Stratigraphic and systematic palynology of the Tournaisian rocks of Ireland

This paper provides a synthesis of numerous palynological investigations of the Irish Tournaisian succession undertaken between 1973 and 1985. A comprehensive miospore zonation has been established for the succession which currently serves as a standard for Western Europe. The zonal scheme comprises eight partial range/concurrent range biozones. The diagnostic elements of each biozone are described, and the distribution of stratigraphically important miospore taxa in over eighty sections is documented. Comparisons are made between the Irish miospore zonation and schemes established elsewhere in Europe; correlation is also attempted with the biostratigraphic distributions of other fossil groups, especially conodonts. A comprehensive taxonomic account of the miospore taxa encountered is provided, in which 162 taxa are described and illustrated. One new genus, Plicatispora is erected, together with sixteen new species. -Authors