A palynological study of a chalk-rich diamicton from Abbey Farm, near Hanworth, north Norfolk

The single sample examined produced an abundant, well preserved palynomorph assemblage. The derived palynomorphs recognised are of Carboniferous, Cretaceous Palaeogene and Quaternary age; no Jurassic specimens were recognised. Carboniferous spores probably derived from north-east England comprise 4.3% of the palynomorphs. These include markers for the Viséan-Namurian transition and the Westphalian. A single specimen of a characteristically Lower Cretaceous spore was recorded and may have been derived from the north-west. Diverse Chalk Group dinoflagellate cysts comprise 21.9% of the palynoflora; this reflects the macroscopic nature of this deposit. The key markers are indicative of the Campanian and Maastrichtian stages. The overlapping ranges of selected species indicates derivation from latest Campanian strata, assuming no significant mixing of the Chalk Group input. This proves that the Chalk Group input to this sample is locally derived from the Upper Chalk. Low levels of Palaeogene dinoflagellate cysts are present. The presence of Eatonicysta ursulae indicates the incorporation of Early-Mid Eocene strata, probably from the North Sea Basin. Typically Quaternary spores and pollen were recognised in low proportions; these may have been derived from the Quaternary of the North Sea Basin.