Sedimentology
A. Rahimi; M. H. Adabi; A. Nabati; M. R. Majidifard; A. M. Jamali
Abstract
Carbonate sequences of the Shotori Formations (Middle Triassic) with a thickness of 308 m, were deposited in the Kalmard region of the Tabas city in Central Iran basin. The lower contact of the formation gradually and conformably overlies the Sorkhshale Formation and upper contact is faulted. The Shotori ...
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Carbonate sequences of the Shotori Formations (Middle Triassic) with a thickness of 308 m, were deposited in the Kalmard region of the Tabas city in Central Iran basin. The lower contact of the formation gradually and conformably overlies the Sorkhshale Formation and upper contact is faulted. The Shotori Formation is mainly composed of thick to medium bedded fine-coarsely crystalline dolomites with a thickness of 250 m with interbeds of thin bedded limestone and sandstone. The Shotori Formation is mainly composed of fine-coarsely crystalline dolomite. Based on petrographic (size and fabric), and elemental studies (Ca, Mg, Na, Sr, Fe, Mn), five dolomite types were recognized. Variation in dolomite types is mainly related to early to late diagenetic processes, changing the composition of dolomitizing fluids. Geochemical studies also indicate that medium to coarse grain dolomites formed in meteoric diagenesis under reducing conditions. Mechanism of dolomitization for dolomite type 1 is sabkha model, for dolomite types 2 and 3 is mixing zone and is burial model for dolomite types 4 and 5.
Economic Geology
R. Amirkhani; M. Ebrahimi; M. A. A. Mokhtari; A. M. Azimzadeh
Abstract
The study area which is introduced as Homeijan magnetite- apatite mineralization in this paper, is a part of the Posht-e-Badam block in the Central Iranian Zone and is located at ~12Km southwest of Behabad. This area is composed of volcano-sedimentary rocks and acidic- basic intrusions of Precambrian ...
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The study area which is introduced as Homeijan magnetite- apatite mineralization in this paper, is a part of the Posht-e-Badam block in the Central Iranian Zone and is located at ~12Km southwest of Behabad. This area is composed of volcano-sedimentary rocks and acidic- basic intrusions of Precambrian and Cambrian age. Magnetite- apatite mineralizations are present as lenses near the southwestern part of the Homeijan village, which are hosted by acidic- intermediate tuffaceous rocks and dolomites. Magnetite, oligist (hematite), pyrite and chalcopyrite are the main ore minerals and apatite, pyroxene, tremolite- actinolite, calcite and quartz are as gangue minerals in the Homeijan Fe mineralization. Based on field and mineralogical studies, this mineralization texturally includes massive, brecciated, vein- veinlets and replacement textures. Chemical analyses of samples indicate that the mineralization has high concentrations of REEs up to 2.5 % in the apatite crystals. Geochemical studies demonstrate that Fet have high negative correlation with P2O5, SiO2 and ∑REE while there is a high positive correlation between ∑REE and P2O5. SEM-EDS qualitative analyses of apatite crystals indicate two REE bearing minerals including monazite and allanite as inclusions within the apatites. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the apatite crystals are flour- apatite. Fluid inclusion studies within the apatite crystals indicate that main salinity varies between 7.86-13.9 wt.% NaCl and homogenization temperature is between 240-370°C. Comparing of REE patterns of Homeijan magnetite- apatite mineralization with other iron oxide- apatite mineralizations of Posht-e-Badam Block and Kiruna- type iron ores indicate similarities between these patterns. Generally, based on field and geochemical studies, the Homeijan magnetite- apatite mineralization classified as Kiruna- type Fe deposit.
H Seif; M Majidifard; T Mohtat
Abstract
The Farrokhi formation in 15 km southwest of Khur with a thickness of up to 117m consists of marl and limestone with Maastrichtian age. In this section, the Farrokhi formation disconformably overlies the Haftoman formation below and the Chupanan formation above. In the present study, 87 genera and 103 ...
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The Farrokhi formation in 15 km southwest of Khur with a thickness of up to 117m consists of marl and limestone with Maastrichtian age. In this section, the Farrokhi formation disconformably overlies the Haftoman formation below and the Chupanan formation above. In the present study, 87 genera and 103 species have been recognized. Based on foraminifera, the Farrokhi formation ranges from the Maastrichtian and 3 biozones in the rock unit 1 of the formation have been recognized: (1) Contusotruncana contuse Partial range zone (CF6), indexing Early Maastrichtian.(2) Pseudotextularia intermedia Partial range zone (CF5), index for late Early Maastrichtian index and (3) Racemiguembelin fructicosa Taxon Range Zone (CF4), an index for early Late maastrichtian. The Farrokhi formation can be subdivided into four rock units which are composed of marl and marly limestone. In addition, the Farrokhi formation fauna contains ostracods and high abundance of invertebrate as diverse species of brachiopods, echinoderms and bivalves with rare fragments of ammonites. The K/Pg boundary is in this section paraconform and can be compared with boundary of the Farrokhi and Chupanan formations. The evidence of paraconformity is a gap of Early Paleocene and changes in lithfacies. The Farrokhi formation is carbonate and it is parts of a carbonate system consisting of a platform and the adjacent slope.
