The Jurassic dinoflagellate cyst Gonyaulacysta dentata (Raynaud 1978) Lentin & Vozzhennikova 1990 emend. nov. : an index species for the late Callovian to earliest Oxfordian of the northern hemisphere

Gonyaulacysta dentata is a very large and morphologically distinctive dinoflagellate cyst species which was first described from the Callovian (Middle Jurassic) strata of the Isle of Skye, northwest Scotland. The diagnosis and description of this species are emended herein in order to document the characteristic elongate pentagonal outline, the apicular structure, the bicavate cyst organisation, the prominent dorsal and lateral sutural crests which are typically denticulate, the discontinuous, low-relief midventral sutural ridges and the lack of a periarchaeopyle. Gonyaulacysta dentata is a reliable index taxon for the Late Callovian to earliest Oxfordian (Peltoceras athleta to Quenstedtoceras mariae zones) of the Boreal Realm and the Subboreal Province in the northern hemisphere. It is especially prominent in the Boreal Realm and the northern part of the Subboreal Province, and has been recorded from the Barents Sea region, arctic Canada, offshore Norway, the central and northern North Sea and northern Scotland. Typically this species represents a relatively low proportion of the overall dinoflagellate cyst assemblages. There are also reports of very rare specimens of Gonyaulacysta dentata from further south in the Northwest European Subprovince, i.e. France, Germany and Poland. It therefore appears to be a characteristic Boreal taxon, but low numbers migrated southwards into the Northwest European Subprovince due to a fall in palaeotemperatures during the Callovian-Oxfordian transition. The southwards expansion of this short-lived species parallels the southward migration of the Boreal ammonite family Cardioceratidae. There is a virtually mutually exclusive relationship between the Arctic species Gonyaulacysta dentata and the apparently warm-loving taxon Scriniodinium crystallinum during the Late Callovian to Early Oxfordian interval. This is consistent with the interpretation of Gonyaulacysta dentata as a cold water taxon

Age really is an issue

The majority of the source and reservoir rocks for the hydrocarbons in North Sea and the North West Shelf are Jurassic (200–146 Ma) in age. In both the exploration and production phases, the study of palynology, especially fossil dinoflagellate cysts, is one of the principal techniques used in subdividing the hydrocarbon-bearing successions. High-resolution zonal schemes have been developed for both these areas, and have been routinely applied for around thirty years. The BGS has been a key player in the formulation and refinement of the standard Jurassic scheme and we have shown that integrated studies using these microfossils can resolve interregional geological problems

