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