MICROFOSSILS FROM DECCAN INTER-TRAPEAN BEDS AT LODHI WELLS, MOHGAON KALAN, DISTRICT, CHHINDWARA, MADHYA PRADESH

Abstract

This study presents the results of micropaleontological investigations of the Deccan intertrappean beds encountered in an unlined well (Lodhi Well), near Mohagaonkalan, District Chhindwara, MP. The study was based on fossils recovered from about 250 gm greyish green marl sandwiched between two basaltic flows in the well. The recovered fauna consists of freshwater ostracods, fishes and turtle carapace. Of the 4 ostracod taxa, 2 are possibly new, but unnamed, species. However, these new ostracod species will be formally named when additional material becomes available. Fish remains include teeth of the gar fish (Lepisosteus) and the scales of Osteoglossidae. The recovered assemblage is clearly indicative of freshwater lacustrine environment for the studied section and is correlatable to the Shiraj well and other intertrappean exposures in the area, but is clearly distinct from those at the well known Jhilmili section.