Palinología del Miembro Avilé (Formación Agrio, Cretácico Inferior) en el cerro de la Parva, Neuquén

Abstract

The first palynological data of the Avilé Member (middle part of the Agrio Formation) are presented. The morphologically conspicuous Avilé Member is mainly composed of sandstones at the sampling locality (cerro de la Parva in central western Neuquén). Intraformational clay pebbles, included in a fluvial sandstone 4 m above the base of the Mernber, provided the microflora studied herein. lt is a typical Early Cretaceous palynoflora in which Classopollis (29%), Calliatasporites and inaperturate grains (26,5%) prevail. Other frequent components are Cuciuspnaera t Baímeiopsís (15%), bisaccate and trisaccate grains (5,0%) and (rnainly cingulate) trilete spores (12,5%). The Avilé Member is upper Lower Hauterivian in age according to the ammonite fauna of overlying levels. A terrestrial paleoenvironment is inferred for the Avilé Mernber from the exclusive presence of terrestrial palynomorphs.