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 palynomorphs