The Aghajari (Upper Fars) Formation in the Folded Zagros Zone, Iran:Insights to Identify Facies, Architectural Elements, Fluvial Systems,Petrography and Provenance

The Aghajari Formation, called also the Upper Fars, develops throughout the Folded Zagros Zone and its thickness in the type section in southwest of Iran is 2966 meters. To analyze the sedimentary basin of this Formation, lithofacies, architectural elements and petrofacies of the related deposits in a section in southeast of Sarvestan in Fars Province of Iran with a thickness of 2221.45 meters were examined. Microscopically studying thin sections, the petrography and the occurrence of the deposits were determined. In this section, 16 lithofacies, 10 architectural elements and 2 sandstone petrofacies were identified. The lithofacies were divided into two major and minor groups, in which the major lithofacies consist of coarse-grained (Gh, Gp, Gt and Gm), medium-grained (Sh, Sp, St, Sl, Sm, Sr and Ss and fine-grained ones (Fm, Fl and Fsm), and the minor lithofacies were evaporative and mixed silisiclastic-carbonate. The identified architectural elements are CH, SB, GB, LA, DA, CR, CS, LV, LS, CH (FF) and FF. By combining evidences from facies analysis and architectural elements together, the Aghajari Formation was divided into three parts in which the related sedimentation environments, from top to bottom, are gravel, gravel-sand and fine-grained meandering river respectively. There have also been playas and shoreface in the lower part. Based on petrography, the sandstones of this formation were classified into two groups: litharenite and sublitharenite. The origin of these deposits (sandstones) was appointed to the recycled orogeny and the source of quartz is low and medium to high metamorphic rank. Using the field evidences, the paleocurrent direction was achieved indicating the direction of the paleocurrent from northwest to southeast at the time of deposition. It is hoped that these data can be used in the interpretation of the basin and reconstruction of the paleogeography in the local and regional scales.     

Boundary Between Upper Cretaceous and Lower Paleocene in the Zagros Mountain Ranges of Southwestern Iran

In the present study, over 3000?m of Upper Cretaceous sediments (Tarbur Formation) in seven stratigraphic, columnar sections were studied. The area is located in the Zagros mountain ranges of southwestern Iran, attributed to the converging continental Arabian Shield, and is interpreted as the result of subduction and collision. Based on foraminiferal studies of the Tarbur Formation in the sections, we have established many new biozones in the stratigraphic sections. However, investigations of the biozones indicate that there is no lithostratigraphic variation between the Upper Cretaceous and Lower Paleocene sediments in some of the studied sections. The concept of widespread formations and lithologic correlations is not applicable in this area, probably as a result of the tectonic unrest at that time. The biostratigraphic boundary between the Cretaceous and the Lower Paleocene is nevertheless well defined by the intraformational boundary in the sections.     

The Kuh-e-Surmeh mineralization, a carbonate-hosted Zn-Pb deposit in the Simply Folded Belt of the Zagros Mountains, SW Iran

The Kuh-e-Surmeh carbonate-hosted zinc-lead deposit, located within the Simply Folded Belt of the Zagros Mountains in southwestern Iran, is an orogen-related Mississippi Valley type deposit originally formed in the foreland Thrust Belt of the Zagros Mountains. Structural and textural observations indicate that ore deposition took place as open-space fillings in brecciated carbonate rock and as internal sediments consisting of fine-grained ore minerals interlayered with carbonates. The preferred genetic model for the concentration of the ore metals is that of dewatering of the Zard-Kuh basin due to regional tectonic compaction tectonism and expulsion of basin-derived fluids into the highly porous and brecciated dolomitized rocks of the Dalan Formation. The metals precipitated from dense basinal brine (15 wt% equiv. NaCl) at low temperatures (less than 200 °C), typically within strata of a Late Paleozoic carbonate platform. Received: 21 July 1998 / Accepted: 20 August 1999     

Biostratigraphy and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Gurpi Formation at Deh Dasht Area,Zagros Basin,SW Iran

