Massih Afghah | Islamic Azad University, Shiraz (original) (raw)
Massih Afghah was born in Hannover (Germany), 1965 Nationality: IranianCurrently Live: Shiraz (Iran) Full Professor of Geology Expert on Micropaleontology, Biostratigraphy, Facies Analysis, Carbonate Sedimentology, Sequence Stratigraphy, Paleoenvironment Interpretation. Occupation: Academic member of Geology Department, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz Branch, Since 1994Education Bsc: Geology, Shiraz University, Iran, 1989Msc: Stratigraphy and Paleontology, Shahid Behshti University of Tehran, Iran, 1993 PhD: Stratigraphy and Paleontology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Campus, Tehran, Iran, 2002PhD: Micropaleontology and Carbonate Facies Analysis, Westfaelische Wilhelms University, Muenster, Germany, 2010AwardsSelected Researcher (College of Science), Islamic Azad University, Shiraz branch (2007)Selected Researcher (College of Science), Islamic Azad University, Shiraz branch (2009)Selected Researcher (College of Science), Islamic Azad University, Shiraz branch (2012)Selected Researcher (College of Science), Islamic Azad University, Shiraz branch (2014)Selected Researcher of Islamic Azad University (2015)Selected Researcher (College of Science), Islamic Azad University, Shiraz branch (2019) Academic Administrative Background:Academic member of Geology Department, Behbahan Islamic Azad University, 1993-1994.Director of Geology Department of Shiraz Islamic Azad University, 1995-2006.Principal of Communications with Industry, 1996-2003.Vice-president in Academic Affairs of Shiraz Islamic Azad University, 2003-2006.Director of Geology Department of Azad Islamic University, Science and Research of Fars Branch (2013-2014). Vise Chancellor in Academic Affairs at Azad Islamic University, Science and Research of Fars Branch (Feb 2011- July 2013). Massih is currently full professor of Geology at Islamic Azad University of Shiraz. Editorial Board: Iranian Journal of Earth Science (2016- recent)http://ijes.mshdiau.ac.ir/journal/editorial.board
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Papers by Massih Afghah
Iranian Journal of Earth Sciences, 2024
Calcareous nannofossils are one group of microfossils that use in biostratigraphy studies since t... more Calcareous nannofossils are one group of microfossils that use in biostratigraphy studies since the 1950 ′ s and 1960 ′ s. Recently, because of the potential of nannofossil species for age determination, several authors use this fossil-group in the study of Cenozoic sediments and rocks. Here, we present a nannofossil biozonation based on biostratigraphic information from the Sabzevaran section (Central Iran). The Sabzevaran section mainly consists of marl, limestone, and shaly limestone. Based on index nannofossil species, three nanno-bizones (NP23-NP25) were recognized in this section. According to the identified biozones, the age of the studied deposits in the Sabzevaran section is middle to late Oligocene (Rupelian to Chattian stages). In this section, calcareous nannofossils abundance and diversity are medium to low with a sharp decrease slightly near the conglomerate and sandstone layers and are absence in conglomerate and sandstone beds. Paleoecological data indicate the shallow marine, low latitude and low productivity for the marine deposits of Sabzevaran section.
Geological Journal, 2021
The alveolinids were once highly widespread in the Cenomanian of the Tethys Basin. Even though ev... more The alveolinids were once highly widespread in the Cenomanian of the Tethys Basin. Even though evolutionary studies have, thus far, been conducted using material from many countries e.g. Spain, Oman, and the UAE, the Zagros region in SW Iran has not been studied yet. Two sections of the Sarvak Formation in the Pyun and Kuh‐e‐Zana areas were investigated. Five type levels can be identified in the Pyun section. The evolutionary trend begins with praealveolinids followed by ovalveolinids in the Early Cenomanian. Cisalveolinids firstly appear in the Late Cenomanian strata and thenMultispirinais derived. ThenSimplalveolina simplexappears, which is derived fromMultispirina iranensis. At the Kuh‐e Zana section, the evolutionary trend was observed in three levels. There is no ideal evolutionary trend becauseMultispirinaandSimplalveolinaare absent in this section. The identified trends are similar to those of the Iberian Ranges in Spain.