H Ghasemi; M Rostami Hossuri; M Sadeghian; F Kadkhodaye Arab
Abstract
Subduction of the Neo–Tethyan oceanic lithosphere beneath the southern edge of the Central Iran caused development of extensional back-arc basins behind the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt during Mesozoic and Cenozoic. Some researchers have noted formation of the oceanic back-arc basins in ...
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Subduction of the Neo–Tethyan oceanic lithosphere beneath the southern edge of the Central Iran caused development of extensional back-arc basins behind the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt during Mesozoic and Cenozoic. Some researchers have noted formation of the oceanic back-arc basins in Nain, Sabzevar and Sistan in Central Iran during Mesozoic, but little is known about generation of such basins in Cenozoic. The depressed extensional back-arc basin of Central Iran contains sedimentary successions of intracontinental extensional environments associated with alkaline basic magmatic rocks. These magmatic rocks are outcropped in the Oligo-Miocene gypsiferous red marls (red formations), as both intrusive (gabbro) and extrusive (basalt) forms. The present study has focused on the basaltic lava flows in the Oligo-Miocene siliciclastic-evaporitic sedimentary succession extending for about 300 kilometers from Sabzevar to Shahroud along the northern edge of Central Iran. These lava flows are observed as interbedded with the Oligo-Miocene sedimentary units. In the Kalate-Sadat area, located SW of Sabzevar, there are at least five intermittent basaltic lava flows in the red marls. These basaltic rocks (with a composition of olivine-basalt to basalt) show porphyritic, glomeroporphyritic and trachytic textures and are composed of olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase phenocrysts in a glassy to microlitic ground mass. On the basis of geochemical data, the parent magma of these rocks had a sodic-alkaline affinity, enriched in LILEs and LREEs and depleted in HREEs, without negative anomalies in HFSEs. The basalts show the geochemical characteristics of the basaltic magmas originated from partial melting of adjusted enriched garnet lherzolite mantle source beneath the continental areas of extensional back-arc basins.
F Mohamadi; M Ebrahimi; M.A.A Mokhtari
Abstract
The study area,~12 km to the southwest of the city Behabad, is a part of the Posht-e-Badam Block in Central Iran. Igneous rocks in the area occur as intrusive, sub-volcanic and volcanic bodies and exhibit a wide range of composition from felsic to mafic. The intrusive and sub- volcanic rocks include ...
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The study area,~12 km to the southwest of the city Behabad, is a part of the Posht-e-Badam Block in Central Iran. Igneous rocks in the area occur as intrusive, sub-volcanic and volcanic bodies and exhibit a wide range of composition from felsic to mafic. The intrusive and sub- volcanic rocks include the relatively large Homijan granitoid, Ferdows granitoid, gabbro- diorite stocks and Kuh-Siah sub- volcanic rhyolitic dome. The Homijan granitoid is composed of a shallow-level intrusion in the center to rhyolitic lavas and tuffs in the margins. The whole assemblage is covered by dolomites of the Rizu series, with no thermal metamorphism in the covering rocks. Homijan granitoid displays porphyritic, porphyroid and graphic textures composed of coarse plagioclase, alkali feldspar and quartz in a fine- grained quartz- feldspatic matrix; the marginal rhyolitic lavas have porphyritic and spherolitic textures with quartz and alkali feldspar phenocrysts. Rhyolitic tuffs have porphyroclastic texture. Ferdows granite has hetero-granular, graphic and perthitic texture composed of quartz, orthoclase and plagioclase. Kuh-Siah rhyolites have porphyric, felsophyry and felsitic textures with small quartz and alkali feldspar phenocrysts. Geochemical studies demonstrate that Homijan and Ferdows granitiods and the marginal rhyolites of the Homijan, as well as the Kuh-Siah rhyolitic dome have high- K calc- alkaline to shoshonitic nature and can be classified as S-type peraluminous granitoids with some tendency to I-type granitoids. Based on the spider diagrams, all rocks have similar trend which is indicative for their genetic relation. These diagrams indicate enriched LILEs (Rb, K, Th and Pb) along with negative anomalies of HFSEs (Nb and Ti). Chondrite normalized REE patterns demonstrate LREEs-enriched patterns with high ratios of LREE/HREE.The positive and negative anomalies of the mentioned elements in the studied rocks probably are related to lower partial melting degrees of a metasomatized mantle along with crustal contamination of the magma. Based on field investigation, petrographic studies and geochemistry, and using the granitoid discrimination tectonic setting diagrams, it seems that Homijan granitiods and related felsic rocks formed in a post- collisional setting within the Posht-e-Badam Block.
B Saberzadeh; K Rashidi; M Vahidinia
Abstract
This paper describes systematic of the foraminifera from Howz-e Khan Member of Nayband Formation in 25km south of the type locality which are exposed in northwest of the Dig-e Rostam area about 300km north of Kerman city and is composed of medium to thick bedded fine-grained limestones containing sponges, ...
