Paleobotanical Studies

Paleobotanical studies revealed evidence for the in situ formation of Gondwana Coals a previously unrecognised feature (Francis et al. accepted). This evidence included the presence of Vertebraria roots in shaly units both within and at the base of major coal seams and the occurrence of upright stumps within coal seams.

Further laboratory studies are required to document fully the climate record contained in the fossil wood, but the occurrence of outsized clasts, ice needle impressions and a striated boulder in associated strata suggest that the climate was at least cold enough for the formation of winter ice locally, and perminent ice fields with glaciers higher in the drainage basin. Wide growth rings in the trees indicate that conditions were favourable during the growing season.