Stratigraphy and Palaeontology
Nasrollah Abbassi; Mohammad Vahidinia; Saeid Tavana; Pooria Vaeznia
Abstract
Numerous vertebrate footprints have been found in the dislocated sandstone slabs in the Mashhad city, northeast Iran. Neogene sediments of Chenaran township are supposed to be provenance of the studied slabs. Identified footprints includes artiodactyl tracks as ichnotaxa Bifidipesvelox, Lamaichnum guanicoe, ...
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Numerous vertebrate footprints have been found in the dislocated sandstone slabs in the Mashhad city, northeast Iran. Neogene sediments of Chenaran township are supposed to be provenance of the studied slabs. Identified footprints includes artiodactyl tracks as ichnotaxa Bifidipesvelox, Lamaichnum guanicoe, Pecoripeda amalphaea, Pecoripeda isp., Carnivore tracks as Canipeda isp., and Felipeda isp., and bird tracks as Avidactyla isp., Avipeda gryponyx, Fuscinapeda texana. Among studied slabs, bird tracks are abundant. This is the first report of Cenozoic vertebrate tracks from the Kopeh Dagh geological zone. Discovery of Lamaichnum guanicoe shows Camelidae distribution in Iranian Plateau is as old as Neogene, and it is the first report of Camelidae sign from Iran. Presence of diverse footprints from Kopeh Dagh shows attenable biodiversity in the region of Iran.
Sedimentology
Zeinab Sheikholeslami; , Mahmoudreza Majidifard; Seyed Mohsen Aleali; Mohammad Javanbakht; Morteza Taherpour Khalilabad
Abstract
A unique basement of Kopeh Dagh sedimentary basin is located and investigated in Agh-darband area, northeastern Iran. The second formation of the Agh- darband group, the Nazarkardeh Formation is cropped out in the area by carbonate and volcanogenic successions. This Formation with Anisian age is ...
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A unique basement of Kopeh Dagh sedimentary basin is located and investigated in Agh-darband area, northeastern Iran. The second formation of the Agh- darband group, the Nazarkardeh Formation is cropped out in the area by carbonate and volcanogenic successions. This Formation with Anisian age is overlaid by the Sina Formation, Ladinian age with a sharp boundary and is underlaid by the Sefidkuh Formation with late Scythian in age by a gradual boundary. During this research, four stratigraphic sections are measured from petrology, sequence stratigraphy, microfacies and sedimentary basin points of view. Next this measurement, 300 samples are token and 100 thin sections are made. 11 microfacies with 1 hybrid facies and 3 terrestrial facies are determined. By high resolution studies on these data, this Formation is deposited in lagoon, shoal and open marine which is deposited between the Sefidkuh Formation (carbonate ramp) and the Sina Formation (marginal shelf), so that the depositional environment of the Nazarkardeh Formation is determined as a transitional environment from carbonate ramp to marginal shelf. The existence of hybrid facies show the volcanic activities during deposition of this Formation. the existence of intraformation and monomictic conglomerate in the last depositinal stages of this formation, shows the falling and collapse facies next to the deep floor changes of the sedimentary basin. The sea level change graphs in A, B, C and D stratigraphic sections in contrast with sea level change graphs of Anisian (middle Triassic) shows a third level sequence stratigraphy and is markable by a non-erosional boundary (SB2) on the basis on top of the A, B, C and D stratigraphic sections.
Tectonics
M. Kouhpeyma; M. Talebian; L. Chen; A. Ghods; M. Ghorashi
Abstract
The Kopeh Dagh and Binalud-Alla Dagh mountains are important structural elements located in the northeastern boundary of Arabia-Eurasia collision zone. Due to existence of large cities with a long history of civilization, there is a relatively rich body of data on historical seismicity in this area. ...