Abstract: A rich assemblage of planktonic foraminifera has been studied from an outcrop of the Gurpi Formation, the hydrocarbon source rock in the southwest Iran, Deh Dasht area (Kuh-e Siah anticline). Based on the distribution of the planktonic foraminifera, eight biozones have been recognized that included: Dicarinella concavata Interval Zone (Earliest Santonian), Dicarinella asymetrica Total Range Zone (Santonian to Earliest Campanian), Globotruncanita elevata Partial Range Zone (Early Campanian), Globotruncana ventricosa Interval Zone (Middle to Late Campanian), Radotruncana calcarata Total Range Zone (Late Campanian), Globotruncanella havanensis Partial Range Zone (Late Campanian), Globotruncana aegyptiaca Interval Zone (Late to latest Campanian), Gansserina gansseri Interval Zone (Latest Campanian to Early Maastrichtian). These biozones indicates that the Gurpi Formation deposited during the Early Santonian- Early Maastrichtian. These biozones are compared to the most standard biozones defined in Tethysian domain. Based on distribution of morphotype groups of planktonic foraminifera, planktonic to benthic ratio (P/B) and content of carbonate, nine third-order sequences are recognized.     

Geochemistry of arc volcanic rocks of the Zagros Crush Zone,Neyriz, Iran

The northeastern margin of the Tethyan Neyriz ophiolite complex in southwestern Iran is tectonically juxtaposed under cataclastically-deformed island arc volcanic–volcaniclastic rocks. We document this arc component of the Zagros Crush Zone in the Neyriz area, and describe its petrographic and geochemical characteristics. The arc unit which we call the Hassanabad Unit, is tectonically intercalated with Cretaceous limestone in the cataclastic shear zone around the Hassanabad pass north of Neyriz.Analyses of the distributions of the major, rare earth and other trace elements in the volcanic rocks of the Hassanabad Unit reveal a dominantly calc-alkaline island arc composition. Volcanogenic sandstone and sedimentary breccia, with clasts of basalt, andesite and diorite, are cataclastically intercalated with pillowed calc-alkaline island arc volcanic rocks, pelagic limestone and radiolarian chert. Trace element geochemistry corroborates the petrographic evidence that the poorly-sorted and angular volcanogenic sediments were derived locally from the island arc volcanic and intrusive rocks. The emplacement of the volcanic arc rocks adjacent to the thrust sheets of the crustal and mantle sequences of the Neyriz ophiolite was probably a result of subduction-related processes during closure of the Tethys ocean during the Late Cretaceous.     

Facies and Depositional Sequences of the Asmari Formation,Shajabil Anticline,North of the Izeh Zone,Zagros Basin,Iran

Outcrop and microscopic studies have been applied in this research paper in order to find out the Asmari Formation depositional sequences in the Shajabil Anticline section located at the north of the Izeh Zone,Zagros Basin,Iran.Five depositional sequences were identified based on 11 facies types （bioclast Nummulitidae Lepidocyclinidae packstone,bioclast perforate foraminifera Nephrolepidina Miogypsinoides wackestone-packstone,bioclast perforate foraminifera Corallinacea wackestone-packstone,bioclast echinoid Neorotalia Brachiopoda wackestone-packstone,coral floatstone-rudstone,bioclast Corallinacea imperforate foraminifera wackestone-packstone,bioclast imperforate foraminifera Archaias wackestone-packstone,bioclast imperforate foraminifera Dendritina wackestone-packstone-grainstone,bioclast imperforate foraminifera Borelis wackestonepackstone and very fine sandy mudstone） corresponding to the tidal flat,restricted and semirestricted lagoon and open marine environments of an inner and middle shelf areas.Well-exposed outcrop horizons of Thalassinoides at the study section are a favorable tool for the regional outcrop sequence stratigraphy.Thalassinoides is considered as an outcrop key-bed for recognition of the Rupelian-Chattian maximum flooding depositional sequence.Coral remnants （small colonies） in outcrop exposures also are associated with the HST depositional sequence （Chattian） for the Asmari Formation.The most important achievement of this research is use of associated maximum flooding surfaces （Pg30,Pg40,Pg50,Ngl0 and Ng20） in the Arabian plate.These maximum flooding surfaces could be recorded as an isochrones surface.     

