A.M. Varade^1*, G.L. Badam², N.G. Thakur³, M.P. Tiwari⁴, A.P. Bejalwar⁵ and S.P. Khadse⁶

¹Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University Nagpur-440001, India

²Retd. Professor, Deccan College, Pune, India

³Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University Amravati- 444602, India

⁴334, Lokmanya Nagar, Hingna Road, Nagpur-440016, India

⁵Shyam Nagar, Amravati- 444606, India

⁶ Shivaji Science College, Congress Nagar, Nagpur-440012, India

*E-mail:varade2010@gmail.com

Abstract

The Purna alluvial basin of Maharashtra State, India contains rich faunal assemblage of Quaternary period. These includes mammalian fossils viz. Equus namadicus and Bos namadicus, reptilian fossils viz. Trionyx gangeticus and invertebrate fossils belonging to molluscan shells especially lamellibranchs. The faunal assemblage has preserved evidences of erosion, abrasion and breakages and has thrown light on taphonomy and palaeoecology of the Purna valley. Taphonomic processes in the valley were predominantly controlled by natural factors and are devoid of human interference. This study has indicated the migration and distribution pattern of animals in the past and their palaeo- environmental assessment. Further research on palaentological aspects, including systematics and chronology may prove significant in establishing and fixing the precise litho and chronostratigraphic events of the basin fill sediments and their correlation with the coeval sediments of Central Indian Quaternary basins.

Keywords: Purna Valley, Quaternary sediments, Palaeoecology, Taphonomy, Maharashtra, Central India