First palynological record from Corcovado, central Patagonia, Argentina: Evidence for an age between the late Eocene and the Miocene

Abstract

We present the first palynological record from the Corcovado locality in Chubut, central Patagonia, Argentina. The analyzed stratigraphic section, tentatively attributed to the Huitrera Formation, yielded a single productive horizon containing spores, pollen grains, and fungal remains, despite generally poor preservation. A total of 38 species were identified, comprising 22 angiosperms, 2 gymnosperms, 9 pteridophytes, and 5 distinct fungal morphotypes. The Nothofagaceae family is notably dominant, accounting for approximately 50% of the identified palynoflora, with no warm-climate adapted taxa recorded. Ordination analyses suggest that the studied assemblage reflects terrestrial environments consistent with other Cenozoic deposits in Patagonia; however, it lacks sufficient resolution for precise age determination, suggesting a late Eocene or younger age. Its stratigraphic position, underlying the Miocene Ñorquinco/Ñirihuau Formation, constrains its minimum age, suggesting a late Eocene to Miocene age interval for the analyzed section. The study contributes to the understanding of the paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic conditions of the region, revealing vegetation patterns typical of terrestrial ecosystems. Furthermore, it addresses a significant gap in paleobotanical research in central Patagonia, an area that has been comparatively underexplored relative to other parts of the region.