First palynological dating of Miaolingian (Cambrian) strata at the Biskoupky locality (Skryje-Týřovice Basin, Teplá-Barrandian unit)

Abstract

The Biskoupky locality represents a tectonically delimited relict of Miaolingian sediments within Furongian volcanic rocks of the Křivoklát-Rokycany Volcanic Complex, serving as the southernmost outcrop of the Miaolingian Buchava Formation of the Skryje-Týřovice Basin. Over a century of research focused on this outcrop has produced a well-documented assemblage of comparatively rare remains of skeletal fauna, including species so far restricted to this locality; however, a microfossil analysis has until now never been conducted. Herein, we present the results of a palynological analysis of material from samples of fine-grained siltstone to shale from the Biskoupky locality. The samples yielded moderately well preserved organic-walled microfossils, particularly the acritarch genera Cristallinium, Eliasum, Heliosphaeridium, Retisphaeridium, Solisphaeridium, Synsphaeridium, and multiple species of Timofeevia. For the first time in the Skryje-Týřovice Basin, the presence of Adara? sp. is documented. The presence of Timofeevia here and in previously recorded acritarch assemblages from the Skryje-Týřovice Basin suggests a later-than-expected deposition of the Buchava Formation.