Iranian Journal of Earth Sciences, 2021
In the easternmost part of the Izeh Zone of the Zagros Mountains, the Kazhdumi Formation of upper... more In the easternmost part of the Izeh Zone of the Zagros Mountains, the Kazhdumi Formation of upper Aptian-middle Albian interval is superbly exposed in three-main exposures as argillaceous carbonate facies. The main bioclastic components of the Kazhdumi Formation are Orbitolinid and other larger benthic foraminifers, planktonic foraminifera and calcareous algae. The depositional system in the study area during the upper Aptian-middle Albian corresponds to a shaly carbonate ramp. Two depositional sequences are determined, as prograding system from west to east. Comparison of the proposed depositional sequences with those reported in the Arabian Plate and adjacent areas suggests a correlation with the global sea-level curve. The Lower Cretaceous, Aptian carbonates of Kazhdumi Formation contain nine microfacies, which were deposited on a ramp system deepened in both directions (west and east). Stratigraphic sequence led to recognize two third-order sequences. On the other hand, rudstone...
Carbonates and Evaporites, 2021
To investigate biostratigraphy on the Sarvak Formation in coastal and sub-costal Fars (south of I... more To investigate biostratigraphy on the Sarvak Formation in coastal and sub-costal Fars (south of Iran), two subsurface stratigraphic section were selected. The selected sections are Aghar and Homa wells which are located in sub-coastal Fars and coastal Fars, respectively. Aghar well is located in the northwest of Ghir in Iran and the Sarvak Formation is observed from the depth of 787–1046 m and its thickness is 259 m, and Homa well is located in the Homa gas field which can be observed from the depth of 679–769 m and its thickness is 90 m. In terms of lithostratigraphy, the Sarvak Formation in these wells is composed of limestone in the lower part and limestone and shale in the upper part; furthermore, its lower lithostratigraphic limits in these wells with the Kazhdumi Formation are conformable, and the upper limit in the Homa well is covered unconformably by the Ilam Formation and the Aghar well is covered unconformably by the Laffan Formation. Biostratigraphy study in the Aghar and Homa wells revealed the occurrence of 18 genera and 20 species of both planktonic and benthic foraminifera. Besides, the following biozones in the Aghar well were identified in our biostratigraphical studies: Trocholina–Orbitolina assemblage zone (Late Albian-Early Cenomanian), Upper Kazhdumi–Lower Sarvak formations, Nezzazata–Alveolinids assemblage zone (Middle-to-Late Cenomanian), Upper Sarvak (Lower Ahmadi member (, Oligostegina biozone (Late Cenomanian), and Upper Sarvak (Upper Ahmadi member). Also in the Homa well, two biozones were identified which are Trocholina Orbitolina sp. assemblage zone (Late Albian-Early Cenomanian) and Nezzazata–Praealveolina cretacea assemblage zone (Middle-to-Late Cenomanian).
Rivista Italiana Di Paleontologia E Stratigrafia, 2013
The aim of this study is to investigate the biostratigraphy and regional stratigraphy of the Maas... more The aim of this study is to investigate the biostratigraphy and regional stratigraphy of the Maastrichtian deposits (Tarbur Formation) in the high outreaches of the Zagros Mountains in Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiyari Province, southwest Iran. The thickness of the investigated sequences is about 600 m in Tang-e-Vanak, 156 m inTang-e-Zendan,and 111 m in Kuh-e-Dozdaran sections. Shale and marls of the Gurpi Fm. (Campanian) mark the lower lithostratigraphic limit of the Tarbur Fm. in Kuh-e-Dozdaran section, whereas its upper limit is disconformably distinguished by the dolomitic Jahrom Fm. (Eocene). The Tarbur Fm. in Tang-e-Vanak andTang-e-Zendansections overlies the clastic Amiran Fm. (Maastrichtian) and is truncated with a sharp disconformity by the white dolomites of Shahbazan Fm. (Eocene). Biostratigraphically, the Tarbur Fm. is characterized by a Loftusia-Omphalocyclus assemblage zone, indicating a Maastrichtian age. Within this biozone, three regional subbiozones are proposed. They ...