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The Kopeh Dagh and Binalud-Alla Dagh mountains are important structural elements located in the northeastern boundary of Arabia-Eurasia collision zone. Due to existence of large cities with a long history of civilization, there is a relatively rich body of data on historical seismicity in this area. Nonetheless, little adequate instrumental seismic data were available prior to this study. In this paper, we utilized the temporary China-Iran local seismic network data deployed in the area for 13 months. Based on this data, we determined 37 focal solutions through first motion polarity approach suggesting a combination of strike-slip, reverse and normal mechanisms. There is a significant concentration of epicenters and focal mechanisms around the eastern Alborz - Kopeh Dagh boundary along the Atrak River. The southern and western boundaries of the Binalud Mountains also show relatively high seismic activities. The Local magnitude (ML) of the events ranges from 3.5 to 4.9 with depths of up to 20 km, mostly concentrated at ~10 km. The principal stress axes and slip vectors obtained from the focal mechanisms agree well with kinematic state of main faults and tectonic regime of the area, confirming the seismogenic nature of these faults. In addition, they are consistent with right-lateral component of slip along thrust faults in eastern Kopeh Dagh and Binalud and both laft- and right-lateral motions in the central Kopeh Dagh.
Sedimentology
Gholamreza Hosseinyar; Reza Moussavi-Harami; Iraj Abdollahi fard; Asadollah Mahboubi; Hamidreza Mosaffa
Abstract
Identification of falling-stage system tracts (FSST) in sequence stratigraphy has important role in sequence boundary recognition and exploration researches. However, formation and preservation chance of its related facies in the fluvial successions is very low. This study pays to signs and evidence ...
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Identification of falling-stage system tracts (FSST) in sequence stratigraphy has important role in sequence boundary recognition and exploration researches. However, formation and preservation chance of its related facies in the fluvial successions is very low. This study pays to signs and evidence of identification of the FSST in sequence stratigraphy with an example from Lower Cretaceous fluvial Shurijeh Formation in the east Kopeh Dagh Basin. Integration of 3D seismic data with boreholes data from seven wells and four outcrop sections (Shurijeh Village, Anjeer-Bulagh, Mozduran Pass and Qorqoreh) used in this study. Results show that during Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous marine regression fine-grained and hybrid carbonate-siliciclastic facies in the base of the Shurijeh Formation are belong to falling stage system tract. These facies deposited in low energy condition in flood plain and coastal plain, related to the shoreline trajectory. Based on seismic stratigraphic study, fluvial system tocks place and channels created in the basin, during sea/base level forced regression. Quantitative seismic geomorphological analyses indicate that existed channels were hydraulically as bypassing channels.
A Mosavinia; K Seyed-Emami; A.A Aryai
Abstract
The Aitamir Formation follows conformably but with a sharp boundary the dark shales of Sanganeh Formation (Aptian-early Albian) and is followed discontinuously by the whitish marls and chalky limestones of the Abderaz Formation (Turonian-Coniacian). 7 species, 13 genera and 2 subgenera of ammonites are ...
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The Aitamir Formation follows conformably but with a sharp boundary the dark shales of Sanganeh Formation (Aptian-early Albian) and is followed discontinuously by the whitish marls and chalky limestones of the Abderaz Formation (Turonian-Coniacian). 7 species, 13 genera and 2 subgenera of ammonites are reported in this paper. The following genera and species, found in the Iranian Kopeh Dagh region, are reported for the first time: Anahoplites cf. praecox Spath, 1925, Anahoplites mantelli Spath, 1925, Epihoplites aff. trifidus (Spath, 1923) and Hysteroceras orbignyi (Spath, 1922). The described specimen of Dinosauria comes from the upper part of the Aitamir Formation in Zawin Section. The fragment of the Dino was found on the topmost sandstone layer of the section, together with a number of mortonoceratid ammonites, indicating a late Albian (Mortoniceras inflatum Zone) age. So far, it is the first record of marine Dinosauria from the Certaceous of Iran.
