Palynological investigations of 16 sections from Spitsbergen. Svalbard, covering the uppermost Carboniferous, Permian and lowermost Triassic succession have been carried out. Because of general poor preservation and barrenness of the majority of the samples, it was not possible to establish a formal zonation for the Permian succession. The study resulted, however, in the recognition of three Permian palynological assemblages, restricted downwards by a Carboniferous assemblage and upwards by an earliest Triassic (Griesbachian) assemblage. The dating of these assemblages is based on palynological correlation with similar palynofloras elsewhere in the present Arctic region as well as dating by marine faunas, which in general give better stratigraphic resolution. The Permian assemblages recognised include (1) the Viftatina assemblage of late Gzhelian to early Asselian age recorded in the lower parts of the Tyrrellfjellet Member (Nordenskioldbreen Formation), (2) the Hamiapollenites rractiferinus assemblage of late Asselian to Artinskian age recorded in the upper parts of the Tyrrellfjellet Member and in the Gipshuken Formation and (3) the youngest Permian Kraeuselkporites assemblage of late Artinskian to ?earliest Tatarian age recorded in the Kapp Starostin Formation.

During the past 60-70 years, contaminated sediments from local rivers have been settling in the harbour basin of Oslo. This contamination, combined with that from other harbour activities, has developed into a serious pollution problem with both organic and inorganic contaminants. Since 1992 dredging activities have been restricted until the effect of dredging was determined and a safe disposal was found for the sediments. Because of this restriction, a conflict situation arose in terms of decreasing sailing depths, and dispersal of large quantities of contaminated sediments into the water column each day from ship traffic. A complete plan of action to remediate Oslo Harbour was started in 1994 and delivered to the State Pollution Control Authority (SFT) in August 1996. An evaluation of environmental risks connected to the remediation work has been carried out along with the determination of the requirements for the monitoring programme during and after the work. Preliminary evaluation of dredging techniques indicates that mechanic/hydraulic equipment will cause the least dispersion of sediment. Several options for treatment of the sediments have been evaluated. Study results point out that conditioning prior to disposal of the sediments in a confined disposal site in the harbour area, is the most cost effective solution. Seven disposal sites with a capacity of 0.5 mill. m3 have been identified. Two of the sites are integrated with a subsea road tunnel crossing the harbour basin. The other disposal sites will serve as new dock area after closure.

Palynological investigations of 16 sections from Spitsbergen, Svalbard, covering the uppermost Carboniferous, Permian and lowermost Triassic succession have been carried out. Because of general poor preservation and barrenness of the majority of the samples, it was not possible to establish a formal zonation for the Permian succession. The study resulted, however, in the recognition of three Permian palynological assemblages, restricted downwards by a Carboniferous assemblage and upwards by an earliest Triassic (Griesbachian) assemblage. The dating of these assemblages is based on palynological correlation with similar palynofloras elsewhere in the present Arctic region as well as dating by marine faunas, which in general give better stratigraphic resolution. The Permian assemblages recognised include (1) the Vittatina assemblage of late Gzhelian to early Asselian age recorded in the lower parts of the Tyrrellfjellet Member (Nordenskioldbreen Formation), (2) the Hamiapollenites tractiferinus assemblage of late Asselian to Artinskian age recorded in the upper parts of the Tyrrellfjellet Member and in the Gipshuken Formation and (3) the youngest Permian Kraeuselisporiles assemblage of late Artinskian to earliest Tatarian age recorded in the Kapp Starostin Formation.

Palynological investigations of nine sections covering the upper part of the Nordenskioldbreen Formation, Gipshuken Formation, and the lower part of the Kapp Starostin Formation in the Wahlenbergfjorden area, Nordaustlandet. yielded palynomorphs in three sections. Three assemblages are recognized. A tentative correlation with the Sverdrup Basin suggests a Sakmarian to Artinskian age for the uppermost Nordenskioldbreen and lower Gipshuken Formations. Thermal maturity is low. The palynoflora is dominated by striate pollen suggesting an arid climate throughout the deposition of the Nordenskioldbreen and Gipshuken Formations.