Carbonates and Evaporites, 2021
The Sarvak Formation is a thick carbonate sequence of Cenomanian age that has been deposited in a... more The Sarvak Formation is a thick carbonate sequence of Cenomanian age that has been deposited in a foreland basin across the Zagros Basin. Sarvak Formation is the main petroleum reservoir rock in the Zagros Basin. To study the foraminiferal paleoecology in the Sarvak Formation, the section was selected in the east of Shiraz (Khane Kat section) and 66 samples with a total thickness of 140 m were prepared. Then, these thin sections were studied precisely based on the lithostratigraphy, microfacies, geochemical stratigraphy (chemical XRF analysis), and paleoecology. Besides, the biozones were identified and geochemical changes of elements in each biozone were investigated. Totally, three biozones were identified in which the hyaline tests were abundant in biozone-1 and porcelaneous tests were accumulated in biozones-2 and -3. Based on the study of the foraminifera dispersion pattern, the age of the Sarvak Formation in Khane Kat section was determined as Cenomanian. The results indicated that the various environmental factors affected the test type, test size and the quantitative expansion of the test in the sedimentary basin. Geochemical, microfacies and paleoecology data indicated that the most appropriate and inappropriate condition of life was belonged to wackestone and mudstone facies, respectively. Increase in the ratio of benthic to pelagic (B/P ratios) throughout the section and the enhancement of microfossils with agglutinated tests represented the shallowness of the sedimentary basin and retrogradation of the sedimentary basin from the open marine to the Subtidal and intertidal.
Carbonates and Evaporites
The Fahliyan Formation, which is part of the Khami Group is one of the important oil resources in... more The Fahliyan Formation, which is part of the Khami Group is one of the important oil resources in the lower cretaceous strata in the Zagros area. Index Foraminifera, continuity, and discontinuities have been used to identify the boundaries of this formation. To study biostratigraphy on Fahliyan Formation, the subsurface stratigraphic section of Aghar19 was selected in the southwest province of Iran. The thickness of this formation in this section is measured 215 m, including thin-to-medium-bedded limestone and dolomitic limestone. Fahliyan Formation continuously overlies Surmeh and Hith Formation and underlies Gadvan Formation. Vertical study of this formation has led to the identification of calcareous algae and foraminifera, which include 48 genera, 32 species, and three biozones in the sediments of the Fahliyan Formation. These biozones include: (1) Dukhania zone; (2) Pseudocyclammina lituus, Trocholina zone; and (3) Orbitolina, Choffatella, Salpingoporella Assemblage zone. Based on the established biozones, the age of the Fahliyan Formation in the Aghar19 section was determined from Berriasian to Early Barremian.
In this paper, to study biostratigraphy of Paleogene deposits based on foraminifera fauna in NW o... more In this paper, to study biostratigraphy of Paleogene deposits based on foraminifera fauna in NW of Jiroft located in the Central Iran zone, two stratigraphic sections, namely Sabzevaran (354 m) and Sad (132 m) sections were selected. Planktonic foraminifera and large benthic foraminifera were identified in both sections. Faunal assemblages and vertical distribution of identified species support presence of 5 planktonic foraminiferal and 2 large benthic foraminiferal biozones in the Sabzevaran section showing Middle Eocene to Chattian age. In addition, presence of planktonic foraminiferal assemblage along with 2 large benthic foraminiferal biozones confirms the Late Eocene to Chattian age for the Sad section.
Acta Geologica Sinica - English Edition, 2012
Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Oct 1, 2020
Two stratigraphic sections (Kuh-e-Rahmat and Kuh-e-Sabz) of Upper Cretaceous strata in the Interi... more Two stratigraphic sections (Kuh-e-Rahmat and Kuh-e-Sabz) of Upper Cretaceous strata in the Interior Fars region (SW 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).