M. Motamedalshariati; A. Sadeghi; H. Vaziri Moghadam; R. Moussavi Harami
Abstract
A stratigraphic section in west of Maraveh Tappeh town has been selected and measured in order to study the Aitamir Formation in north west of Kopeh Dagh. The Aitamir Formation with 1070 m thickness, consists of sandstone in the lower part and shale and marl in the upper part. The lower and upper boundaries ...
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A stratigraphic section in west of Maraveh Tappeh town has been selected and measured in order to study the Aitamir Formation in north west of Kopeh Dagh. The Aitamir Formation with 1070 m thickness, consists of sandstone in the lower part and shale and marl in the upper part. The lower and upper boundaries of the Aitamir Formation with Sanganeh and Abdraz Formations are conformable. The biostratigraphic studies led to identification of 34 genera and 58 species of planktonic and benthonic foraminifera. Based on foraminifera assemblage three biozones are suggested as follows: Rotalipora appenninica zone, Rotalipora brotzeni zone, Whiteinella aumalensis –Dicarinella canaliculata zone. These biozones coincidence with global biozones. Based on foraminiferal fauna, a Late Albian to Late Cenomanian age is suggested for the upper shale member of Aitamir Formation.
M. Talebian
Abstract
The north east of Iran, extending from central Alborz to Kopeh Dagh Mountains, is one of the most seismically active regions of Iran. Several large and ancient cities are located in this region and thus provide relatively reach documented history of earthquakes. Numerous active faults have been known ...
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The north east of Iran, extending from central Alborz to Kopeh Dagh Mountains, is one of the most seismically active regions of Iran. Several large and ancient cities are located in this region and thus provide relatively reach documented history of earthquakes. Numerous active faults have been known in this area, some of them have already been under geological investigations, yet many needs to be studied. However, recent geodetic measurements provide a general view about rates of strike slip and shortening across the region. This study evaluates potential of implementing geologic and geodetic data in seismic hazard assessment in this part of Iran. To achieve this, the region of study has been divided to 5 structural zones. The moment accumulating rate was then calculated for each zone using both geological and geodetic measurements. This moment has been compared with moment released by earthquakes. Comparison of seismic moment released by instrumental and historical earthquakes with moment accumulating rate along major active faults suggest that geologic and geodetic data can be considered as a reliable source of information in seismic hazard analysis, especially where there is no sufficient record of earthquakes in the catalogs.
R. Tavakoli; S. A. Aghanabati
Abstract
Tirgan and Sarchshmeh Formations, Aptian age, belong lithostratigraphically to Kopeh Dagh, for many reasons, with reference to lithology and biology contents that can be compared with Orbitolina limestone in the Central Iran. The similarities between these unites were the reason to compare the Mozdooran ...
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Tirgan and Sarchshmeh Formations, Aptian age, belong lithostratigraphically to Kopeh Dagh, for many reasons, with reference to lithology and biology contents that can be compared with Orbitolina limestone in the Central Iran. The similarities between these unites were the reason to compare the Mozdooran section (Kopeh Dagh) with Baharestan section (Esfehan) by studying 71 lithology samples and 57 washing samples and found many similarities in lithology and biology.
The similarities of environments and type of sedimentation basins, would command this possibility that Aptian to Albian sea of the Kopeh Dagh was spread out through the Central Iran. This result can indicate the close relation between the Kopeh Dagh and Central Iran in the aforementioned time periods.
L. Bakhshandeh; A. Aghanabati; T. Mohtat
Abstract
The first studied Abtalkh Formation with Campanian – Maastrichtian age is well exposed in Kopeh Dagh area (Mozduran section). This formation conformably underlain carbonates of Abderaz Formation and overlain by Neyzar sandeston Formation, both formations have a gradual contact.
The second studied ...
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The first studied Abtalkh Formation with Campanian – Maastrichtian age is well exposed in Kopeh Dagh area (Mozduran section). This formation conformably underlain carbonates of Abderaz Formation and overlain by Neyzar sandeston Formation, both formations have a gradual contact.
