Biostratigraphy of the Gurpi Formation (Zagros Basin, western Iran) based on planktonic foraminifera

Abstract

Micropalaeontological and biostratigraphic studies of the Gurpi Formation were carried out at the Kuhe-Surgah section (Zagros Basin, Iran). In this research, 62 species of planktonic foraminifera, belonging to 23 genera, were recognized and used to describe the following zones: 1) Contusotruncana plummerae Interval Zone; 2) Radotruncana calcarata Total Range Zone; 3) Globotruncanella havanensis Partial Range Zone; 4) Globotruncana aegyptiaca Interval Zone; 5) Gansserina gansseri Interval Zone; 6) Contusotruncana contusa Interval Zone; 7) Abathomphalus mayaroensis Interval Zone; 8) Pseudoguembelina hariaensis Interval Zone; 9) Pseudotextularia elegans Interval Zone; 10) Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina Total Range Zone; 11) Parasubbotina pseudobulloides Interval Zone; and 12) Praemurica unicinata Interval Zone. Based on the ranges of planktonic foraminifera, the age of the Kuhe-Surgah section was estimated to be middle Campanian–late Danian.