Negev Desert

Palynological assemblages from cores 11 to 14 of Makhtesh Qatan-2, core 3 of Ramon-1 and core 3 of Boqer-1 boreholes from the Arqov Formation of the subsurface of the Negev, suggest that at least part of the Arqov Formation can be characterised by Cedripites priscus, Reduviasporonites chalastus and particularly Pretricolpipollenites bharadwajii, while the Saad Formation contains a slightly less diverse assemblage lacking the three taxa above. Palynological evidence is broadly consistent with other palaeontological evidence suggesting that the Saad Formation is in part likely to be Wuchiapingian in age, and the Arqov Formation is at least in part Changhsingian. Read more in Stephenson Michael H, Dorit Korngreen 2021, Palynology of the Permian of the Makhtesh Qatan-2, Ramon-1 and Boqer-1 boreholes Arqov Formation, Negev, Israel. Rivista Italiana di Paleontologia e Stratigrafia VOL. 127 NO. 3 (2021)