The second studied formation so called Echinid marl formation of Santonian –Late Campanian age is exposed in Baharestan section, Central Iran, Esfehan area.
Based on 100 studied samples, there are litological and paleontological similarities between Abtalkh and Echinid marl formations. These evidences support strongly paleoecological and environmental similarities.
This ascertainment shows the close relation between the Kopeh Dagh and Central Iranbasins.
The fossil evidences found in both sections are as follow:
Globotruncana ventricosa (White), Globotruncanita elevata (Brotzen)
Globotruncana arca (Cushman), Globotruncanita stuartiformis (Dalbiez)
Globotruncana bulloides Volger, Globotruncana lapparenti Brotzen
Globotruncanita calcarata (Cushman), Globotruncana linneiana (d' Orbigny)
N. Haghipour
Abstract
Folded and faulted Kopeh Dagh-Binalud belt in the northeast of Iran is a part of Eurasia and southern margin of Touran plate. What is now observed is the result of the latest Phase of Alpine folding. The morphology of the area is in early stage and its young ...
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Folded and faulted Kopeh Dagh-Binalud belt in the northeast of Iran is a part of Eurasia and southern margin of Touran plate. What is now observed is the result of the latest Phase of Alpine folding. The morphology of the area is in early stage and its young folds express direct relevance between topography and geological structures. In order to evaluate uplift and distribution of compressional forces, stream- gradient (SL) and hypsometric (HI) analyses were carried out for 85 subbasins and 98 rivers of the major basins of the area (Atrakrud, Kashafrud, Jajarm, Gorganrud and Tourkamanestan plain rivers). Integration of the morphometric maps of SL and HI illustrates clearly the tectonic anomalies. Five highly uplifted morphotectonic zones were identified based on the morphotectonic indices as follows:
1) The middle part of Ashkabad Fault between geographical coordinates of: 56 47 E, 38 35 N to 57 34 E, 37 56N.
2) Gorganrud's sub-basins particularly located between Shavard fault (in the south) and eastern part of the Khazar fault (in the north).
3) Basins associated with Nokhandan, Qareh –Dagh, Sorkhdeh and Amrudak Faults.
4) Basins associated with Shogan and Gelli Faults are the Jajarm subbasins.
5) The northern foothill basins of BinaludMountain, compared with the southern foothill basins, show remarkable higher uplifting and shortening which seem to be related to the Binaloud and North Neyshabur fault.
In addition to high uplifted zones, some intermediate – low uplifted zones such as west - southwest part of Sarakhs, southern foothill subbasins of Atrakrud (associated with Takalkuh Fault and Ashkhaneh fault zone), Jajarm's subbasin in the eastern part of AladaghMountain were recognized.
L. Bakhshandeh; A. Aghanabati; F. Keshani; T. Mohtat
Abstract
To revise the Abderaz Formation in Koppeh-Dagh basin, its type section was studied considering stratigraphical properties. The main lithology of Abderaz Formation includes gray to blue shale with a thickness of 286.86 meters. This Formation has an attitude of N 45˚ W and 80˚ ...
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To revise the Abderaz Formation in Koppeh-Dagh basin, its type section was studied considering stratigraphical properties. The main lithology of Abderaz Formation includes gray to blue shale with a thickness of 286.86 meters. This Formation has an attitude of N 45˚ W and 80˚ SW. Its lower boundary with Aitamir Formation is unconformable and upper boundary with Abtalkh Formation conformable.
In this study, 58 planktonic species of 26 genuses were identified and presented. The age of Abderaz Formation, based on the identified planktonic foraminifera, was determined from Early Turonian to Early Campanian. Planktonic foraminifera fossils found in Abderaz Formation are more abundant than benthic foraminifera ones that show deep sea and continental slope environment.
Regarding the foraminifera content of the Abderaz Formation, 7 biozones were determined in the Mozduran section (Kopeh-Dagh) which shows Early Turonian – Early Campanian age for Abderaz Formation.
