Palynology of the Permian of Northern Continents: A Review

Abstract

Late Paleozoic floras were greatly influenced by diverse geological and paleoclimatic factors. For example, important was the division of Pangea into Laurasia and Gondwana and the subsequent dispersal of continents throughout the Permian, also the climatic effects of major glaciations in Gondwana and their corresponding influence on climates and environments in Laurasia. During the Permian extensive differentiation into regional floras took place (Figs. 1 to 3); floral provinces became well established although their geographical distribution changed with time (Havlena 1970; Chaloner and Meyen 1973; Chaloner and Lacey 1973; Meyen 1973, 1982; Chaloner and Creber 1988). In Laurasia during the late Paleozoic there was progressive differentiation into Angara, Euramerica (North American and Atlantic), Cathaysia, and Gondwana floral provinces.