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This paper describes systematic of the foraminifera from Howz-e Khan Member of Nayband Formation in 25km south of the type locality which are exposed in northwest of the Dig-e Rostam area about 300km north of Kerman city and is composed of medium to thick bedded fine-grained limestones containing sponges, dasycladales algae, bivalves, corals and partly abundant upper Triassic foraminifera ofNorian-Rhaetian ages which are mainly of aulotortid types. The following foraminifera taxa are described: Auloconuspermodiscoides, Aulotortus friedli, Aulotortus tenuis, Aulotortus tumidus, Aulotortus sinuosus, Duotaxis birmanica, Tetrataxis inflata, Agathammina austroalpina, Miliolipora cuvillieri, Planiinvoluta sp., Ophthalmidium leischneri, Ophthalmidium exiguum, Glomospirella sp., Trochammina alpina, Diplotremina astrofimbriata, Diplotremina subangulata, Duostomina sp., Nodosaria sp1., Nodosaria sp2., Pseudonodosaria sp., Austrocolomia sp., Sigmoilina schaeferae, Reophax tauricus. In this paper relation of foraminifera with reefs and carbonate layerthat are generally typical of low energy, bay or lagoon-type, on shallow carbonate ramps and reef facieshas been studied.
N Abbassi; M Parvanehnezhad Shirazi; M.A Hosseinzadeh
Abstract
Albian–Cenomanian siliciclastic-carbonate sediments of northwest Rayen in south Kerman, southeast Iran (526 m) are classifiable to three informal units. Unit one includes conglomerates, sandstones and siltstones with limestone and marl intercalations. Unit two is composed of Orbitolina bearing ...
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Albian–Cenomanian siliciclastic-carbonate sediments of northwest Rayen in south Kerman, southeast Iran (526 m) are classifiable to three informal units. Unit one includes conglomerates, sandstones and siltstones with limestone and marl intercalations. Unit two is composed of Orbitolina bearing limestones with rudists, belemnoid and ammonite bioclasts. Alternations of pelagic limestones and sandstones formed the third unit. Assemblage of continental to marine trace fossils have been found in the first and third units of the studied section, that include Koilosoma isp., Ophiomorpha isp., Palaeophycus isp., Planolites isp., Skolithos isp., Taenidium isp., and Thalassinoides suevicus. These trace fossils belongs to Scoyenia, Skolithos and Cruziana ichnofacies. Abundant Thalassinoides-Phycodes compound trace fossil, however have been found in the third unit. Box-worked Thalassinoides burrow system ends to multi- branched Phycodes borrows. This compound trace fossil is interpreted as feeding-domicile biogenic structure, so that Thalassinoides domichnium ends to Phycodes excavated feeding burrows. Compound Thalassinoides-Phycodes trace fossil extended in the deeper parts of offshore shelf sediments in the studied section. Based on ichnological data, it seems that Albian–Cenomanian sediments of northwest Rayen deposited in a deepening upward sequence.
M Nouredini; M Yazdi; A Ashouri; S Rahmati
Abstract
The Lower Carboniferous deposits (Shishtu II Formation) is exposed in the Banarizeh section, Southeastern Isfahan, Central Iran. The Shishtu II Formation is characterized by continental to shallow marine deposits, where it unconformably overlies the Alluvial deposits and is unconformably overlain by ...
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The Lower Carboniferous deposits (Shishtu II Formation) is exposed in the Banarizeh section, Southeastern Isfahan, Central Iran. The Shishtu II Formation is characterized by continental to shallow marine deposits, where it unconformably overlies the Alluvial deposits and is unconformably overlain by the Sardar Formation. The thickness of Shishtu II Formation reach to 195m and contain moderate diversity, high richness Holothurian sclerites assemblages and other skeletal particles of scatter Crinoids, Brachiopods and Corals. The systematic studies and taxonomic investigation carried out on the collected samples from studies area led to recognition of 8 species belonging mainly to 4 families (Calclamnidae, Achistridae, Palaeocaudinidae, Theelidae). The Holothurian sclerites in Shishtu II Formation are dominantly as: Eocaudina subhexagona, Eocaudina ovalis, Microantyx permiana, Mercedescaudina langeri, Protocaudina hexagonaria, Achistrum monochordata, Thalattocanthus Consonus. Based on sratigraphical distribution of the Holothurian sclerites, Tournaisian- Visean age is suggested for Shishtu II Formation.
I Maghfouri Moghaddam; S Yasboulaghi
Abstract
The Qom Formation is well exposed in Ashtian area (Central Iran). Pelecypoda of the formation in a stratigraphic section of west of Ashtian were examined in terms of paleontological and paleoecological criteria. In this section, the Qom Formation overlies the Lower Red Formation with a gradual contact ...
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The Qom Formation is well exposed in Ashtian area (Central Iran). Pelecypoda of the formation in a stratigraphic section of west of Ashtian were examined in terms of paleontological and paleoecological criteria. In this section, the Qom Formation overlies the Lower Red Formation with a gradual contact and is disconformably overlain by Upper Red Formation. For the first time, the systematic studies of the fauna yielded four genera and two species of small pelecypoda. Common stratigraphic ranges of determinatedpelecypoda with the presence of coexistence foraminifera, give the age of Early Miocene (Aqitanian) for these layers.The distribution of the foraminifera in the studied area indicates that carbonate containing small pelecypoda of the Qom Formation were deposited in an aphotic zone of tropical to subtropical region.
M Mannani; M Yazdi
Abstract
The Nayband Formation in North of Isfahan includesfive Members: 1- Gelkan Member (marl and sandstone), 2- Bidestan Member (sandstone and reefal limestone), 3- Howz- e- Sheikh Member (marl and sandstone), 4- Howz- e- Khan Member (marl and reefal Limestone) and 5- Qadir Member (marl and sandstone). The ...