فصلنامه علمی-پژوهشی علوم زمین, May 22, 2007
In this research, two stratigraphic sections were chosen from the late Paleocene to early Miocene... more In this research, two stratigraphic sections were chosen from the late Paleocene to early Miocene (Jahrum and Asmari Formations). These sections includes Sadra and Dodaj plus 645 meters of late Paleocene to early Miocene scdiments. For this investigation 360 thin sections were prepared and 12 samples analysed by XRF. We studied Biotope that includes biozone. These index biozones and percentage of elements that appears in biotope are identified. Principally index foraminifers, identified in the studied sections, are listed bellow: Miscellanea sp. Kathina sp., Fallotella alavensis Mangin, Opertorbitionlites sp. Alveolina sp. Lituonella ruberti Stache, Rhapydionina urensis Sirel, Orbitolites complanatus Lamark, somalina Stefaninii Silvestri, Dictyoconus sp. Coskinolina liburnica Atache., Nummulites fabianii Prever, Silvestriella tetraedra Gumbel., Nummulites fichteli Michelotti, Austrotrillina howchini Schlumberger, Meandropsina anahensis Henson. Regarding the frequency, type of wall and biotope percentage ratio of each foraminiferal biozone, there are different biotopes that indicate change in the trend of paleoecologic conditions of the late Paleocene to Oligocene sediments.
Detailed sedimentological logging was carried out within the exposed rock sections of the late Ca... more Detailed sedimentological logging was carried out within the exposed rock sections of the late Campanian to early Maastrichtian successions of the coal-bearing Mamu Formation, southeastern province of Nigeria. Lithofacies analytical approach was employed in describing the outcropping rock units. The focus was to understand the distribution of these facies and their depositional environments. Eleven lithofacies recognized were found occurring within fining/thinning upward successions typical of retrogradational stacking patterns formed during transgressive episodes and coarsening/thickening succession typical of progradational stacking patterns formed during regressive episodes. These lithofacies were further classified into five facies associations, namely: lagoonal or swamp deposits (FA1); barrier island deposits (FA2); shoreface deposits (FA3); offshore-transition zone deposits (FA4) and; open shelf deposits (FA5). FA1 is dominantly coal and carbonaceous shale deposited in a swamp or lagoonal setting. FA2 is dominantly parallel laminated and cross-bedded fine to medium grained sandstones formed by wave and longshore currents within barrier island complexes. FA3 is dominantly bioturbated sandstone, planar and rippled laminated sandstones, and planar and trough cross-bedded sandstones facies deposited in a shoreface environment, by migrating dunes formed under unidirectional flows above fair-weather wave base. FA4 is mainly wave ripple laminated, hummocky and swaley cross-bedded sandstones deposited by waning oscillatory and combined flows within a storm wave-dominated shelf region, below fair-weather wave base. FA5 is fissile shales and mudstones deposited in an open shelf setting below fair-weather and storm wave base. Studies indicate that outcropping units represent lithofacies, which record depositional elements of high frequency transgressive and regressive events in a coastal swamp through shelfal depositional environment. In addition, the coal seams and carbonaceous shale facies (source/seal rocks), and the sandstones, siltstone and heterolithic facies (reservoir rocks) indicate the possible presence of key elements of petroleum system in the Mamu Formation of the Anambra Basin.
Open Journal of Geology, 2016
The growth strata was investigated in the Early Cretaceous deposits including Fahliyan, Gadvan an... more The growth strata was investigated in the Early Cretaceous deposits including Fahliyan, Gadvan and Dariyan formations in the Well 3 that is located between Qatar-Fars height and Hormuz Strait in Persian Gulf. This study is based on the lithostratigraphic analysis and microfossils distribution. Lithostratigraphically, the Well 3 is divided into three rock units including Fahliyan, Gadvan and Dariyan. Based on the microfossils content, the age of studied successions is Berriasian to Aptian. The comparison of seismic studies, lithostratigraphic analysis and microfossils distribution show that growth and generation of anticlines construct in the Early Cretaceous. As a result, the Fahliyan, Gadvan and Dariyan rock units have potential reservoir and oil trap.
