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Biostratigraphy Study of Tarbur Formation (Upper Cretaceous) in Tang-E

Kushk and East of Sarvestan (SW of Iran)

Article  in  Journal of Earth Science · April 2014

DOI: 10.1007/s12583-014-0431-9

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Journal of Earth Science, Vol. 25, No. 2, p. 263–274, April 2014 ISSN 1674-487X
Printed in China
DOI: 10.1007/s12583-014-0431-9

Biostratigraphy Study of Tarbur Formation (Upper Creta-

ceous) in Tang-E Kushk and East of Sarvestan (SW of Iran)
Massih Afghah*, Shohreh Yaghmour
Geology Department of Islamic Azad University, Shiraz Branch, Shiraz, Iran

ABSTRACT: In this study, 465 m of Tarbur Formation in Tang-e Kushk and east of Sarvestan area
stratigraphic sections are studied and 185 thin sections are provided and analyzed. Based on
lithostratigraphic studies, Tarbur Formation in these two stratigraphic sections is divided into upper
and lower parts. Lower part includes medium-bedded rudist limestones which is consist of iron nod-
ules with Gastropoda. Upper part is made of light grey massive organodetrital limestone. Identified
foraminifers of both studied sections are comprised of: Orbitoides media, Orbitoides triangularis, Orbi-
toides tissoti, Orbitoides orientalis, Orbitoides apiculata, Antalyna korayi, Rotalia skourensis, Dicyclina
schlumbergeri, Nezzazatinella sp., Omphalocyclus macroporus, Trochospira sp., Siderolites calcitrapoides,
Broeckinella sp., Lepidorbitoides socialis, Gavelinella pertusa, are detected, and also it has Dasycladacea
of Salpingoporella dinarica, Salpingoporella turgida, Salpingoporella sp.. According to diagnosed fo-
raminifera, the age determination of Tarbur Formation is assigned to Upper Maastrichtian.
KEY WORDS: Maastrichtian, Tarbur Formation, biostratigraphy, foraminifera, Zagros, Iran.

1 INTRODUCTION particularly in Tarbur Formation. Since Tarbur Formation is well

Upper Cretaceous succession of the Zagros Basin is so
significant because of variation of litho and biofacies. Discrep-
ancy between lithostratigraphic data and biostratigraphic limit
in various stratigraphic sections have been recorded in Fars
Platform before (Afghah and Farhoudi, 2012). Upper Creta-
ceous succession was described in Zagros Basin, Fars area as
Tarbur Formation by James and Wynd (1965) which is com-
posed rudist limestone. The age determination of Tarbur For-
mation is assigned to Campanian-Maastrichtian by their work.
It should emphasize that the age determination of the Tarbur
Formation has been provided by rudists. Actually rudist frag-
ments are well distributed in Tarbur limestone which are asso-
ciated with foraminifers. Askari et al. (2012) identified rudist
taxa in Central Zagros region. According to Askari et al. (2012),
Praeradiolites plicatus, Sauvagesia cf. somalica, Bornonia
anatolica, Hippurites cornucopiae have recorded from Tarbur
Formation. Based on their study, the Tarbur Formation is as-
signed to Maastrichtian. Other studies support that the Tarbur
limestone is related to different ages in various stratigraphic
sections (Afghah and Farhoudi, 2012; Afghah, 2005; Khosrow
and Afghah, 2004). Then various biostratigraphic limits of the
Tarbur outcrops have great support for reconstruction of paleo-
geographic interpretation of studied area during Upper Creta-
ceous. However foraminifer biostratigraphy is common method
to determine biostratigraphic limits of Zagros rock units
*Corresponding author: massihafg2002@yahoo.com
© China University of Geosciences and Springer-Verlag Berlin
Heidelberg 2014
Manuscript received April 23, 2013.
Manuscript accepted November 12, 2013.
distributed in narrow line which is parallel to Zagros main thrust
fault (Afghah, 2010), therefore establishment of biozones so
significant for completely biostratigraphic data of Tarbur rudist
limestone. Tarbur rudist is distinguished between Gurpi (at the
base) and Marl of Sachun (on the top) formations. Many workers
have documented an iron nodule zone between Tarbur and Sa-
chun formations as erosional period (Khosrow and Afghah, 2004;
James and Wynd, 1965). The upper limit of this formation is
usually selected from the anhydrite horizon base or marly lime-
stone sequence of Sachun Formation basal part (Arzaghi et al.,
2012). Evaporites of Sachun is not common in all exposures
along Fars Platform, generally marls and limy marls are observed
in eastern of Shiraz area.
Importance of biostratigraphic study of the Tarbur Forma-
tion in Tang-e Kushk and east of Sarvestan stratigraphic sections
supports regional aspect of geologic setting and paleogeographic
reconstruction of Upper Cretaceous strata along study area. Fur-
thermore comparison of biostratigraphic data of mentioned area
with other stratigraphic section which are located in other part of
Zagros led us to interpret paleoenvironmental condition of the
Tarbur Formation.
2 GEOGRAPHICAL AND GEOLOGIC SETTING
The studied stratigraphic sections are located between geo-
graphical coordination such as: 53°N to 54°N and 22°30'E to
29°00'E which are located in eastern Shiraz City (Fig. 1). Geo-
graphic coordination of Tang-e Kushk stratigraphic section is
related to 29°23'8''N and 53°21'34''E and Sarvestan stratigraphic
section locality is situated at geographic coordination
(29°17'45''N and 53°15'15''E). Based on Iran structural division
(Stoecklin, 1968), the studied stratigraphic sections are located
within Zagros folded zone. Alavi (2004) have confirm tectonic

