Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Maastrichtian-early Eocene Planktic Foraminiferal Biostratigraphy of the successions in the southeastern Izeh Zone (Zagros Basin, SW Iran)

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Carbonates and Evaporites Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The sedimentary sequence, extending from the Maastrichtian to the lower Eocene and exposed in two sections in the easternmost part of the Izeh Zone (Kuh-e-Sefid and Mish anticlines) in the Zagros Basin, has been subjected to a comprehensive analysis of its Planktic foraminiferal assemblage. This time interval encompasses the upper part of the Gurpi Formation and the lower to middle part of the Pabdeh Formation, spanning from the base to the top. The lithology of the Maastrichtian-early Eocene successions comprises calcareous shales, argillaceous limestones, glauconitic and phosphatic limestones, marlstones, purple shales, and cherty argillaceous limestones. A total of 35 genera and 118 species of Planktic foraminifera have been conclusively identified. The identified biozones include the Contusotruncana contusa Interval Zone and the Abathomphalus mayaroensis Interval Zone, indicating an early to late Maastrichtian age for the upper part of the Gurpi Formation. The lower to middle part of the Pabdeh Formation exhibits distinctive biozones, such as Praemurica uncinata (P2), Igorina albeari (subzone P3b), Igorina-Globanomalina pseudomenardii Interval Zone, Globanomalina pseudomenardii (P4), Morozovella velascoensis (P5), Acarinina sibaiyaensis (E1), Globanomalina pseudomenardii-Pseudohastigerina wilcoxensis Interval Zone, Pseudohastigerina wilcoxensis/Morozovella velascoensis (E2), Morozovella marginodentata (E3), Morozovella velascoensis-Morozovella formosa formosa and/or Morozovella lensiformis Interval Zone (subzone P6a), Morozovella formosa (E4), Morozovella aragonensis/Morozovella subbotinae (E5), Acarinina pentacamerata (E6), Acarinina cuneicamerata (subzone E7a), and Turborotalia frontosa (subzone E7b). The boundary between the Pabdeh and Gurpi Formations in the examined sections is demarcated by an unconformity, characterized by a sedimentary hiatus from the early Danian to the early Selandian within biozones P0 to P3a.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

We’re sorry, something doesn't seem to be working properly.

Please try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, please contact support so we can address the problem.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

References

  • Al Nuaimy Q, Sharbazheri AM, Karim KM, Ghafor KH IM (2020) Cretaceous/Paleogene Boundary Analysis by Planktic Foraminiferal Biozonation in the Western Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt (Smaquli valley), Sulaimani Governorate, NE-Iraq. Kirkuk Univ J /Scientific Stud (KUJSS) 15(3):45–81

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Banna NY, Malak ZA, Al-Mutwali MM (2015) Sequence stratigraphy of paleocene–eocene successions in selected oil wells, Kirkuk area, northern Iraq. Arab J Geosci 8:4791–4804

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alavi M (2007) Structures of the Zagros fold-thrust belt in Iran. Am J SCI 307:1064–1095

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amiri F, Zarei E (2020) Biostratigraphy of the Gurpi formation based on planktonic foraminifera in Bishe-Deraz section, South of Ilam. Sci Q J Geosci 29:115: 17–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Bamerni A (2020) High resolution biostratigraphic analysis of the Danian Stage, Per Fat Section, Duhok Area, Kurdistan Region, North of Iraq. Iraqi Geol J 53(2B):113–126Al-Qayim B, and Hammoudi RA

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bamerni A, Al-Qayim B, Hammoudi RA (2021) Foraminiferal Biostratigraphy of the uppermost cretaceous period, Duhok Area, Kurdistan Region, North of Iraq. Iraqi Geol J 54(2 C):48–58

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beiranvand B, Ghasemi-Nejad E (2013) High resolution Planktic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Gurpi

  • Beiranvand B, Zaghbib-Turki D, Ghasemi-Nejad E (2014a) Integrated biostratigraphy based on planktic foraminifera and dinoflagellates across the Cretaceous/ paleogene (K/Pg) transition at the Izeh section (SW Iran). CR Palevol 13:235–258

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beiranvand B, Ghasemi-Nejad E, Kamali MR, Ahmadi A (2014b) Sequence stratigraphy of the late cretaceous-paleocene Gurpi formation in southwest Iran. GeoArabia 19:89–102

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berggren WA, Pearson P (2005) A revised tropical to subtropical Paleogene Planktic foraminiferal zonation. J Foraminifer Res 35:279–298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berggren WA, Kent DV, Swisher CC III, Aubry MP (1995) A revised Cenozoic geochronology and chronostratigraphy. In: Berggren WA, Ken DV Swisher III CC, Aubry M P, Hardenbo l J (eds) Geochronology, time scales and global stratigraphic correlation: SEPM, society for sedimentary geology. Special Publication 54:129–212

