CLIMATIC CHANGES AS MIRRORED BY CARBONIFEROUS AND PERMIAN FLORAL DISTRIBUTIONS

Abstract

Three major intervals in Late Palaeozoic time, i.e. Mississippian, Pennsylvanian and Permian, are discussed as successive greenhouse, icehouse and greenhouse climatic intervals with different floral compositions. It is emphasised that the record is incomplete due to a strong preservational bias favouring wet lowland basins with reducing environments. Continental configuration is mentioned in relation to a South Polar ice cap, influencing precipitation patterns; and also various other conditioning factors in regard to floral distribution and composition at different times. The palaeobotanical record in the Iberian Peninsula is mentioned in particular.