Scientific Quarterly Journal of Geosciences

Scientific Quarterly Journal of Geosciences

Sequence Stratigraphy and Sea Level History of the Kalat Formation (Upper Maastrichtian) Limestones, North of Mashhad

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors
Asadollah Mahboubi
Reza Moussavi-Harami
Mehdi Nadjafi
Parviz Mansouri-Daneshvar
Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
The Kopet-Dagh sedimentary basin, formed as an intracontinental basin in the northeast of Iran, is characterized by a relatively continuous sedimentation that occurred during the Jurassic to Miocene.  Petrographic study of Kalat Formation limestones (Late  Maastrichtian)  in three measured  stratigraphic  sections (Kalat Syncline entrance, Khesht Village and Tang-e-Chahchaheh) led to the identification of 16 lithofacies. It could be interpreted that these lithofacies were deposited in a carbonate ramp in restricted lagoon, lagoonal bar, semirestricted lagoon, barrier bank and open marine environments. It is also suggested, based on lithofacies analysis that the maximum transgression was occurred in Tang-e-Chahchaheh area (section 3).
Sequence stratigraphic analysis revealed two depositional sequences in sections 1 and 2 and three depositional sequences in section 3. In all sections, the lower boundary of Kalat Formation with Neyzar Formation (paleosol layer) and its upper boundary with Pestehligh Formation (continental deposits) are type 1 sequence boundary; while other boundaries within the Kalat Formation are type 2. Correlation of interpreted sea level curve of the Late Maastrichtian time with the worldwide curve shows the type 1 sequence boundaries are comparable with each other. However, some differences can probably be related to regional tectonic setting of the Kopet-Dagh basin due to subsidence along the northeast-southwest longitudinal faults (mostly in sections 1 and 2) and sediment loading. Paleogeographic reconstruction of the Late Maastrichtian time shows that the sedimentary rocks of Kalat Formation were formed in six stages of transgression and regression. This information can help in better understanding of the Maastrichtian paleogeography of the entire basin in NE Iran.
Keywords
Kopet-Dagh
Late Maastrichtian
Kalat Formation
Sequence Stratigraphy
Carbonate Ramp

Subjects

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Scientific Quarterly Journal of Geosciences
Volume 15, Issue 58
Winter 2006, Vol. 15, No.58
Winter 2006
Pages 2-17