Paleofluid analysis from fracture-fill cements in the Asmari limestones of the Kuh-I-Mond field, SW Zagros, Iran

Kuh-I-Mond field in the Zagros foreland basin is a conventional heavy oil resource and is composed of fractured carbonates whose fractures were filled by calcite, dolomite, and anhydrite cements. Oil inclusions occurred within the fracture-fill cements indicate that fractures were open and played an active role during oil migration and charge. The highest measured values for secondary porosities belong to fractures in Asmari Formation, which is characterized by significant amounts of vug- and fracture-filling cements. Fractures facilitated fluid circulation and subsequently dissolution of allochems and high Mg carbonates. In contrast, fine-grained carbonate facies were less cemented, and thus, porosity enhancement by cement dissolution was insignificant. Temperature profiles of oil inclusions in the dolomite, calcite, and anhydrite minerals characterized by distinct variations in the homogenization temperatures (Th) that are divided into two ranges below 50°C in anhydrites and from 45°C to 125°C in dolomites and calcites. The lower Th ranges for anhydrite suggests that it may have formed at shallower burial depths during early to middle diagenesis. The oil inclusions display trend for increasing temperature downward which conform to Formation geothermal gradient. In other word, the decreasing trend of Th temperatures upward within Asmari Formation that can be observed in Th versus depth plot is consistent with the uplift events at Late Miocene time and later that caused removal of about 1,300 m of the crest of the Kuh-I-Mond anticline. Vitrinite reflectance data from source rock intervals in the field area do not support vertical migration of locally generated hydrocarbons into the Kuh-I-Mond accumulation, and long-distance lateral oil migration and charge from a source kitchen to the southwest is proposed. Vitrinite reflectance data from this dolomite and limestone reservoir suggest low maturation levels corresponding to paleotemperatures less than 50°C. The observed maturation level (<0.5% Ro) does not exceed values for simple burial maturation based on the estimated burial history. Also, homogenization temperatures from fluid inclusion populations in calcite and dolomites show expected good correlation with reflectance-derived temperatures. The Th data represent pore fluids became warmer and more saline during burial. As aqueous fluid inclusions in calcite veins were homogenized between 22°C and 90°C with a decrease in salinity from 22 to 18 eq.?wt.% NaCl. The Th values suggest a change in water composition and that dolomite and calcite cements might have precipitated from petroleum-derived fluids. The hydrocarbon fluid inclusions microthermometry data suggest that the reservoir was being filled by heavy black oils in reservoir during Cenozoic. Aqueous fluid inclusions hosted by calcite equant sparry/fossil cavity fills suggest low cementation temperatures (<45°C) and high salinities (19 eq.?wt.% NaCl), while those in dolostones are characterized by highly variable homogenization temperature (52°C to 125°C) and salinities (6.5 to 20 eq.?wt.% NaCl).     

Chemical composition of rock-forming minerals and crystallization physicochemical conditions of the Middle Eocene I-type Haji Abad pluton,SW Buin-Zahra,Iran

The Haji Abad intrusion is a well-exposed Middle Eocene I-type granodioritc pluton in the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic assemblage (UDMA). The major constituents of the investigated rocks are K-feldspar, quartz, plagioclase, pyroxene, and minor Fe–Ti oxide and hornblende. The plagioclase compositions fall in the labradorite, andesine, and oligoclase fields. The amphiboles range in composition from magnesio-hornblende to tremolite–hornblende of the calcic-amphibole group. Most pyroxenes principally plot in the field of diopside. The calculated average pressure of emplacement is 1.9 kbar for the granodioritic rocks, crystallizing at depths of about 6.7 km. The highest pressure estimated from clinopyroxene geobarometry (5 kbar) reflects initial pyroxene crystallization pressure, indicating initial crystallization depth (17.5 km) in the Haji Abad granodiorite. The estimated temperatures using two-feldspar thermometry give an average 724 °C. The calculated average temperature for clinopyroxene crystallization is 1090 °C. The pyroxene temperatures are higher than the estimated temperature by feldspar thermometry, indicating that the pyroxene and feldspar temperatures represent the first and late stages of magmatic crystallization of Haji Abad granodiorite, respectively. Most pyroxenes plot above the line of Fe³⁺?=?0, indicating they crystallized under relatively high oxygen fugacity or oxidized conditions. Furthermore, the results show that the Middle Eocene granitoids crystallized from magmas with H₂O content about 3.2 wt%. The relatively high water content is consistent with the generation environment of HAG rocks in an active continental margin and has allowed the magma to reach shallower crustal levels. The MMEs with ellipsoidal and spherical shapes show igneous microgranular textures and chilled margins, probably indicating the presence of magma mixing. Besides, core to rim compositional oscillations (An and FeO) for the plagioclase crystals serve as robust evidence to support magma mixing. The studied amphiboles and pyroxenes are grouped in the subalkaline fields that are consistent with crystallization from I-type calc-alkaine magma in the subduction environment related to active continental margin. Mineral chemistry data indicate that Haji Abad granodiorites were generated in an orogenic belt related to the volcanic arc setting consistent with the subduction of Neo-Tethyan oceanic crust beneath the central Iranian microcontinent.     

