, statistical and numerical methods, and the basis for arriving at reasonable palaeoenvironmental and source potential assessments. Compared to traditional methods of palynological study, which merely focus on palynomorphs, palynofacies analyses place emphasis on the entire composition of acid-resistant organic matter that can be recovered from a rock or unconsolidated sediment. Such an approach commonly enables more precise determinations of depositional environment to be made than is possible using traditional methods of clastic and carbonate sedimentological analyses. Interpretations of organic geochemical and coal petrographic data and the terminology involved are also briefly considered. The types of palynological matter recorded do not necessarily correspond directly to the organic components that can be recognized by other methods of analysis, but this does not prevent similar results from being obtained. Indeed, when palynofacies data are integrated with those derived from other methods, the reliability of the conclusions drawn is usually increased. Hence, they are more likely to stand the test of time.