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The Nayband Formation in North of Isfahan includesfive Members: 1- Gelkan Member (marl and sandstone), 2- Bidestan Member (sandstone and reefal limestone), 3- Howz- e- Sheikh Member (marl and sandstone), 4- Howz- e- Khan Member (marl and reefal Limestone) and 5- Qadir Member (marl and sandstone). The biostromal limestones of Bidestan and Howz-e- Khan Members represent a typical known key bed in North of Isfahan. In Bidestan and Howz-e- Khan Members (Nayband Formation), coral reefs grow up and their distribution are significant in the biostromal limestone of Bidestan and Howz-e- Khan Members of Nayband Formation.Twelve genera and 31 species of Scleractinian corals were recognized in the sereefal members. They included: Reimani phylliidae, Margarophylliidae, Coryphylliidae, Cyclophyllidae, Astraeomorphidae, Pamiroseriidae, Stylophyllidae and Actinastraeidae families. According to the field observations and evidences, laboratory studies and analysis, measurements of the coral size and the destroyed epitecha of the corals, it could beguessed that Scleractinian corals survive below the storm wave base (about 20 meters depth) but they tolerated many storms. Morphology of Scleractinian corals of Late Triassic sea (North of Isfahan) indicates in adequate living conditions and high energy environment. Corals have major role in reconstruction of Paleoenviroment of the Late Triassic units of the North of Isfahan (Nayband Formation) in Dizlu section.
B Ghasemshirazi; M.R Majidifard; A Kheradmand; T Mohtat
Abstract
In this research, the Campanian -Maastrichtian deposits in Jupar section, Central Iran have been studied to determine biozonation and Paleobathymetry of the deposits. The planktonic and benthic foraminifera were studied in order to assign palaeobathymetry of the Campanian- Maastrichtian deposits. A depth ...
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In this research, the Campanian -Maastrichtian deposits in Jupar section, Central Iran have been studied to determine biozonation and Paleobathymetry of the deposits. The planktonic and benthic foraminifera were studied in order to assign palaeobathymetry of the Campanian- Maastrichtian deposits. A depth of 490- 650 m was assigned for most parts of the sediments according to planktonic/epibenthic ratio and the regression equation D = e (3.58718+ (0.03534 × %P*)). In the present investigation, 58 planktonic species of 27 genera have been identified. The Campanian -Maastrichtian deposits is divided into 7 biozones on the basis of planktonic foraminifera, which are cosmopolitan and consist of biozone1-Globotruncanita elevata Partial Range Zone, Biozone2- Globotruncana ventricosa Interval Zone, Biozone3- Globotruncanita calcarata Interval Zone, Biozone4- Globotruncanella havanensis Partial range zone , Biozone5- Globotruncana aegyptiaca Interval zone, Biozone6- Gansserina gansseri Interval zone, and Biozone7- Contusotruncana contusa Interval Zone.
K Rashidi; B Saberzadeh
Abstract
The Upper Triassic sediments in the Central Iran are known as Nayband Formation. They are a set of carbonatic and detritic sediments that can be divided into several members. The carbonatic Bidestan and Howz-e Khan members contain a diverse fauna and flora. In order to study and identify the taxonomic ...
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The Upper Triassic sediments in the Central Iran are known as Nayband Formation. They are a set of carbonatic and detritic sediments that can be divided into several members. The carbonatic Bidestan and Howz-e Khan members contain a diverse fauna and flora. In order to study and identify the taxonomic inventory of the Howz-e Khan member, two profiles were studied in the Naybandan area. The first one is located in southwest of Dig-e Rostam and the second one in southwest of the type locality, which were both sampled systematically. Moreover, unsystematic samples were taken from different parts of the area, which led to the recognition of various algae, foraminifera and sponges. This paper introduces the following sphinctozoan sponges: Nevadathalamia variabilis, Amblysiphonella sp., Discosiphonella sp., Kashanella irregularis, Paradeningeria alpina, Tabasia maxima, Tabasia media, and Tabasia minima.Thelithological and sedimentary structures as well as the microfacies indicate that the Howz-e Khan member has been formed in a shallow marine, near the coastal environment. These circumstances provided perfect conditions for patch-reef-forming organisms (here: sphinctozoan sponges) in the carbonates of the Howz-e Khan member.
F Malek Mahmoodi; M Khalili; H Bagheri
Abstract
Kavir bentonite in the northeast of Isfahan province is a part of the Khur bentonite horizon and lies in the Central Iranian structural zone. This deposits formed by the alteration of Eocene andesite-basalts. Based on the field observation several active faults are responsible in transporting siliceous ...
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Kavir bentonite in the northeast of Isfahan province is a part of the Khur bentonite horizon and lies in the Central Iranian structural zone. This deposits formed by the alteration of Eocene andesite-basalts. Based on the field observation several active faults are responsible in transporting siliceous fluids to the surface and their precipitation as geode, jasperoid and silicic veins. Microscopic observation indicates that these fluids outward alternatively in an alkaline aqueous basin. Chemical compositions of both siliceous and bentonitic samples as well as host volcanic rock show the same trend in trace elements and support the role of this hydrothermal fluid in bentonite formation. Depletion on LILE elements and Cs Positive anomalies is observed in siliceous and bentonitic samples. Oxygen and deuterium stable isotope study document that bentonites formed in temperature of about 83ْc and hydrothermal fluids are essentially derived from a meteoric water origin.