An effective palynological preparation procedure using hydrogen peroxide

Most pre-Quaternary palynology samples are currently prepared by demineralization of the sediment/sedimentary rock matrix using hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids (HCl and HF respectively). If a consistently effective alternative to this procedure can be developed, palynological processing will be made significantly less hazardous to both laboratory personnel, and to the wider environment. Furthermore, most non-acid processing methods are normally quicker and cheaper than matrix dissolution using acid. Some authors have previously used hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to extract palynomorphs by the physico–chemical disaggregation of the clay fraction. However, H2O2 is a powerful oxidizing agent and hence can potentially destroy sedimentary organic material, including palynomorphs. A new method using hot H2O2, where exposure of the sample material to the H2O2 is minimized, has been developed. Crushed sample material in a suitable vessel is placed on a hot plate for one minute, treated with 15–30% H2O2 for 10 minutes, then the residue is diluted with cold distilled water. Disaggregated sample material tends to float, and is decanted into a large vessel containing distilled water to further dilute the H2O2. If any undisaggregated sample remains, the procedure is repeated several times if necessary. Relatively indurated sedimentary lithotypes normally require several treatments. The reason for this stepwise treatment is that the organic material is not exposed to H2O2 for sustained periods, thereby reducing the possibility of palynomorph damage/degradation due to oxidation. When the sample matrix has been fully disaggregated, the residue can be further processed as appropriate. In this study, eight samples of Carboniferous, Jurassic, Paleogene, and Quaternary age were prepared quantitatively using the new H2O2 method. These were all prepared using 30% H2O2. For comparison, they were also prepared quantitatively using HCl/HF and/or sodium hexametaphosphate [(NaPO3)6]. Quantitative preparations allow the concentration of palynomorphs extracted to be determined, and therefore the effectiveness of the techniques used can be compared objectively. The palynomorph residues derived from these three techniques varied markedly. The H2O2 method does not consistently disaggregate all the sample material, particularly the older and more indurated lithotypes. Some evidence of oxidation effects was observed. Two samples of Mississippian mudstone from the U.S.A. were prepared using H2O2 and (NaPO3)6. Both methods produced abundant miospores, however the H2O2 procedure yielded far higher palynomorph concentrations than the (NaPO3)6 technique. Minor degradation of palynomorphs in the H2O2 preparation was noted. The H2O2 and HCl/HF methods were compared directly on a palynomorph-rich sample of Upper Carboniferous mudstone from offshore Scotland. Both preparations produced abundant miospores. The HCl/HF method had significantly higher recovery levels than the H2O2 procedure. It appears that the H2O2 method simultaneously macerates the matrix, and oxidizes any amorphous organic material (AOM) present. In this sample, the HCl/HF residue was relatively rich in AOM. By contrast, the H2O2 preparation is virtually clear of this phytoclast type, which partially obscures palynomorphs. Two samples of the Middle Jurassic Grantham Formation of eastern England were processed using H2O2 and HCl/HF. The two methods produced abundant palynofloras of similar palynomorph concentrations. Two dinoflagellate cyst acmes within the Danian (Paleogene) part of the López de Bertodano Formation of Seymour Island, Antarctica were also tested using H2O2, (NaPO3)6, and HCl/HF. TheH2O2 preparation completely destroyed the dominant taxon, Palaeoperidinium pyrophorum, in one sample. By contrast, the (NaPO3)6 and HCl/HF preparations produced abundant, fully representative palynofloras. In the other sample, the acme of Spinidinium spp. is completely unaffected by the H2O2 preparation procedure. The final sample of this study is an unconsolidated clay of Late Pleistocene age from offshore Scotland. Both the H2O2 and HCl/HF preparations proved similar in both taxonomic content and overall palynomorph yield. The new method of preparation using hot H2O2 has proved to be extremely effective. In particular, it appears to be superior to the (NaPO3)6 procedure for indurated lithotypes. However care should be taken because H2O2 can destroy certain dinoflagellate cysts and kerogen macerals which are especially susceptible to oxidation. Further development work, and more comparative testing of the H2O2, (NaPO3)6, and HCl/HF procedures, should be undertaken

A palynological investigation of samples from the Oxford Clay Formation of the Bedford district (Sheet 203)

Samples 1 to 4 yielded variably productive palynofloras, the dinoflagellate cysts of which are characteristic of the late Callovian-early Oxfordian interval. Sample 1 is undifferentiated late Callovian-early Oxfordian, thus is deemed to be from either the Stewartby or the Weymouth members of the Oxford Clay Formation. Samples 2 and 3 are late Callovian on dinoflagellate cyst evidence, so are from the Stewartby Member of the Oxford Clay Formation. Sample 4 produced an early Oxfordian dinoflagellate cyst flora, hence is interpreted as being from the Weymouth Member of the Oxford Clay Formation. Samples 5 to 8 produced diverse dinoflagellate cyst assemblages which are characteristic of the mid Callovian Coronatum Zone. This indicates a correlation with the middle part of the Peterborough Member (Oxford Clay Formation). Because there is no variation in the ages of the palynomorphs observed, the samples are interpreted as being from in situ Peterborough Member due to their purity and also the consistent relative proportions of palynomorph

Review of \u3ci\u3e Grave Injustice: The American Indian Repatriation Movement and NAGPRA\u3c/i\u3e By Kathleen S. Fine-Dare