Afghah, M., Yaghmour, S., 2014. Biostratigraphy Study of Tarbur Formation (Upper Cretaceous) in Tang-E Kushk and East of
Sarvestan (SW of Iran). Journal of Earth Science, 25(2): 263–274, doi:10.1007/s12583-014-0431-9
264
29o38'
Caspian Sea
Shiraz
Iran
Shiraz
Pe
rs
ia
n
G
ul
f Sarvestan
Figure 1. Location map of the studied stratigraphic sections, each stratigraphic section is represented by star.
zonal classification similar Stoecklin (1968). Based on James
and Wynd (1965) both stratigraphic sections are located in
interior Fars area.
2.1 History of Tarbur Formation Studies
Tarbur Formation was firstly studied by James and Wynd
(1965) have selected type section of the Tarbur Formation. A
collection of rich-rudist deposits have been expanded in the
south east of Tethys during Campanian–Maastrichtian time,
which is called Tarbur Formation in Zagros zone (Motiei,
1992).
Based on Kalantari (1976) the Tarbur Formation has com-
prised of a row of dark gray or brown crystalline limestone
along with argilltic and organodetrital limestone with intercala-
tion gray calcareous silty shales, and finally, grey organodetri-
tal dolomites. His biostratigraphic study has been reflected
Maastrichtian age of Tarbur Formation. Moosavi and Askari
(2008) had studied biostratigraphgy of Tarbur Formation in
Dorahan (Charmahal & Bakhtiyari Province).
Afghah and Khosrow (2004) had studied and analyzed
lithostratigraphic units and depositing environment of Tarbur
Formation in the northeast and southeast of Shiraz. Based on
their study, Tarbur limestone is divided into two distinct
lithostratigraphic units. They believe that the reefs of Tarbur
Formation in the interior Fars with regard to their bedding in
sedimentary basin are tidal continental margin reef.
Also, microbiostratigraphy, microfacies, and sedimentary
environment of Tarbur Formation in the south east of Shiraz
have been analyzed by Afghah and Yousefzadeh (2006).
Lithostratigraphic subdivisions of the Tarbur Formation was
finalized in Fars area by Afghah (2009).
3 METHODS AND MATERIALS
In order to biostratigraphy study in eastern Shiraz two
stratigraphic columns were selected. Lithostratigraphic limits
of both sections were determined by field work. Over 250
samples were collected. Stratigraphic distribution of lithofacies
are marked. By 1 : 250 000 map of National Iranian Oil Co.
tectonic setting and other lithostratigraphic units are studied
particularly trend of major faults. Thin sections are provided
from collected samples. In order to identification of fo-
raminifers, we used Afghah and Farhoudi (2012), Dieni (2010),
Çaglar (Kaya) and Önal (2009), Georgescu and Almogi-Labin
(2008), Khosrow and Afghah (2004), Permoli and Verga
Massih Afghah and Shohreh Yaghmour 
29o28'N
52o54'E
N
Dariyan
Kherameh
Tang-e Kushk
0 8.6 km
53o12'E
(2004), Abdelghany (2003), Permoli et al. (1995), Kalantari
(1994, 1976) and Rahaghi (1976).
4 LITHOSTRATIGRAPHY
As mentioned before, Tarbur Formation is marked as rud-
ist limestone between shaly Gurpi and marly Sachun forma-
tions. Field investigations are great support of lower and upper
lithostratigraphic boundary of Tarbur limestone in Tang-e
Kushk stratigraphic section whereas lower contact of Sarvestan
Tarbur stratigraphic column is not exposed. The Tarbur Forma-
tion of both stratigraphic sections are divided into two sepa-
rated lithostratigraphic parts which are composed lower well-
bedded rudist limestone and upper massive organodetrital
limestone. Field measurement of Tarbur lower part is reflected
130 m thickness of brown to green well-bedded limestone with
iron nodules. Organic constituents of this part are consisted of
Gastropoda, rudist, and foraminifers. Lower contact of Tarbur
Formation has developed discontinuously Gurpi Formation in
Tang-e Kushk Section. Upper portion of the Tarbur limestone
is mainly consisted of grey to milky rudist massive limestone
which is covered by marly limestone of Sachun Formation.
Whole thickness of Tarbur Formation is measured 365 m in
this stratigraphic column (Fig. 2). The lower contact of Tarbur
Formation of Sarvestan stratigraphic section is not exposed, but
similar Tang-e Kushk Section, two separated lithostratigraphic
portions are distinguishable which are described as lower and
upper parts. The lower part is generally composed cream,
brown to grey medium-bedded rudist limestone. Recognized
iron nodules are rarely detected in this portion. Additionally the
lower part is extended 32 m. The upper part is mainly consisted
of light grey, cream to grey massive rudist limestone which is
underlain by evaporites of Sachun Formation (Fig. 3). It should
be notice the rudists are observable as crushed fragments in
both stratigraphic sections, but rarely uncrushed rudists are
investigated.
4.1 Biozonation of Tarbur Formation in Tang-e Kushk
Stratigraphic Section
Stratigraphic distribution of well known foraminifers have
supported one biozone in each stratigraphic column of Tarbur
Formation. The established biozone of Tang-e Kushk strati-
graphic section is nominated as Orbitoides media and Ompha-
locyclus macroporus assemblage zone and described biozone
of Sarvestan stratigraphic column is named Orbitoides media
Biostratigraphy Study of Tarbur Formation (Upper Cretaceous)
zone.
Lower biostratigraphic limit of the Tang-e Kushk Tarbur
Formation is marked by disappearance of Early Maastrichtian
planktonic foraminifers of Gurpi Formation which is synchro-
nous with appearance of benthic foraminifers of Tarbur Forma-
tion. Diagnosed planktonic Foraminifers of uppermost Gurpi
Formation are including Globotruncana ventricosa and Glo-
botruncana arca.
4.2 Tang-e Kushk Biozone
As mentioned before, established biozone of this section is
named as Orbitoides media and Omphalocyclus macroporus
Figure 2. Lithostratigraphic diagram of Tang-e Kushk stratigraphic section.
265
assemblage zone. Actually this biozone is marked by the first
occurrence of Orbitoides media and Omphalocyclus macro-
porus. The common foraminifer taxa which are associated with
both of mentioned Foraminifera are comprised by Dicyclina
schlumbergeri, Antalyna korayi, Rotalia skourensis, Orbitoides
tissoti, Orbitoides sp., Dicyclina sp., Minouxia sp., Nezzazati-
nella sp., Rotalia sp., Lepidorbitoides socialis, Trochospira sp.
Rotalia skourensis, Orbitoides triangularis, Orbitoides orien-
talis, Dictyoconella sp., Broeckinella sp., Trochospira sp.,
Loftusia minor, Siderolites sp., Siderolites calcitrapoides, and
dasycladacea are including Salpingoporella dinarica, Salpin-
goporella turgida, Salpingoporella sp.. Rahaghi (1976)
266 Massih Afghah and Shohreh Yaghmour 