PALEOCENE—MIDDLE EOCENE DEXTRAL STRIKE-SLIP DEFORMATION AND ITS TECTONIC IMPLICATION IN THE WESTERN YUNNAN, CHINA

PALEOCENE—MIDDLE EOCENE DEXTRAL STRIKE-SLIP DEFORMATION AND ITS TECTONIC IMPLICATION IN THE WESTERN YUNNAN, CHINA     

特提斯喜马拉雅带江孜地区古近纪地层源区分析——对造山带早期地壳加厚的制约

特提斯喜马拉雅北亚带江孜地区上古新统-下始新统甲查拉组记录了喜马拉雅碰撞造山带的早期地壳加厚和沉积历史。本文我们报道了甲查拉组详细的碎屑锆石U-Pb年龄和全岩Sm-Nd同位素数据。甲查拉组由青灰色厚层的岩屑砂岩夹泥岩组成,不整合覆盖在宗卓组之上,碎屑锆石主要的峰值介于350～80 Ma, 900～470 Ma以及1 300～950 Ma,次要的峰值介于2 800～1 500 Ma。全岩⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr介于0.707 505～0.713 174,¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd介于0.512 206～0.512 355,ε_Nd(0)介于-5.52～-8.43。甲查拉组物源区以再循环的日喀则弧前盆地和上三叠统郎杰学群为主,少量物质来自雅鲁藏布江缝合带。上述研究表明,甲查拉组沉积在周缘前陆盆地的背景下,且特提斯喜马拉雅北亚带在始新世期间经历了明显的地壳加厚。     

Diagenetic model of carbonate rocks of Guri Member of Mishan Formation (Lower to Middle Miocene) SE Zagros basin,Iran

In order to understand the post-depositional history of carbonate rocks of Guri Member (Lower to Middle Miocene), three stratigraphic sections were selected in north Bandar-Abbas in southeast of Iran. Sampling was carried out, analyzed for selective parameters such as oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions (δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C) and interpreted in the present study. We recognized several diagenetic processes including micritization, cementation, neomorphism, compaction, dissolution, silicification, dolomitization, fracturing and vein filling. Some of the diagenetic processes occurred at different conditions, so in order to achieve precise interpretation, samples from different carbonate components such as, micrite, fracture cement, solution pore cement, intergranular cement, and some biotic allochems were analyzed. In this study micrite samples were subdivided into two groups including micro-spary and micrite. They were recognized under Cathodoluminescence microscope. In addition, micrite samples were classified into five groups based on their depositional environments: supratidal, lagoon, coral bar, open sea, and open basin. There were minor changes in stable isotope ratios based on the sedimentary environments, stratigraphy successions, and micro-spary or micrite properties. In this study, similar calcite cements in petrography studies were differentiated by stable isotope data. Those calcite cements have formed in different diagenetic environments such as meteoric and burial cements. Paragenetic sequence of carbonate rocks were interpreted by integration of petrographic and isotopic studies. We have reconstructed diagenetic models of Guri Member into four stages including marine, meteoric, burial, and uplifting.     

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of the Eocene back arc mafic rocks in the Zagros suture zone,northern Noorabad,western Iran

The northern Noorabad area in western Iran contains several gabbro and basalt bodies which were emplaced along the Zagros suture zone. The basalts show pillow and flow structures with amygdaloidal textures, and the gabbroic rocks show massive and foliated structures with coarse to fine-grained textures. The SiO₂ contents of the gabbros and basalts are similar and range from 46.1–51.0 wt.%, and the Al₂O₃ contents vary from 12.3–18.8 wt.%, with TiO₂ contents of 0.4–3.0 wt.%. The Nb concentrations of some gabbros and basalts are high and can be classified as Nb-enriched arc basalts. The positive εNd(t) values (+3.7 to +9.8) and low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(initial) ratios (0.7031–0.7071) of both bodies strongly indicate a depleted mantle source and indicate that the rocks were formed by partial melting of a depleted lithospheric mantle and interaction with slab fluids/melts. The chemical composition of trace elements, REE pattern and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr-¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios show that the rocks have affinities to tholeiitic magmatic series and suggest an extensional tectonic regime over the subduction zone for the evolution of these rocks. We propose an extensional tectonic regime due to the upwelling of metasomatized mantle after the late Cretaceous collision in the Harsin-Noorabad area. These rocks can be also considered as Eocene back arc magmatic activity along the Zagros suture zone in this area.     

