A palynological investigation of two till samples from Leicestershire

The two samples yielded similar palynological signatures. Low levels of Carboniferous (Namurian and/or Westphalian) spores are present. However, the majority of the allochthonous palynomorphs are of Late Triassic (Rhaetian) age, based on the occurrences of key markers such as Rhaetipollis germanicus and Rhaetogonyaulax rhaetica. Sample 1 yielded extremely low numbers of Quaternary pollen grains. The majority of the palynologically-productive input to these tills are of Rhaetian age. It is possible that several Triassic lithotypes and ages are present. However, older Triassic strata in the UK tend to be organic-poor and the relative proportions of species recovered are typical of the Rhaetian Stage. The most likely sources of the Triassic input are the Westbury and Lilstock formations. It is also possible that some of the abundant Classopollis meyeriana specimens were derived from the Early Jurassic (Hettangian/early Sinemurian).