PRELIMINARY LITHOSTRATIGRAPHY OF THE CRETACEOUS AND PALEOGENE DEPOSITS IN THE NORTHERN MISSISSIPPI EMBAYMENT OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI: PALYNOLOGY AND BIOSTRATIGRAPHY

The geologic history of the Upper Cretaceous and Paleogene sedimentary rocks of the northern Mississippi Embayment has remained somewhat unresolved due to the limited availability of surface exposures and lack of detailed geologic research. Consequently, little is known about the ancient climate and vegetation changes, as well as global sea level fluctuations and seismic activity. Cores and outcrops from four counties are presently being studied in the northern Mississippi Embayment for palynology, micropaleontology (foraminifera), clay mineralogy, lithofacies, paleoclimatic changes, and sea level fluctuations. Several outcrops have yet been described in the region, thereby providing an opportunity to produce new data for interpretation. Upon examination of the core sections, preliminary results show that the non-marine strata are represented by mostly angiosperm pollen. The palynomorphs have also provided useful preliminary paleoclimatic information.