Biozonation and paleobathymetry of the Gurpi Formation in the Dasht-e Arjan section , Zagros area , based on foraminifera

Abstract

In this research the Gurpi Formation in the Zagros Basin outcropping in the Dasht-e Arjan section, Shiraz province ,for the purpose of biozonational and Paleobathymetric studies were investigated. The thickness of these sediments is about 130 m and consists of Limestones and Shales.To determine the palaeobathymetry of the Gurpi Formation, Planktonic and benthic foraminifera were investigated . A depth of about 270m to 510m was determined for these sediments based on the ratio of planktonic foraminifera to the total assemblages of foraminifera after omitting infaunal benthic foraminifera (%P*) by using the equation D = e (3.58718+(0.03534 × %P* )).In this study sixty-two species of planktonic foraminifera belonging to eighteen genera were recognised .According to the studied planktonic foraminifera the Upper Cretaceous deposits in this area were divided into nine biozones as following :biozone1- Dicarinella concavata Interval Zone. Biozone2- Dicarinella asymetrica Total Range Zone. Biozone3- Globotruncanita elevata Partial range zone .Biozone4- Globotruncana ventricosa Interval Zone. Biozone5- Radotruncana calcarata Interval zone. Biozone 6- Globotruncanella havanensis Partial Range Zone. Biozone7- Globotruncana aegyptiaca Interval Zone. Biozone 8- Gansserina gansseri Interval Zone. Biozone 9- Contusotruncana contusa Interval Zone Based on the studied planktonic foraminifera the Early Santonian to Maastrichtian ages were determined for the sediments .