Journal of Earth Science & Climatic Change, 2013
The Gurpi Formation is well exposed in the Bavan area (southwestern Iran). It consists of 160 m o... more The Gurpi Formation is well exposed in the Bavan area (southwestern Iran). It consists of 160 m of marl with intercalations of limy marl. Here, on the basis of foraminiferal studies, 78 species and 20 genera of planktonic foraminifera were identified. Based on the stratigraphic distribution of the well known foraminifers, three foraminiferal biozones were established. Generally the first appearance of Globotruncana falsostuarti has determined as lower biostratgraphic limit of the Gurpi Formation and the upper biostratigraphic limit of the Gurpi is marked by last occurrence of Abathomphalus mayaroensis which is synchronous of Late Maastrichtian in Bavan area. Foraminiferal investigations show that the biostratigraphic limits of the Gurpi Formation in Bavan stratigraphic section are assigned to the Middle Campanian through the Late Maastrichtian.
Iranian Journal of Earth Sciences, 2024
Calcareous nannofossils are one group of microfossils that use in biostratigraphy studies since t... more Calcareous nannofossils are one group of microfossils that use in biostratigraphy studies since the 1950 ′ s and 1960 ′ s. Recently, because of the potential of nannofossil species for age determination, several authors use this fossil-group in the study of Cenozoic sediments and rocks. Here, we present a nannofossil biozonation based on biostratigraphic information from the Sabzevaran section (Central Iran). The Sabzevaran section mainly consists of marl, limestone, and shaly limestone. Based on index nannofossil species, three nanno-bizones (NP23-NP25) were recognized in this section. According to the identified biozones, the age of the studied deposits in the Sabzevaran section is middle to late Oligocene (Rupelian to Chattian stages). In this section, calcareous nannofossils abundance and diversity are medium to low with a sharp decrease slightly near the conglomerate and sandstone layers and are absence in conglomerate and sandstone beds. Paleoecological data indicate the shallow marine, low latitude and low productivity for the marine deposits of Sabzevaran section.
Geological Journal, 2021
The alveolinids were once highly widespread in the Cenomanian of the Tethys Basin. Even though ev... more The alveolinids were once highly widespread in the Cenomanian of the Tethys Basin. Even though evolutionary studies have, thus far, been conducted using material from many countries e.g. Spain, Oman, and the UAE, the Zagros region in SW Iran has not been studied yet. Two sections of the Sarvak Formation in the Pyun and Kuh‐e‐Zana areas were investigated. Five type levels can be identified in the Pyun section. The evolutionary trend begins with praealveolinids followed by ovalveolinids in the Early Cenomanian. Cisalveolinids firstly appear in the Late Cenomanian strata and thenMultispirinais derived. ThenSimplalveolina simplexappears, which is derived fromMultispirina iranensis. At the Kuh‐e Zana section, the evolutionary trend was observed in three levels. There is no ideal evolutionary trend becauseMultispirinaandSimplalveolinaare absent in this section. The identified trends are similar to those of the Iberian Ranges in Spain.
Iranian Journal of Earth Sciences, 2021
In the easternmost part of the Izeh Zone of the Zagros Mountains, the Kazhdumi Formation of upper... more In the easternmost part of the Izeh Zone of the Zagros Mountains, the Kazhdumi Formation of upper Aptian-middle Albian interval is superbly exposed in three-main exposures as argillaceous carbonate facies. The main bioclastic components of the Kazhdumi Formation are Orbitolinid and other larger benthic foraminifers, planktonic foraminifera and calcareous algae. The depositional system in the study area during the upper Aptian-middle Albian corresponds to a shaly carbonate ramp. Two depositional sequences are determined, as prograding system from west to east. Comparison of the proposed depositional sequences with those reported in the Arabian Plate and adjacent areas suggests a correlation with the global sea-level curve. The Lower Cretaceous, Aptian carbonates of Kazhdumi Formation contain nine microfacies, which were deposited on a ramp system deepened in both directions (west and east). Stratigraphic sequence led to recognize two third-order sequences. On the other hand, rudstone...
