PJB-2025-376
FUNGAL SPORE DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION IN THE GAJ FORMATION, SINDH, PAKISTAN: IMPLICATIONS FOR PALEOCLIMATIC STUDIES
Salma Panhwar
Abstract
This study examines the diversity and paleoenvironmental significance of fungal spores recovered from the Gaj Formation exposed at Gorakh Hill, Sindh, Pakistan. The formation is entirely different with respect to its colour, texture and structure consist of Shale, Sandstone and subordinate Limestone. 22 Samples were collected from the Gaj Formation with different lithologies. The microscopic studies revealed that ten morphologically distinct fungal taxa, Drechsleria sp, Piriurella alternariata, Ascospore, Paleospora sp, Brachysporisporites ovoidus, Helminthosporium sp, Meliola sp, Nigrospora sp, Dyadosporites, and Papulosporonite sp.were identifiedThe lower layers of the deposit, which were mainly composed of Drechsleria and Piriurella, indicated a warm and humid environment. On the contrary, the strata at the top with Meliola and Helminthosporium in abundance pointed to a location with less moisture. Such fossil records mark a transition from humid tropical to semi-arid climates during the period of deposition. The findings signal the capability of fungal spores to act as sensitive proxies in the process of reconstructing Miocene paleoclimatic trends in southern Pakistan.
Key words: Fungal spores, palynomorphs, Gaj Formation, paleoclimate, sedimentary rocks.
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