Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and evidence of marine influence in Permian coal-bearing sequence from Lalmatia Coal mine (Rajmahal Basin), Jharkhand, India: A multi-proxy approach

Lalmatia coal-bearing sequences belong to the Barakar Formation (Permian) of Lower Gondwana. The well-developed coal-bearing sequences (approx. 52 m) exposed along the mine section have been studied to understand the depositional environment. Along with this, a cuticle study was performed to understand the palaeoclimate with the help of the stomatal index. The distribution of n–alkanes (n–C15 to n–C31) suggests major higher plant and algal dominant source input, although variations are seen in the relative input. Steranes identified include C29 regular sterane and 4-Methylsteranes. The Pr/Ph ratio varied from 0.43 to 4.26. Warm temperate to subtropical palaeoclimate with fresh to brackish water bodies, and reducing oxygen-poor environment were inferred from the Rb/Sr, Sr/Cu, Th/U, Sr/Ba, V/(V+Ni). Mean δ13C value measured is −23.0‰ ± 0.60‰ for coal and −22.6‰ for shale. These values are well correlated with typical δ13C values of the Permian coal and shale. The stomatal index of Glossopteris leaves (280 million years) was taken into account, and it showed a value of 10.7 that assumes a higher level of atmospheric CO2 during the Barakar Formation (Artinskian age). The result also shows that Permian taxon Glossopteris can be used for CO2–proxy during Permian age. The geochemical evidence suggests that towards the middle part (middle coal seam) of the studied section, the depositional milieu was under a marine-influenced marginal condition. The geochemical studies and carbon isotopic ratios unequivocally suggest that fluctuating climatic conditions existed during the deposition of the Lalmatia coal-bearing sequence. •A comprehensive study on Indian Permian Gondwana sediments to decipher palaeoenvironments, climate and depositional conditions.•Coal-bearing sequences of early Permian Glossopteris dominant terrestrial vegetation•The climatic conditions were not stable throughout the deposition of the sequence as suggested by the geochemical evidences.•The CO2 level is suggested to be at a higher side during Artinskian compared to Sakamarian based on stomatal index.•Marine influenced depositional setting of the coal-bearing sequence is identified based on geochemical evidences.