  • Bolli HM (1966) Zonation of cretaceous to Pliocene Marine sediments based on planktic foraminifera. Bol Asoc Venez De Geologia Mineria Y Pet 9:3–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Bolli HM (1957a) The genera Globigerina and Globorotalia in the paleocene–lower Eocene Lizard Springs formation of Trinidad, B.W.I. In: Loeblich Jr AR et al (eds) Studies in Foraminifera, vol 215. Bulletin of the United States National Museum, pp 61–82

  • Caron M (1985) Cretaceous planktic foraminifera. In: Bolli HM, Saunders JB, Perch-Nielsen K (eds) Plankton Stratigraphy. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 11–86

    Google Scholar 

  • Coccioni R, Premoli Silva I (2015) Revised Upper Albian-Maastrichtian Planktic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy of the classical Tethyan Gubbio section (Italy). Newsl Stratigr 48(1):47–90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Daneshian J, Shariati S, Salsani A (2015) Biostratigraphy and Planktic Foraminiferal abundances in phosphate-bearing Pabdeh formation of the Lar mountains (Southwest Iran). Neues Jahrbuch fur Geologie Und Palaontologie. 278(2):175–182

  • Darvishzadeh B, Ghasemi-Nejad E, Ghourchaei S, Keller G (2007) Planktic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and faunal turnover across the cretaceous-tertiary boundary in southwestern Iran. J Sci Islamic Repub Iran 18:139–149

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Balkiemy AF (2022) Foraminiferal Biostratigraphy, Paleoecology and sequence stratigraphy of the Upper Campanian –Lower Eocene (Ypresian) succession at Gabal Qabeliat Section. Southwestern Sinai area, Egypt

    Google Scholar 

  • Ezampanah Y, Monsef I, Ahmadi V (2020) Microfacies, sedimentary environments and planktonic foraminifera biostratigraphy of the Gurpi Formation in Fars area (Zagros Basin). Journal of Applied Sedimentology, vol 8. Bu-Ali Sina University of Iran, pp 105–121. 16

  • Farzipour Saein A, Koyi H (2016) Intermediate decollement activation in response to the basal friction variation and its effect on folding style in the Zagros fold-thrust belt, an analogue modeling approach. Tectonophysics 687:56–65

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farzipour-Saein A, Yassaghi A, Sherkati S, Koyi H (2009) Mechanical stratigraphy and folding style of the Lurestan region in the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt, Iran. J Geol Soc 166(6):1101–1115

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hadavandkhani N (2015) Lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy of the Pabdeh Formation in the Izeh zone (Chahardeh, Tange Hatti, and north flank of Tange Pabdeh sections). Ph.D. thesis, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran, pp 488

  • James GA, Wynd JC (1965) Stratigraphy nomenclature of Iranian oil consortium agreement area. Am Assoc Petr Geol B 49:2182–2245

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaya Özer C, Cakir K (2015) Planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Campanian-Ypresian in the İzmit Province, Kocaeli Peninsula, Turkey. Arab J Geosci 8:11203–11237

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keller G (1996) The cretaceous-tertiary mass extinction in planktonic foraminifera: biotic constraints for catastrophe theories. In: MacLeod N, and Keller, G. (eds.), Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinction: Biotic and environmental changes. W. W. Norton & Company, p 49–83.

  • Li L, Keller G (1998) Maastrichtian climate, productivity and faunal turnovers in planktic foraminifera in South Atlantic DSDP sites 525A and 21. Mar. Micropaleontol 33:55–86

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Molina E, Alegret L, Arenillas I, Arz JA, Gallala N, Hardenbol J, von Salis K, Steurbaut E, Vandenberghe N, Zaghbib-Turki D (2006) The global boundary stratotype section and point for the base of the danian stage (Paleocene, Paleogene, Tertiary, Cenozoic) at El Kef, Tunisia – original definition and revision. Episodes 29(4):263–273

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Molina E, Alegret L, Arenillas I, Arz JA, Gallala N, Grajales-Nishimura JM, Murillo-Muňetόn G, Zaghbib-Turki D (2009) The global boundary stratotype section and point for the base of the Danian stage (Paleocene, Paleogene, “Tertiary”, Cenozoic): auxiliary sections and correlation. Episodes 32(2):84–95

  • Motiei H (1995) Petroleum geology of zagros. Tehran, Iran, Geological Survey Publications, 589 p. (In Farsi)

  • Olsson RK, Hemleben C, Berggren WA, Huber BT (1999) Atlas of Paleocene Planktic foraminifera. Smithson Contrib Paleobiol 85:225

    Google Scholar 

  • Petrizzo MR (2003) Late cretaceous planktonic foraminiferal bioevents in the Tethys and in the Southern Ocean record: an overview. J Foraminifer Res 23:330–337

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Postuma JA (1971) Manual of planktic foraminifera. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, p 397

    Google Scholar 

  • Premoli Silva I, Bolli HM (1973) Late cretaceous to Eocene planktonic foraminifera and stratigraphy of Leg 15 sites in the Caribbean Sea. Initial Rep Deep Sea Drill Project 15:499–547