Provenance, Tectonic Setting and Geochemistry of Ahwaz Sandstone Member (Asmari Formation, Oligo-Miocene), Marun Oilfield, Zagros Basin, SW Iran

The Asmari Formation deposited in the Zagros foreland basin during the OligoceneMiocene. Lithologically, the Asmari Formation consists of limestone, dolomitic limestone, dolomite, argillaceous limestone, some anhydrite(Kalhur Member) and sandstones(Ahwaz Member). This study is based on the analysis of core samples from four subsurface sections(wells Mn-68, Mn-281, Mn-292 and Mn-312) in the Marun Oilfield in the Dezful embayment subzone in order to infer their provenance and tectonic setting of the Ahwaz Sandstone Member. Petrographical data reveal that the Ahwaz Sandstone comprises 97.5% quartz, 1.6% feldspar, and 0.9% rock fragments and all samples are classified as quartz arenites. The provenance and tectonic setting of the Ahwaz Sandstone have been assessed using integrated petrographic and geochemical studies. Petrographic analysis reveals that mono- and poly-crystalline quartz grains from metamorphic and igneous rocks of a craton interior setting were the dominant sources. Chemically, major and trace element concentrations in the rocks of the Ahwaz Sandstone indicate deposition in a passive continental margin setting. As indicated by the CIW′ index(chemical index of weathering) of the Ahwaz Sandstone(average value of 82) their source area underwent "intense" recycling but "moderate to high" degree of chemical weathering. The petrography and geochemistry results are consistent with a tropical, humid climate and low-relief highlands.     

Facies analysis and depositional environments of the OligoceneeMiocene Asmari Formation,Zagros Basin,Iran

The Asmari Formation(a giant hydrocarbon reservoir)is a thick carbonate sequence of the Oligocenee Miocene in the Zagros Basin,southwest of Iran.This formation is exposed at Tang-e-Lendeh in the Fars interior zone with a thickness of 190 m comprising medium and thick to massive bedded carbonates.The age of the Asmari Formation in the study area is the late Oligocene(Chattian)eearly Miocene(Burdigalian).Ten microfacies are defned,characterizing a gradual shallowing upward trend;the related environments are as follows:open marine(MF 8e10),restricted lagoon(MF 6e7),shoal(MF 3e5),lagoon(MF 2),and tidal fat(MF 1).Based on the environmental interpretations,a homoclinal ramp consisting of inner and middle parts prevails.MF 3e7 are characterized by the occurrence of large and small porcelaneous benthic foraminifera representing a shallow-water setting of an inner ramp,infuenced by wave and tidal processes.MF 8e10,with large particles of coral and algae,represent a deeper fair weather wave base of a middle ramp setting.     

Berriasian-Aptian shallow water carbonates in the Zagros fold-thrust belt,SW Iran: Integrated Sr-isotope dating and biostratigraphy

A combined biostratigraphic model comprising 12 biozones is proposed for the Berriasian–Bedoulian (lower Aptian) shallow-platform deposits of the newly defined Fahliyan, Sar Bisheh, Ghari, Gadvan and Chahoo formations in the Zagros fold-thrust belt. Six biozones are established for the benthic foraminifers, four plus one subzone (taxon-range zone) for the dasycladalean algae and three for the tintinnids. The top and base of these biozones are calibrated with Sr-isotope numerical dating. The dataset is founded on outcrops and subsurface data in the Khuzestan, Fars and Bandar Abbas areas. High resolution biostratigraphic studies reveal that a sedimentary break corresponding to an exposure is present at the base of the Berriasian across the platform, and becomes younger from west toward the east. Another diachronous regional hiatus is detected on top of the Sar Bisheh Formation. Dated late Valanginian pro parte, it is the largest hiatus occurring in the Fars area. This study demonstrates that the boundary between the Sar Bisheh Formation and the Ghari/Chahoo formations, respectively covering the former Lower Fahliyan and Upper Fahliyan/Gadvan-Dariyan formations, is Hauterivian, not Barremian as stated by previous authors. It also shows that the Gadvan Formation does not reach the Aptian, contrary to previous statements. Sr-isotope stratigraphy offers a comparable resolution to that achieved by biostratigraphy. Combining the two methods results in a better resolution, enabling to estimate the depositional rates and importance of missing intervals.     