Carbonates and Evaporites, 2021
To investigate biostratigraphy on the Sarvak Formation in coastal and sub-costal Fars (south of I... more To investigate biostratigraphy on the Sarvak Formation in coastal and sub-costal Fars (south of Iran), two subsurface stratigraphic section were selected. The selected sections are Aghar and Homa wells which are located in sub-coastal Fars and coastal Fars, respectively. Aghar well is located in the northwest of Ghir in Iran and the Sarvak Formation is observed from the depth of 787–1046 m and its thickness is 259 m, and Homa well is located in the Homa gas field which can be observed from the depth of 679–769 m and its thickness is 90 m. In terms of lithostratigraphy, the Sarvak Formation in these wells is composed of limestone in the lower part and limestone and shale in the upper part; furthermore, its lower lithostratigraphic limits in these wells with the Kazhdumi Formation are conformable, and the upper limit in the Homa well is covered unconformably by the Ilam Formation and the Aghar well is covered unconformably by the Laffan Formation. Biostratigraphy study in the Aghar and Homa wells revealed the occurrence of 18 genera and 20 species of both planktonic and benthic foraminifera. Besides, the following biozones in the Aghar well were identified in our biostratigraphical studies: Trocholina–Orbitolina assemblage zone (Late Albian-Early Cenomanian), Upper Kazhdumi–Lower Sarvak formations, Nezzazata–Alveolinids assemblage zone (Middle-to-Late Cenomanian), Upper Sarvak (Lower Ahmadi member (, Oligostegina biozone (Late Cenomanian), and Upper Sarvak (Upper Ahmadi member). Also in the Homa well, two biozones were identified which are Trocholina Orbitolina sp. assemblage zone (Late Albian-Early Cenomanian) and Nezzazata–Praealveolina cretacea assemblage zone (Middle-to-Late Cenomanian).
Rivista Italiana Di Paleontologia E Stratigrafia, 2013
The aim of this study is to investigate the biostratigraphy and regional stratigraphy of the Maas... more The aim of this study is to investigate the biostratigraphy and regional stratigraphy of the Maastrichtian deposits (Tarbur Formation) in the high outreaches of the Zagros Mountains in Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiyari Province, southwest Iran. The thickness of the investigated sequences is about 600 m in Tang-e-Vanak, 156 m inTang-e-Zendan,and 111 m in Kuh-e-Dozdaran sections. Shale and marls of the Gurpi Fm. (Campanian) mark the lower lithostratigraphic limit of the Tarbur Fm. in Kuh-e-Dozdaran section, whereas its upper limit is disconformably distinguished by the dolomitic Jahrom Fm. (Eocene). The Tarbur Fm. in Tang-e-Vanak andTang-e-Zendansections overlies the clastic Amiran Fm. (Maastrichtian) and is truncated with a sharp disconformity by the white dolomites of Shahbazan Fm. (Eocene). Biostratigraphically, the Tarbur Fm. is characterized by a Loftusia-Omphalocyclus assemblage zone, indicating a Maastrichtian age. Within this biozone, three regional subbiozones are proposed. They ...
Carbonates and Evaporites, 2021
The Sarvak Formation is a thick carbonate sequence of Cenomanian age that has been deposited in a... more The Sarvak Formation is a thick carbonate sequence of Cenomanian age that has been deposited in a foreland basin across the Zagros Basin. Sarvak Formation is the main petroleum reservoir rock in the Zagros Basin. To study the foraminiferal paleoecology in the Sarvak Formation, the section was selected in the east of Shiraz (Khane Kat section) and 66 samples with a total thickness of 140 m were prepared. Then, these thin sections were studied precisely based on the lithostratigraphy, microfacies, geochemical stratigraphy (chemical XRF analysis), and paleoecology. Besides, the biozones were identified and geochemical changes of elements in each biozone were investigated. Totally, three biozones were identified in which the hyaline tests were abundant in biozone-1 and porcelaneous tests were accumulated in biozones-2 and -3. Based on the study of the foraminifera dispersion pattern, the age of the Sarvak Formation in Khane Kat section was determined as Cenomanian. The results indicated that the various environmental factors affected the test type, test size and the quantitative expansion of the test in the sedimentary basin. Geochemical, microfacies and paleoecology data indicated that the most appropriate and inappropriate condition of life was belonged to wackestone and mudstone facies, respectively. Increase in the ratio of benthic to pelagic (B/P ratios) throughout the section and the enhancement of microfossils with agglutinated tests represented the shallowness of the sedimentary basin and retrogradation of the sedimentary basin from the open marine to the Subtidal and intertidal.
