The Westphalian of the Netherlands with special reference to microspore assemblages

Abstract

The Westphalian in The Netherlands can be subdivided into six biostratigraphical miospore zones. Each zone is distinguished by an assemblage of several characteristic species, which individually are not restricted to a particular zone with the exception of Radiizonates aligerens. Top and base of each zone are characterized by the first or last (regular) occurrence of a particular diagnostic species. In the Upper Westphalian A and Lower Westphalian C a distinct correlation exists between the microfloral and major lithological changes, which suggests that the Westphalian floras have been at least partly influenced by paleoecological factors.