Detrital zircon provenance analysis in the Zagros Orogen,SW Iran: implications for the amalgamation history of the Neo-Tethys

International Journal of Earth Sciences - The Zagros Orogen developed as a result of Arabia–Eurasia collision. New in situ detrital zircon U–Pb and Hf isotopic analyses from a Cenozoic...     

Microfacies Analysis and Paleoecology of the Oligocene Succession in a Central Tethyan Carbonate Platform,Zagros Basin,SW Iran

Two stratigraphic sections (Arjooieh and Firoozabad) of the Mymand anticline, located in the Interior Fars sub-basin of the Zagros Mountains, were measured and sampled, in order to document sedimentological characteristics, microfacies types and paleo-seagrasses indicators of the Oligocene succession (Asmari Fm.). Planktonic and benthic foraminifera and coralline red algae are the principal fossils from these strata. Foraminifera are represented by the following families: Soritidae, Peneroplidae, Austrotrillinidae, Alveolinidae, Planorbulinidae, Discorbidae, Lepidocyclinidae, Amphisteginidae, Rotaliidae, Nummulitidae and Globigerinidae. Nine microfacies types were recognized, namely planktonic foraminifera-peloidal packstone (MF1), bioclast nummulitid/Nerorotalia/Amphistegina?packstone-grainstone-rudstone-floatstone (MF2),?Neorotalia-echinoid coralline red algae packstone-grainstone (MF3), coral boundstone (MF4), coral/coralline red algae rudstone-floatstone-packstone-grainstone (MF5), diverse imperforate foraminifera bioclast packstone-grainstone (MF6), peloid wackestone-packstone-grainstone (MF7), fenestrated mudstone and microbial mats (MF8) and anhydrite (MF9). MF1 indicates an outer ramp, MFs 2-4 represent a mid-ramp and MFs 5–9 are interpreted as inner ramp environment. Paleo-seagrass indicators consisting of foraminifera, hooked and tabular forms of coralline red algae and corals. They were identified in MFs 5 and 6, reflecting the presence of vegetated environments within the mid/inner ramp setting.?The Mymand anticline was dominated by the outer ramp environment at the start of the Rupelian. Mid to inner ramp environments prevailed during the Rupelian. The Chattian corresponds to the spread of the inner ramp setting over the Mymand anticline.     

Sedimentary facies and sequence stratigraphy of the Asmari Formation at Chaman-Bolbol, Zagros Basin, Iran

The Oligocene–Miocene Asmari Formation of the Zagros Basin is a thick sequence of shallow water carbonate. In the study area, it is subdivided into 14 microfacies that are distinguished on the basis of their depositional textures, petrographic analysis and fauna. Based on the paleoecology and lithology, four distinct depositional settings can be recognized: tidal flat, lagoon, barrier, and open marine. The Asmari Formation represents sedimentation on a carbonate ramp. In the inner ramp, the most abundant lithofacies are medium grained wackestone–packstone with imperforated foraminifera. The middle ramp is represented by packstone–grainstone to floatstone with a diverse assemblage of larger foraminifera with perforate wall, red algae, bryozoa, and echinoids. The outer ramp is dominated by argillaceous wackestone characterized by planktonic foraminifera and large and flat nummulitidae and lepidocyclinidae. Three third-order depositional sequences are recognized from deepening and shallowing trends in the depositional facies, changes in cycle stacking patterns, and sequence boundary features.     

Vorticity analysis in the Zagros orogen,Shiraz area,Iran

International Journal of Earth Sciences - Quantitative vorticity analyses in orogenic belts are essential for studying the kinematics of deformation and can be performed using a range of methods....     

Karst bauxite deposits in the Zagros Mountain Belt,Iran

More than 190 occurrences of bauxitic–lateritic deposits were investigated in seven areas within the Zagros Simply Folded Mountain Belt in southwestern of Iran. The bauxitic horizons are situated in eroded major NW–SE trending anticlines and occur in karst cavities near or at the boundary between the Sarvak and Ilam Formations. Uplift in the Cenomanian–Turanian period had exposed the Sarvak limestone to karst weathering and, during a period of unconformity, layers of ferruginous–argillaceous limestone debris developed and accumulated on its surface. The ferruginous–argillaceous debris was partly converted to bauxite. Folding and faulting in Oligocene–Miocene time, with ensuing erosion, exposed the bauxitic horizons on the limbs and cores of anticlines. The karst bauxite deposits are probably of authigenic origin, as evidenced by their lithologic associations, textural and mineralogy.