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Abstract

The Oligocene (ca 35 Ma) Cethana fossil deposit in northern Tasmania is
investigated, with the aim of reconstructing the vegetation and environment. Aspects
of the geology, palynology and particularly the macrofossil component of the flora are
considered. The flora is discussed in the context of the development of the
Australasian vegetation.

The sediments are believed to have been deposited in a lake situated in a
topographically diverse region. In particular, perturbations to the facies by siliceous
debris suggests the lake was proximal to a steep slope. The macrofossils are
represented by impressions or carbonised compressions from which fragments of
cuticle can be recovered. Scanning electron microscopy is an important technique used
to examine and compare fossil and extant cuticles. Pteridophyte macrofossils
identified include specimens of Hymenophyllaceae, Lygodium (Schizaeaceae) and
Sticherus and Gleichenia (Gleicheniaceae). Gymnosperm macrofossils identified are
the extinct cycad Pterostoma, Macrozamia (Zamiaceae), Acmopyle, Dacrycamus,
Dacrydium, Phyllocladus, Lagarostrobos and Podocarpus (Podocatpaceae), Agathis
and Araucaria (Araucariaceae) and Libocedrus and Papuacedrus (Cupressaceae).
Angiosperm macrofossils have affinity to three of the four subgenera of Nothofagus
(Fagaceae), Gymnostoma (Casuarinaceae), Lomatia, Banksia/Dryandra and other
genera (Proteaceae), Callicoma, Vesselowskya and Weinmannia/Cunonia
(Cunoniaceae), Brachychiton (Sterculiaceae), Elaeocarpaceae, Lauraceae and
Myrtaceae. Detailed taxonomic descriptions are provided for some of the
macrofossils.

Item Type:	Thesis - PhD
Authors/Creators:	Carpenter, Raymond John
Keywords:	Paleobotany, Palynology
Copyright Holders:	The Author
Copyright Information:	Copyright 1991 the Author - The University is continuing to endeavour to trace the copyright owner(s) and in the meantime this item has been reproduced here in good faith. We would be pleased to hear from the copyright owner(s).
Additional Information:	Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Tasmania, 1992. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-147)
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