FIRST PALYNOLOGICAL RESULTS FROM THE ZORR ITAS FORMATION, DEVONIAN-CARBONIFEROUS OF SIERRA-DE-ALMEIDA, ANTOFAGASTA REGION, CHILE

A single palynological sample from the Middle member of Formacion Zorr itas was examined. A rich, but poorly preserved palynological associat ion was identified in this sample. It is formed by more than 50 specie s of spores and a few acritarchs. A great accuracy was obtained in the determination of the systemic boundary between Devonian and Carbonife rous (Strunian-Tournaisian), on the basis of a worldwide correlation. According to the European miospores zonation, this assemblage could co rrespond to the Vallatisporites verrucosus-Retusotriletes incohatus (V I) Zone. This palynological association is the first cited for the Pal eozoic of Chile.