    Google Scholar 

  • Premoli Silva I, Verga D (2004) Practical manual of cretaceous planktic foraminifera. Course 3. In: Verga D, Rettroi R (eds) International School of Planktic Foraminifera. Universities of Perugia and Milano. Tripografiadi di Pontefecino, Perugia, p 283

    Google Scholar 

  • Premoli Silva I, Rettori R, Verga D (2003) Practical Manual of Paleocene and Eocene Planktic Foraminifera. Perugia, Italy, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Perugia, pp152

  • Rahimi S, Ashouri AR, Sadeghi A, Ghaderi A (2020) Biostratigraphy of Campanian—Maastrichtian sequences and facies analysis in Anaran and Samand Anticlines, Zagros, Iran. Arab J Geosci 13:643

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Robaszynski F, Caron M, Gonzales Donoso JM, Wonders AAH (1984) Atlas of late cretaceous globotruncanids. Revue De Micropaléontologie 26:145–305

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabokro M, Vahidinia M, Adabi MH, Hadavandkhani N (2021) Biostratigraphy of the Pabdeh formation in the Parsi Oil Field (Dezful Embayment, South-West Iran). J Stratigraphy Sedimentology Researches Univ Isfahan 37(83):21–50

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabokro M, Vahidinia M, Adabi MH, Hadavandkhani N (2022) Lithostratigraphy, Microfacies, and Biostratigraphy of the Pabdeh Formation based on planktonic foraminifera in the Gachsaran Oil Field (Dezful Embayment, South-West Iran). Journal of Applied Sedimentology University of Bu-Ali Sina, Volume 10, Issue 20, pp 1–25

  • Sarkarinejad K, Goftari F (2019) Thick-skinned and thin-skinned tectonics of the Zagros orogen, Iran: constraints from structural, microstructural and kinematics analyses. J Asian Earth Sci 170:249–273

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shamszadeh A, Sarkarinejad K, Ferrer O, Mukherjee S, Seraj M (2022) Effect of inherited structural highs on the structure and kinematics of the South Dezful Embayment, SW Iran. Geological Magazine: 1–23

  • Sharbazheri K, Ghafor I, Muhammed QA (2009) Biostratigraphy of the cretaceous/tertiary boundary in the Sirwan Valley (Sulaimani Region, Kurdistan, NE Iraq). Geol Carpath 60(5):381–396

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sharbazheri K, Ghafor I, Muhammed QA (2011) Biostratigraphy of the Cretaceous/Paleocene boundary in Dokan area, Sulaimanyiah, Kurdistan region, Kurdistan, NE-Iraq. Iraqi Bull Geol Min 7(3):1–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Sherkati S, Letouzey J (2004) Variation of structural style and basin evolution in the central Zagros (Izeh Zone and Dezful Embayment), Iran: Mar. Petrol. Geol 21:535–554

    Google Scholar 

  • Vergés J, Goodarzi MGH, Emami H, Karpuz R, Efstathiou J, Gillespie P (2011) Multiple detachment folding in Pusht-e Kuh Arc, Zagros. Role of mechanical stratigraphy. In Thrust Fault Related Folding (eds K. McClay, J. Shaw, J. Suppe), pp 1–26

  • Wade BS, Pearson PN, Berggren WA, Pälike H (2011) Review and revision of cenozoic tropical planktic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and calibration to the geomagnetic polarity and astronomical time scale. Earth Sci Reviews v 104:111–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wynd JG (1965) Biofacies of the Iranian oil consortium agreement area, Report No.1082

Download references

Acknowledgements

The project received funding from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (grant number 3/44395 to A.AA.). The authors extend their heartfelt gratitude to the National Iranian South Oil Company (NISOC) for supplying samples and thin sections, and to Ferdowsi University of Mashhad for providing logistical support throughout the study. Additionally, we appreciate Dr. Mohammad Reza Taheri from NISOC, Prof. Abbas Sadeghi from Shahid Beheshti University, and Assistant Prof. Fariba Foroughi from Tehran University for their invaluable insights and comments on the manuscript. The authors acknowledge Prof. Karst LaMoreaux, the editor-in-chief “Carbonates and Evaporites” and honorable referees for their insightful reviews, constructive comments, and useful suggestions.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

    Masoumeh Sabokro & Mohammad Vahidinia

  2. Department of Petroleum and Sedimentary Basins, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

    Mohammad Hossein Adabi & Nasrin Hadavandkhani

Authors
  1. Masoumeh Sabokro
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mohammad Vahidinia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mohammad Hossein Adabi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Nasrin Hadavandkhani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

M.S. and M.V. wrote and reviewed the main manuscript text and prepared Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. M.A., and N.H. reviewed the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mohammad Vahidinia.

Ethics declarations

Competing interests

We interested to know some informations about biostratigraphy of Cretaceous to Eocene Planktic Foraminifera.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Sabokro, M., Vahidinia, M., Adabi, M. et al. Maastrichtian-early Eocene Planktic Foraminiferal Biostratigraphy of the successions in the southeastern Izeh Zone (Zagros Basin, SW Iran). Carbonates Evaporites 39, 37 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-024-00950-9

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-024-00950-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation