CALCAREOUS NANNOFOSSIL BIOSTRATIGRAPHY OF BAGHAMSHAH FORMATION IN EASTERN IRAN, LUT BLOCK (BIRG SECTION)

Abstract

Biostratigraphic studies of the Baghamshah Formation from the Birg section in the northwest of Birjand (Lut Block) are done here for the first time based on the calcareous nannofossils. In the studied section, 82 samples were taken, and smear slides were prepared. The examination of the collected samples resulted in the identification of 65 calcareous nannofossil and 11 didemnid ascidian spicules species belonging to 38 genera corresponding from CC1 to CC4b biozones with the age of early Berriasian to early Hauterivian, according to the Sissingh biozonation. The calcareous nannofossil assemblages are dominated by the following genera: Watznaueria, Nannoconus, Conusphaera, and Cyclagelosphaera.