Carbonates and Evaporites
The Fahliyan Formation, which is part of the Khami Group is one of the important oil resources in... more The Fahliyan Formation, which is part of the Khami Group is one of the important oil resources in the lower cretaceous strata in the Zagros area. Index Foraminifera, continuity, and discontinuities have been used to identify the boundaries of this formation. To study biostratigraphy on Fahliyan Formation, the subsurface stratigraphic section of Aghar19 was selected in the southwest province of Iran. The thickness of this formation in this section is measured 215 m, including thin-to-medium-bedded limestone and dolomitic limestone. Fahliyan Formation continuously overlies Surmeh and Hith Formation and underlies Gadvan Formation. Vertical study of this formation has led to the identification of calcareous algae and foraminifera, which include 48 genera, 32 species, and three biozones in the sediments of the Fahliyan Formation. These biozones include: (1) Dukhania zone; (2) Pseudocyclammina lituus, Trocholina zone; and (3) Orbitolina, Choffatella, Salpingoporella Assemblage zone. Based on the established biozones, the age of the Fahliyan Formation in the Aghar19 section was determined from Berriasian to Early Barremian.
In this paper, to study biostratigraphy of Paleogene deposits based on foraminifera fauna in NW o... more In this paper, to study biostratigraphy of Paleogene deposits based on foraminifera fauna in NW of Jiroft located in the Central Iran zone, two stratigraphic sections, namely Sabzevaran (354 m) and Sad (132 m) sections were selected. Planktonic foraminifera and large benthic foraminifera were identified in both sections. Faunal assemblages and vertical distribution of identified species support presence of 5 planktonic foraminiferal and 2 large benthic foraminiferal biozones in the Sabzevaran section showing Middle Eocene to Chattian age. In addition, presence of planktonic foraminiferal assemblage along with 2 large benthic foraminiferal biozones confirms the Late Eocene to Chattian age for the Sad section.
Acta Geologica Sinica - English Edition, 2012
Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Oct 1, 2020
Two stratigraphic sections (Kuh-e-Rahmat and Kuh-e-Sabz) of Upper Cretaceous strata in the Interi... more Two stratigraphic sections (Kuh-e-Rahmat and Kuh-e-Sabz) of Upper Cretaceous strata in the Interior Fars region (SW 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).
فصلنامه علمی-پژوهشی علوم زمین, May 22, 2007
In this research, two stratigraphic sections were chosen from the late Paleocene to early Miocene... more In this research, two stratigraphic sections were chosen from the late Paleocene to early Miocene (Jahrum and Asmari Formations). These sections includes Sadra and Dodaj plus 645 meters of late Paleocene to early Miocene scdiments. For this investigation 360 thin sections were prepared and 12 samples analysed by XRF. We studied Biotope that includes biozone. These index biozones and percentage of elements that appears in biotope are identified. Principally index foraminifers, identified in the studied sections, are listed bellow: Miscellanea sp. Kathina sp., Fallotella alavensis Mangin, Opertorbitionlites sp. Alveolina sp. Lituonella ruberti Stache, Rhapydionina urensis Sirel, Orbitolites complanatus Lamark, somalina Stefaninii Silvestri, Dictyoconus sp. Coskinolina liburnica Atache., Nummulites fabianii Prever, Silvestriella tetraedra Gumbel., Nummulites fichteli Michelotti, Austrotrillina howchini Schlumberger, Meandropsina anahensis Henson. Regarding the frequency, type of wall and biotope percentage ratio of each foraminiferal biozone, there are different biotopes that indicate change in the trend of paleoecologic conditions of the late Paleocene to Oligocene sediments.
