Bio-Sequence Stratigraphy of Asmari Formation in the Southeast of Norabad (Zagros Basin, SW Iran)

Abstract

Asmari Formation is the thick sequence of carbonate sediment in the range of Oligocene-Miocene which is deposited in the foreland basins of the Zagros and is considered as the original and most famous reservoir rock of Zagros basin. To study of lithostratigraphic units and sequence stratigraphy of this Formation, the section in the southeast of Norabad was selected. Field study indicated that Asmari Formation possessed the thickness of 401.5m and included 9 lithostratigraphic units. According to the study of microfacies, Stacking pattern and identification of main sequence level, three depositional sequences including two-second order and one-third order sequence were recognized. The sea-level curve in the studied section indicated that it was correspondence to the global sea level curve. These facies deposited in five environmental sedimentations as follow Open Sea Shelf (Fore Barrier), Bar, Lagoon, Back bar shelf, and Shoal. The environment is part of a carbonate platform that has been formed on an open shelf. In addition, according to the Study of foraminifer dispersion pattern the range of Asmari Formation in Norabad was suggested to be Oligocene (Rupelian- Chattian) to lower Miocene (Aquitanian- Burdigalian).