M Khalajmasoumi; M Lotfi; A Memar Kuchebagh; A Khakzad; P Afzal
Abstract
The studied area in the Saghand fifth anomaly is located in the Bafgh-Posht-e-Badam metalogeny belt in the Central Iran zone. Uranium, Thorium and Rare Earth Elements mineralization are hydrothermal and metasomatism type related to area intrusion bodies (Granite and Gabbro available in the north of study ...
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The studied area in the Saghand fifth anomaly is located in the Bafgh-Posht-e-Badam metalogeny belt in the Central Iran zone. Uranium, Thorium and Rare Earth Elements mineralization are hydrothermal and metasomatism type related to area intrusion bodies (Granite and Gabbro available in the north of study area). Uranium of hydrothermal type followed by deep fracture systems and concentrated around the magnetite bodies. The reasons are geochemical environment and alkaline metasomatism of Uranium - Thorium and Rare Earth Elements produced under an important metalogeny cycle in the Central Iran and studied area. The tudied area in special case, Cerium and Yttrium show positive correlation with mineralization of radioactive materials (Uranium – Thorium). Considering the genetic relationship between these elements (Cerium and Yttrium), popular separation of anomalous elements carried out by using classical statistical methods for lithogeochemical data and calculated statistical parameters. Then, the frequency distribution histograms along the calculation were plotted and consequently, the separation of anomalous element populations carried out. High positive correlation among the radioactive elements (U & Th) and Rare Earth Elements such as Cerium and Yttrium indicated that their mineralization phase generated from the same origin. Compilation of geochemical and geological rock unit maps designated that the radioactive ore mineralization was controlled by metasomatism, which produced different types of albite metasomatite, amphibole metasomatite, and albite-amphibole metasomatite from the rocks of pyroclastics, diabase, dacite and gabbro in the area. Uranium and Thorium anomalies calculated by classical statistical methods are mostly distributed in the west, southwest, and central part of the area, but in the central part the Th-intensity relatively was stronger than the Uranium. The anomaly trend for Cerium and Yttrium are the same as the Uranium and Thorium, but Yttrium anomaly in the central part is more intensive than the others.
R Hendi; A.A Hassani pak
Abstract
This paper is part of the results of researches carried out on geochemical characteristics of sediment-hosted copper deposits in the Tabas-Ravar block trying to identify the mineralization host rock characteristics and the source rock of the sediments in the area. For this purpose, not only the common ...
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This paper is part of the results of researches carried out on geochemical characteristics of sediment-hosted copper deposits in the Tabas-Ravar block trying to identify the mineralization host rock characteristics and the source rock of the sediments in the area. For this purpose, not only the common geochemical samples but also a number of heavy mineral and rock samples were collected from the stream sediments and outcrops of the mineralization host rock, respectively. The clastic parts of minerals and components of sediments in this area have been determined based on the heavy mineral and thin section studies. After this stage, the spatial distribution map of included feldspar and metamorphic components of collected samples were prepared based on the sample sites, using “Indicator Kriging” estimation method. Through comparison made between the drawn map and the uniform geology of the neighbor blocks, the source rock supplying the clastic sediments was identified in the west margin of the Ravar – Tabas block in the area of Kalmard and Posht- e Badam Structural blocks. Zircon crystals were used in order to find out the range of age for the probable source rock from which the clastic contents of the host rock of sediment-hosted copper deposits were derived. Zircon was extracted from host rock and heavy mineral samples taken from the study area. The results for zircon crystals dating indicated the presence of four distinctive statistical populations while the principal population of dating results were in conformity with the range of age of the known source rock in the west margin of the basin source rocks and the frequency distribution of zircon crystal ages have a good coincidence with known orogenic processes in Central Iran. Another part of dating results with over 1Ga, suggests two orogenic phases: one in 1.7-2Ga and the other in more than 2.7Ga for basement mother rock of Central Iran.
H. Yarahmadzahi; M. N. Gorgij; S. A. Aghanabati; A. Saeidi
Abstract
The studied section is located west of Tabas (Rahdar Mountion) in the Kalmard Block. The newly named Chili formation, as the first rock unit of the Khan group consist mainly of arenacous limestone, limestone and dolomite and has disconformity contact with underlying lower carboniferous deposits (Padeh ...
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The studied section is located west of Tabas (Rahdar Mountion) in the Kalmard Block. The newly named Chili formation, as the first rock unit of the Khan group consist mainly of arenacous limestone, limestone and dolomite and has disconformity contact with underlying lower carboniferous deposits (Padeh formation) and overlying late Yakhtashian-Early Murgabian (Sartakht formation) bauxite and laterite horizon,in this study 6 genus and 19 species of Fusulinids were recognized which could be grouped in two Biozones. The first biozone correspond to Perigondwania pamirensis Zone belonging to Late Sakmarian. The second one is comparable with Chalaroschwagerina vulgaris Zone of Early Yakhtashian age. The mentioned biozone is fairly comparable with Kalaktash assemblage already reported from Central Pamir,Karakorom, Afghanestan and south Tibet regions.
M. H. Emami; R. Monsef; N. Rashid Nejad Omran
Abstract
Miocene to Pliocene volcanic rocks in the Raveh region have exposed northern part of the Urumieh - Dokhtar Magmatic Belt. Neogene volcanic rocks are situated on Upper Red Formation. Magmatic activity separated in two phase. The first phase is composed of basic to intermediate volcanic rocks such as basaltic-andesite ...