Detailed sedimentological logging was carried out within the exposed rock sections of the late Ca... more Detailed sedimentological logging was carried out within the exposed rock sections of the late Campanian to early Maastrichtian successions of the coal-bearing Mamu Formation, southeastern province of Nigeria. Lithofacies analytical approach was employed in describing the outcropping rock units. The focus was to understand the distribution of these facies and their depositional environments. Eleven lithofacies recognized were found occurring within fining/thinning upward successions typical of retrogradational stacking patterns formed during transgressive episodes and coarsening/thickening succession typical of progradational stacking patterns formed during regressive episodes. These lithofacies were further classified into five facies associations, namely: lagoonal or swamp deposits (FA1); barrier island deposits (FA2); shoreface deposits (FA3); offshore-transition zone deposits (FA4) and; open shelf deposits (FA5). FA1 is dominantly coal and carbonaceous shale deposited in a swamp or lagoonal setting. FA2 is dominantly parallel laminated and cross-bedded fine to medium grained sandstones formed by wave and longshore currents within barrier island complexes. FA3 is dominantly bioturbated sandstone, planar and rippled laminated sandstones, and planar and trough cross-bedded sandstones facies deposited in a shoreface environment, by migrating dunes formed under unidirectional flows above fair-weather wave base. FA4 is mainly wave ripple laminated, hummocky and swaley cross-bedded sandstones deposited by waning oscillatory and combined flows within a storm wave-dominated shelf region, below fair-weather wave base. FA5 is fissile shales and mudstones deposited in an open shelf setting below fair-weather and storm wave base. Studies indicate that outcropping units represent lithofacies, which record depositional elements of high frequency transgressive and regressive events in a coastal swamp through shelfal depositional environment. In addition, the coal seams and carbonaceous shale facies (source/seal rocks), and the sandstones, siltstone and heterolithic facies (reservoir rocks) indicate the possible presence of key elements of petroleum system in the Mamu Formation of the Anambra Basin.
Open Journal of Geology, 2016
The growth strata was investigated in the Early Cretaceous deposits including Fahliyan, Gadvan an... more The growth strata was investigated in the Early Cretaceous deposits including Fahliyan, Gadvan and Dariyan formations in the Well 3 that is located between Qatar-Fars height and Hormuz Strait in Persian Gulf. This study is based on the lithostratigraphic analysis and microfossils distribution. Lithostratigraphically, the Well 3 is divided into three rock units including Fahliyan, Gadvan and Dariyan. Based on the microfossils content, the age of studied successions is Berriasian to Aptian. The comparison of seismic studies, lithostratigraphic analysis and microfossils distribution show that growth and generation of anticlines construct in the Early Cretaceous. As a result, the Fahliyan, Gadvan and Dariyan rock units have potential reservoir and oil trap.
Journal of Earth Science & Climatic Change, 2013
The Gurpi Formation is well exposed in the Bavan area (southwestern Iran). It consists of 160 m o... more The Gurpi Formation is well exposed in the Bavan area (southwestern Iran). It consists of 160 m of marl with intercalations of limy marl. Here, on the basis of foraminiferal studies, 78 species and 20 genera of planktonic foraminifera were identified. Based on the stratigraphic distribution of the well known foraminifers, three foraminiferal biozones were established. Generally the first appearance of Globotruncana falsostuarti has determined as lower biostratgraphic limit of the Gurpi Formation and the upper biostratigraphic limit of the Gurpi is marked by last occurrence of Abathomphalus mayaroensis which is synchronous of Late Maastrichtian in Bavan area. Foraminiferal investigations show that the biostratigraphic limits of the Gurpi Formation in Bavan stratigraphic section are assigned to the Middle Campanian through the Late Maastrichtian.