Biostratigraphy correlation, of Cretaceous successions in Kuh-e-Rahmat and Kuh-e-Sabz sections, NE Shiraz, Zagros (SW Iran)

Abstract

Two stratigraphic sections (Kuh-e-Rahmat and Kuh-e-Sabz) of Upper Cretaceous strata in the Interior Fars region (SW of Iran) were selected. Lower Cretaceous succession of Kuh-e-Rahmat was consisted of Dariyan, Kazhdumi Sarvak and Ilam Formations. The lower contact of the Sarvak Formation with Kazhdumi Formation is described as a transitional type whereas the upper contact of Sarvak Formation was not clear. Stratigraphic distribution of microfossils reveals three biozones in this section: 1: Palorbitolina lenticularis (Aptian), 2: Orbitolina concava and Hemicyclamina sigali (late Albian-early Cenomanian), 3: Stomiosphaera conoidea (Late Cenomanian-Early Turonian). Kuh-e-Sabz lithologic aspect consists of two rock units such as: Sarvak Formation and thin-bedded limestone of lower part of Ilam Formation. The lower contact of the Sarvak Formation was not clear whereas the upper contact with Ilam Fm. was exposed as an erosional disconformity including oxidized zone. Vertical distribution of investigated taxa supports three biozones: 1: Taberina bingistani zone (middle Cenomanian), 2: Praelveolina cretacea zone (late Cenomanian), 3: Dicyclina schlumbergeri zone (Santonian-Campanian). The Sarvak Formation of Kuh-e-Rahmat was deposited in an inner shelf paleoenvironment (as open marine facies) because of well distributed of pelagic fauna, while Kuh-e-Sabz section mostly shows reef facies (back reef-fore) along the platform including agglutinated and porcelaneous foraminifera which reflects an inner shallow platform (0-50m).