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Miocene to Pliocene volcanic rocks in the Raveh region have exposed northern part of the Urumieh - Dokhtar Magmatic Belt. Neogene volcanic rocks are situated on Upper Red Formation. Magmatic activity separated in two phase. The first phase is composed of basic to intermediate volcanic rocks such as basaltic-andesite to andesitic lavas and pyroclastics (Ngv1).The second phase has intermediate to acidic rocks as well as andesite, quartz andesite and dacite (Ngv2).According to geochemical data, these samples show magmatic affinities to the calc-alkaline series. REE and trace element patterns show LREE enrichment relative to HREE, depletion in Nb, Ta and Ti, and also high Th/Yb and Th/Nb ratios relative to MORB and OIB. The parent magma of the Raveh volcanic rocks, with calc-alkaline compositions, has been originated probably from the metasomatized mantle with effective of fluids and sediment resulted from the Neothytian subducting slab. After collision between Arabian plate and Central Iran Block in Early Cenozoic, region experienced of crustal thickening and volcanism activity formed in relation to localized extensional basin in Early Miocene to Early Pliocene. The volcanism postdates continental collision, occurring in transtentional tectonic setting.
E. Ghasemi-Nejad; M., Asadi; M. Shahmoradi; A. Aghanabati; T. Mohtat
Abstract
The Nayband Formation was sampled at Chal-Sefid and Zard mountains in central Iran, for palynology and palynostratigraphy in order to take the advantage of dinoflagellate cysts to locate the Triassic and so called Jurassic boundary. The Chal-Sefid section is located about 45 km southwest of Kashan city ...
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The Nayband Formation was sampled at Chal-Sefid and Zard mountains in central Iran, for palynology and palynostratigraphy in order to take the advantage of dinoflagellate cysts to locate the Triassic and so called Jurassic boundary. The Chal-Sefid section is located about 45 km southwest of Kashan city and Zard Mountain some 70 km northeast of Esfahan. The studied strata attain a thickness of 1750 meters in Chal-Sefid and 1820 meters in Zard Mountain. They consists sandstone and shale beds. Totally 75 samples from Chal-Sefid and 22 samples from Zard Mountain were collected and treated in the Palynology laboratory of the Geological Survey of Iran. The recorded dinoflagellate cyst species were differentiated in four palynozones in Chal-Sefid and two palynozones in Zard Mountain as follows: Chal-Sefid section: Palynozone 1: Rhaetogonyaulax wigginsii, encompasses 160 meters of the section, suggesting an early to middle Norian age. Palynozone 2: Suessia listeri with a thickness of 140 meters, suggesting a middle Norian age. Palynozone 3: Hebecysta balmei encompasses 550 meters of the section, suggesting middle to late Norian age. Palynozone 4: Rhaetogonyaulax rhaetica with a thickneses of 900 meters suggests an early to middle Rhaetian age. Zard Mountain section: Palynozone 1: Hebecysta balmei, encompasses 442 meters of the section, suggesting a middle to late Norian age. Palynozone 2: Raetogonyaulax rhaetica, encompasses 491 meters of the section, suggesting an early to middle Rhaetian age. It is revealed that all the rock units investigated here are of late Triassic age and no evidence of Jurassic ages was identified.
A. Bayat Gol; N. Abbassi; A. Mahboubi; R. Moussavi-Harami; H. Amin Rasouli
Abstract
Some of Paleozoic sediments from Alborz and Central Iran subzones from Mid-Iran zone evaluated for distinction of Palaeophycus and Planolites ichnofossils. These sediments include Shale Member of Lalun Formation, Shirgesht Formation, member 5 of Mila Formation and Geiroud Formation. A diverse ichnofauna ...
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Some of Paleozoic sediments from Alborz and Central Iran subzones from Mid-Iran zone evaluated for distinction of Palaeophycus and Planolites ichnofossils. These sediments include Shale Member of Lalun Formation, Shirgesht Formation, member 5 of Mila Formation and Geiroud Formation. A diverse ichnofauna has been found in these Formations, so Planolites and Palaeophycus are abundant between them. Ichnotaxa diagnosis and some determination problems of these ichnogenera was discussed here. Overall characteristics of Palaeophycus suggest dwelling structure made by predator or suspension-feeder and passive sedimentation in the open burrow. Planolites, on the other hand imply active backfilling structure in ephemeral burrows, which constructed by a mobile deposite-feeder. Planolites include unlined burrows with infilled sediments differ texturally from host rock. Whereas Palaeophycus is lined burrow filled by same sediments of surrounding matrix. Accordingly, Palaeophycus assemblage members made by opportunistic communities with r-selected population strategies in physically-controlled and unstable environment, whereas ichnofossils of Planolites assemblage are related to benthic communities with displaying K-selected or climax strategies in the stable environments and rather predictable conditions. Recognized ichnospecies of Planolites are P. montanus, P. annularis, P. terraenovae and P.beverleyensis. and ichnospecies of Palaeophycus include P. heberti, P. tubularis, P. striatus. P. sulcatus and P. alternates.
N. A. Rashidnejad Omran; A. A. Fattahi; F. Masoudi
Abstract
The late Eocene post-collisional Khoshoumi- Dar-Anjir intrusive complex consist of two adjacent Khoshoumi granite and Dar Anjir diorite plutons in Saghand area, located in 120 km northeast of Yazd in Central Iran structural zone. This complex intruded within high-grade metamorphic rocks of Chapedony ...