Fine-Dare tells the story of the American Indian movement to recover human remains and cultural objects taken from them by non-Indians for the purposes of study, display, and profit from the viewpoint of an anthropologist supportive of Indian issues who wants her profession used in a more positive way regarding Native peoples. To her, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is a means for understanding boarder historical currents invol ving the treatment of Indians, whether bad, good, or indifferent. She argues that relating this history is vital for fathoming the complexities of repatriation that began during the 1880s and continues to present times in both the United States and Canada. Fine-Dare also traces the development of federal and state laws related to Indian burial rights and repatriation. In discussing the impetuses behind non-Indian motives for the sacrilege, she examines the connection between the views of John Locke, Calvinists, Thomas Jefferson, Franz Boas, and others about the alleged superiority of Western society, along with their declarations proclaiming Native peoples\u27 inferiority, and the rise of scientific enquiry and museums. Out of these intellectual processes grew a moral climate, supported by a power relationship and public sentiments, that sanctioned the practices of collecting, studying, and exhibiting Native remains and cultural items in museums through heinous means, including the decapitations of fallen warriors, grave looting, and theft

Review of \u3ci\u3e Grave Injustice: The American Indian Repatriation Movement and NAGPRA\u3c/i\u3e By Kathleen S. Fine-Dare

Fine-Dare tells the story of the American Indian movement to recover human remains and cultural objects taken from them by non-Indians for the purposes of study, display, and profit from the viewpoint of an anthropologist supportive of Indian issues who wants her profession used in a more positive way regarding Native peoples. To her, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is a means for understanding boarder historical currents invol ving the treatment of Indians, whether bad, good, or indifferent. She argues that relating this history is vital for fathoming the complexities of repatriation that began during the 1880s and continues to present times in both the United States and Canada. Fine-Dare also traces the development of federal and state laws related to Indian burial rights and repatriation. In discussing the impetuses behind non-Indian motives for the sacrilege, she examines the connection between the views of John Locke, Calvinists, Thomas Jefferson, Franz Boas, and others about the alleged superiority of Western society, along with their declarations proclaiming Native peoples\u27 inferiority, and the rise of scientific enquiry and museums. Out of these intellectual processes grew a moral climate, supported by a power relationship and public sentiments, that sanctioned the practices of collecting, studying, and exhibiting Native remains and cultural items in museums through heinous means, including the decapitations of fallen warriors, grave looting, and theft

A palynological study of the Gustav Group from north-west James Ross Island Antarctica

The material from station DJ.1456/DJ.1504 at Brandy Bay is from the Lewis Hill and Brandy Bay members of the Whisky Bay Formation. The presence of Ascodinium acrophorum indicates a mid Vraconian (latest Albian) to early Cenomanian age for this succession. The occurrence of Ascodinium cf. serratum, and certain semi-quantitative data are strongly suggestive of the early Cenomanian. The palynological associations from station DJ.1502 at Brandy Bay are similar to those observed from station DJ.1456/DJ.1504. The station DJ.1502 succession is entirely within the Lewis Hill Member. Key dinoflagellate cyst taxa are indicative of the Vraconian (latest Albian) to early Cenomanian interval. The consistent occurrences of Ascodinium cf. serratum strongly suggest the early Cenomanian, but this cannot be deemed to be unequivocal evidence of this substage. Semi-quantitative dinoflagellate cyst data also suggest the early Cenomanian. Twelve samples from station DJ.1504 at Brandy Bay were studied. These are from the Lewis Hill and Brandy Bay members of the Whisky Bay Formation. The six Lewis Hill Member samples proved more palynologically-rich than the six samples from the overlying Brandy Bay Member. The assemblages from the Lewis Hill Member are similar to those from this unit at station DJ.1502, however, the occurrence of unequivocal Ascodinium serratum is indicative of the early Cenomanian. This study is the first definite palynological evidence for the Cenomanian Stage in the James Ross Basin. The material from the overlying Brandy Bay Member produced the key marker species Isabelidinium acuminatum and Isabelidinium glabrum, which is indicative of the early Turonian. This conclusion is consistent with previous palynological studies, but not strontium isotope stratigraphy that invoked a late Turonian age for the underlying uppermost Lewis Hill Member. The Hidden Lake Formation of station DJ.1507 at Brandy Bay yielded dinoflagellate cysts such as Conosphaeridium striatoconus and Spinidinium echinoideum subsp. rhombicum, which indicate a Coniacian age. This finding is in accord with previous studies