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The late Eocene post-collisional Khoshoumi- Dar-Anjir intrusive complex consist of two adjacent Khoshoumi granite and Dar Anjir diorite plutons in Saghand area, located in 120 km northeast of Yazd in Central Iran structural zone. This complex intruded within high-grade metamorphic rocks of Chapedony Complex. Syenogranite, monzogranite, granodiorite, tonalite and quartzdiorite constitiue its lithologies. Aplitic and micromonzonitic to microdioritic dikes crosscutting the entire body. Hybrid rocks and mafic microgranular enclaves with various shapes and sizes are widely seen in this complex. Geochemical investigations show that these rocks are metaluminous to moderately peraluminous, magnesian and high- K calc- alkaline I- and A-type granitoids. Chonderite- normalized REE patterns of both plutons and related dikes display intra-elemental fractionation (2.72 >(La/Yb)N >41.64) and concentration of LREE and Eu negative anomalies (ave Eu/Eu*= 0.63). Trace elements behavior represent depletion in Nb, Ti, P and enrichment in K, Rb, Ba and Th that could be assigned to mafic magma contamination by crustal materials. Their tectonic setting match with Volcanic Arc Granites (VAG) and Within Plate Granites (WPG). Petrographical, geological and tectonomagmatic characteristics of this intrusive complex are very similar to high- K calc- alkaline granites (KGC) and like most of them, fractional crystallization and mafic – felsic magma mixing play significant role in its evolution and petrogenesis.
A. Keynezhad; M. Pourkermani; M. Arian; A. Saeedi; M. Lotfi
Abstract
Detailed geological and structural analysis of north of Torud-Moalleman area (Central Iran), between Anjilu fault in north and Torud fault in the south, led to tectonic elements of this limit such as fractures and relative of their mechanism with left lateral sheared zone of two main faults. This study ...
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Detailed geological and structural analysis of north of Torud-Moalleman area (Central Iran), between Anjilu fault in north and Torud fault in the south, led to tectonic elements of this limit such as fractures and relative of their mechanism with left lateral sheared zone of two main faults. This study provides a movement system of Chalu, Gandi and Hafez faults in this shear zone. On the basis of kinematics findings and using general methods of fault slip analysis (orientation of slip plane, slip vector, shape of stress ellipsoid and angle of internal friction) region stress field were calculated after determining the angle of internal friction for each one of fault limits. Then, the main stress orientation determinates for combination data that values of ،وwere 195/10, 339/78 and 104/07 respectively. The shape of stress ellipsoid was defined on the basis of shape factor, [R= (-) / (-)], (Angelier, 1975). The R-value for whole studied regions was about 0.5 and deformation type was mainly left lateral transpressional with reverse component. Such results are evident from N-NE (N195) trending in the region and northward movement of the lithosphere. These finding are in line with field research results of fractures, faults and mechanism in this general shear zone.
F. Khorrami; K. Hessami; H.R. Nankali; F. Tavakoli
Abstract
We present the results of continuous GPS measurements to interpret present-day kinematic along and across northern Iran (i.e. the Alborz mountain range and northern part of Central Iranian Block (CIB)). In this study velocity field and geodetic strain rate of 30 CGPS stations from 2005 to 2009 were calculated ...
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We present the results of continuous GPS measurements to interpret present-day kinematic along and across northern Iran (i.e. the Alborz mountain range and northern part of Central Iranian Block (CIB)). In this study velocity field and geodetic strain rate of 30 CGPS stations from 2005 to 2009 were calculated in order to indicate active deformation of the region. The obtained velocity field suggests that western and central part of the Alborz mountains accommodate the convergence between Arabia and Eurasia mainly through shortening at a rate of ~6 mm/yr and 2 mm/yr left-lateral strike slip motion while the eastern Alborz accommodates the differential motion on either side of the range by left-lateral strike slip faults at ~5 mm/yr, as well as 2 mm/yr shortening across the range. It can be deduced from the velocity vectors that main portion of the shortening (~70%) in the western and central Alborz is mainly taken up along the North Alborz and western Khazar faults. It is also evident from the site velocities that ~3 mm/yr shortening is occurring in CIB, i.e. ~1.5 mm/yr on northern side of CIB (along the Parchin-Pishva-Robatkarim faults) and ~1.5 mm/yr along the Tafresh fault. These observations strongly suggest that CIB is not a rigid block. Principal axes of geodetic strain-rate tensor showed that mainly compressional deformation occurs in western Alborz while transpressional deformation is dominant in eastern Alborz. Strain rate decreases in south and south-western parts of the belt, as approaches the CIB. We also observe copmressional deformation in northern margin of CIB. Finally, we indicate that the present-day kinematics of the Alborz mountains is consistent with geological evidence and active tectonics of the region.
A. Rajabi; E. Rastad; N. Rshidnejad Omran; R. Mohammadi Niaei
Abstract
Chahmir Zn-Pb deposit is one of several sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposits (e.g., Koushk, Zarigan, Dareh Dehu & Cheshmeh Firuzeh) located in southeast of Bafq basin hosted within a Early Cambrian volcano-sedimentary sequence, simultaneous with global Cambrian ocean anoxic event, forming in a rift environment. ...
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Chahmir Zn-Pb deposit is one of several sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposits (e.g., Koushk, Zarigan, Dareh Dehu & Cheshmeh Firuzeh) located in southeast of Bafq basin hosted within a Early Cambrian volcano-sedimentary sequence, simultaneous with global Cambrian ocean anoxic event, forming in a rift environment. The host rock units of the Chahmir Zn-Pb deposit includes organic-rich black siltstones with intercalations of tuff and silty tuff overlain by green carbonaceous tuffs. Based on nature of sulfide mineralization, mineralogy and textures of sulfide minerals, the Chahmir deposit can be divided into four different facies. Based on their situation towards the vent of mineralization fluid, these facies include: 1) A massive ore facies (Vent Complex) forms the thicker part of generally massive higher grade ores in east of the deposit. This facies includes two subfacies: the sulfide-silica-carbonate subfacies in center of massive ore and sulfide-carbonate subfacies around it. Sulfide minerals are observed as massive, replacement, vein-veinlets and brecciated colloform textures. 2) Vein-veinlets facies (Feeder Zone) includes sulfide veins and silica that form as a scissors of host rocks under the massive ore facies. Vein-veinlets and replacement textures form main features of this facies. 3) Bedded ore facies which is thinner than the massive ore facies and is characterized by layered and banded feature and low grade ore. This facies occurs as stratiform laminated and banded sulfides contemporaneous with the formation of the host rocks. 4) Distal facies is formed at west of the deposit which is actually a sedimentary equivalent of bedded ore facies. Main characteristics of this facies are presence of disseminated pyrite, banded chert and barite. The most important characteristics of mineralization at the Chahmir deposit such as tectonic setting, host rocks, mineralogy, diffrent facies, show similarities to siltstone and shale hosted Zn-Pb Sedex type deposits. Accordingly, Chahmir is regarded as a Selwyn-Type (Vent Proximal) SEDEX deposit.
J. Daneshian; M. Shahrabi; M. Akhlaghi
Abstract
75 samples of the Qom Formation in Andabad, northeast Mahneshan, were investigated. The Qom Formation in the examined section with a thickness of 301m, mainly consists of limestone and marl, and disconformably overlies the Lower Red Formation and lies under the sediments of the Upper Red Formation. A ...
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75 samples of the Qom Formation in Andabad, northeast Mahneshan, were investigated. The Qom Formation in the examined section with a thickness of 301m, mainly consists of limestone and marl, and disconformably overlies the Lower Red Formation and lies under the sediments of the Upper Red Formation. A study of foraminifera was led to identifying 42 genera and 70 species of the benthonic and plankthonic foraminifera, which 37 genera and 57 species is reported from this area for the first time. Among them, benthonic foraminifera have more varieties and abundances, and used for biostratigraghy. Based on the identified foraminifera, the Andabad section is comparable to Assemblages Zone 1 and 2 introduced by Adams and Bourgeois. On the basis of occurrence of the index foraminiferal species and their stratigraphic distribution, the age of the Qom Formation in the studied section is Early Miocene (Late Aquitanian to Burdigalian).The assemblage, abundance, and species diversity of foraminifera in the examined samples shows noticeable changes in the paleoenvironmental conditions. The maximum diversity of foraminifera is sixteen species. Based on species diversity, the strata classified to nine assemblages A to I. The abundance of foraminifera in each assemblage indicates that the sediments of the Qom Formation belong to inner shelf environments.
A. Shafiei Bafti; M. Shahpasandzadeh
Abstract
According to potential of the intra-continental strike-slip faults for occurrence of large earthquakes, which are also considered as the main elements of active continental deformation, determination of their geometry and kinematics along with recognition of the active segments and temporal structural ...
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According to potential of the intra-continental strike-slip faults for occurrence of large earthquakes, which are also considered as the main elements of active continental deformation, determination of their geometry and kinematics along with recognition of the active segments and temporal structural evolution is necessary. The oblique-slip fault of Ravar with about 137 km length is extending in vicinity of Ravar, north of Kerman. In the north of study area, the fault extends parallel to the Lakar-Kuh fault, but in the south converges toward to the Lakar-Kuh and the Kuh-Banan faults. Upthrusting of the eastern block of the Ravar fault and east-ward thrusting of the Lakar_Kuh fault system constructed a positive flower structure. The motion of the Ravar fault have caused the dextral displacement and an accumulative horizontal displacement of the drainages about 940-970 in the north since Pleistocene. Regarding a minimum horizontal slip-rate of about 0.54 mm/yr, the recurrence time of earthquakes with Mw~ 6.7 would be about 1400 year. In the middle part of the fault, the Reidel fractures of R, R, and P has been well developed and caused a dextral deflection of the Esmail-AbadRiver about 16m. With assumption of characteristic earthquake occurrence, the maximum slip per event could be about 0.75 m, which is consistent with the minimum displacement of the recent gorges. The amount of horizontal dextral displacement of the fault decreases toward to the south, whereas the vertical component of the fault motion increases, so that the Pleistocene deposits show about 10 m difference in elevation across the southern part of the fault. Concerning the trend of meizoseismal zone of 1911/04/18 Ravar earthquake (M~ 5.8, I0~ VIII) and parallelism of trend of the co-seismic surface rupture (N13W) with the southern part of the fault, the Ravar fault could be responsible of this earthquake. In addition, the active cross-faulting of the Dehu, the Dehzanan, the Chatrud, the Pasib, and the Darbid-Khun control the recurrence time and magnitude of the earthquakes in the study area.