A palynological investigation of the chalk-rich diamicts of north Norfolk

Except for sample 4, the samples examined are either rich in Kimmeridgian or Late Cretaceous dinoflagellate cysts. This conclusion would support two distinct ice flow directions for this chalk-rich till facies in this area. Samples 1, 2, 3, 6 and 8 are rich in Kimmeridgian dinoflagellate cysts. They also have similar palynomorph signatures in that the Kimmeridgian dinoflagellate cyst floras are generally associated with low levels of Carboniferous and Lower Cretaceous spores and, unsurprisingly, significant levels of Jurassic miospores. Sample 8 yielded the most diverse Kimmeridgian dinoflagellate cysts that are indicative of the input of Lower Kimmeridge Clay Formation. The other Kimeridgian rich samples (1, 2, 3 and 6) are similar in species makeup, so these are also assumed to have been derived from the Lower Kimmeridge Clay. Samples 5 and 7 are dominated by Late Cretaceous dinoflagellate cysts indicative of substantial input from the Chalk Group. The association in sample 5 is indicative of the Campanian to early Maastrichtian, indicating input from the Upper Chalk. The flora from sample 7 is similar to that of sample 5 and is also assumed to have been derived from the local Upper Chalk. Sample 4 is unlike the remainder of the samples and is dominated by Quaternary pollen and non-age diagnostic forms, with lesser proportions of early Toarcian, Late Cretaceous and Palaeogene dinoflagellate cysts

A palynological investigation of the glaciogenic sediments of Clipsham Quarry, Rutland

Jurassic palynomorphs dominate samples 1, 3-6 and 10; these are virtually all of Callovian-Oxfordian age. Some minor evidence of Carboniferous and Toarcian reworking was also observed. Exclusively Callovian and Oxfordian index species are common, and forms that are indicative of the late Callovian-early Oxfordian interval are especially abundant. This indicates the incorporation of significant levels of the Oxford Clay Formation. Smaller levels of recycling from the Cornbrash and Kellaways formations are also present. These lithostratigraphical assessments indicate that this Jurassic input was local, and probably derived from the Spalding-Sleaford area of south Lincolnshire to the north-east. Sample 2 yielded a sparse palynoflora, indicating some input from probable marine Quaternary sediments; no evidence of the reworking of Palaeozoic or Mesozoic strata is present. Sample 7 produced a sparse palynoflora indicating input from Carboniferous, Jurassic/?Cretaceous and probable terrestrial Quaternary strata. Sample 8 comprises isolated chalk pebbles from a chalky till and produced a sparse palynoflora. No stratigraphically diagnostic taxa were encountered. The sparseness of the dinoflagellate cyst associations indicates that the Chalk in this sample is not from the Upper Chalk. Sample 9 produced an abundant palynoflora that is dominated by Jurassic miospores; no marine Jurassic microplankton were observed. Low numbers of ?Rugospora spp., a Lower Carboniferous spore, and indeterminate dinoflagellate cysts were also observed. The presence of forms such as Leptolepidites spp. and Neoraistrickia gristhorpensis indicates that this sample was derived from Middle Jurassic strata deposited in a terrestrial/freshwater regime. The source is most likely to be the Rutland Formation, a Bathonian heterolithic, rhythmic unit. The Rutland Formation outcrop is local to Clipsham Quarry. Sample 9 is significantly different to samples 1, 3-6 and 10, which are characterised by younger Jurassic material