Stratigraphical column

Thickness (m)
Formation
Field description

Member
System

Series

Stage

Sachun Formation
Paleocene

Danian
Lower

90 Massive limestone, cream and grey weathered color,

with rudist fragment

Massive limestone, cream and grey weathered color

Upper

60
Massive limestone, milky and grey weathered color
with rudist fragment
Maastrichtian
Upper

Tarbur Formation
Cretaceous

Massive limestone, milky and grey weathered color

30

Medium-bedded limestone, grey and brown weathered color

Lower

Medium-bedded limestone, cream and brown weathered color

with iron nodules 5.5 m
Medium-bedded limestone, cream and brown weathered color
0
0

Massive limestone Medium-bedded limestone

?
Hormoz salt Marly limestone

Figure 3. Lithologic column of Tarbur Formation at east Sarvestan section.

has been recorded Orbitoides orientalis from Maastrichtian orientalis, Orbitoides sp., Antalina korayi, Dicyclina schlum-
strata of western Iran. Zambetakis and Kemeridou (2004) have bergeri, Dicyclina sp., Minouxia sp., Nezzazatinella sp., Dic-
recognized Omphalocyclus macroporus, Loftusia minor, Orbi- tyoconella sp. are common in packstone and grainstone lithofa-
toides media, Orbitoides apiculata, and Siderolites calci- cies of upper part of this stratigraphic section of Tarbur Forma-
trapoides from Maastrichtian succession of eastern Greece tion. Miliolids and other imperforate foraminifers are associ-
platform. The stratigraphic section of Tang-e Kushk has diver- ated with orbitoids as faunal assemblage particularly in upper
sity and abundance of different species. Lepidorbitoides so- portion of Tang-e Kushk stratigraphic section of Tarbur lime-
cialis, Trochospira sp. and also rarely Salpingoporella turgida stone.
are recognized in the lower portion of the stratigraphic section Antalyna korayi have been recorded from Late Maas-
of Tang-e Kushk. Rotalia skourensis, Rotalia sp., Orbitoides trichtian strata of Iran and Turkey by many authors (Afghah,
media, Orbitoides triangularis, Orbitoides tissoti, Orbitoides 2010; Khosorow and Afghah, 2004). The first appearance of

 
268
of the Sarvestan stratigraphic section is not exposed. The first
taxon which have been identified in this stratigraphic section
was Orbitoides media. Generally one biozone is established in
this stratigraphic column which is named Orbitiodes media
biozone.
4.4 Orbitoides media Biozone
This biozone is described by the first occurrence of Orbi-
toides media. It is comprised of medium to massive grey rudist
Figure 5. Biostratigraphic diagram as of East Sarvestan stratigraphic section.
Massih Afghah and Shohreh Yaghmour 
limestone which is measured 95 m in thickness. As mentioned
before, the basal part of Tarbur Formation is dolomitized.
Hence, there is no evidence of foraminiferal biofacies. Orbi-
toides media taxon range zone is associated with Nezzazati-
nella sp., Orbitoides sp., Lepidorbitoides sp., Loftusia minor,
Dicyclina sp., Caskinolina sp., and dasycladacea Salpin-
goporella dinarica and Salpingoporella sp. (Fig. 5). There are
many documents that confirm Maastrichtian age of each identi-
fied foraminifer of this biozone. Afghah and Farhoudi (2012)
Biostratigraphy Study of Tarbur Formation (Upper Cretaceous) 269

have recorded Loftusia minor from Maastrichtian succession of

Sachun Formation
eastern Shiraz (SW of Iran). Zambetakis and Kemeridou (2004)

Paleocene
documented Loftusia minor from Maastrichtian sediment of

Danian
Lower
Greece.
Based on Wynd’s (1965) biozonation which confirm Orbi-
toides media as Campanian taxon in interior Fars area whereas it is
recognizable with Masstrichtian foraminifer taxa. Khosrow and
Afghah (2004), Afghah and Yousefzadeh (2006) and Afghah and
Farhoudi (2012) documented association of Orbitoides media with
index Maastrichtian foraminifer taxa such as: Lepidorbitoides sp.

Tarbur Formation
Loftusia minor. Therefore the age of this biozone is assigned to

Maastrichtian
Cretaceous
Upper
Maastrichtian age. Globotruncana ventricosa, Globotruncana 20 m
arca, Heterohelix sp., Globotruncana stauriformis, Globotrun- 0
cana orientalis species have all been distinguished according to Datum line
the studies carried out on Gurpi Formation which is, actually,
Limestone
the lower stratigraphic section to have been studied, based on
Shale
which all Gurpi formation age in this zone is Early Maas-
Well-bedded limestone
trichtian (Fig. 5) Marly limestone
Covered
5 CONCLUSION Hormoz salt
Biostratigraphic data of this article confirm different age
determination of Tarbur Formation studied outcrops. Vertical
Figure 6. Correlation of both studied sections of the Tarbur
distribution of the diagnosed foraminifers reflects the diversity
Formaion.
of foraminiferal genus and species studied in these two sections
particularly in Tang-e Kushk stratigraphic section. Faunal
REFERENCES CITED
assemblage of both studied sections are the same as previous
Abdelghany, O., 2003. Late Campanian-Maastrichtian Fo-
biostratigraphic data (Afghah and Farhoudi, 2012; Khosrow
raminifera from the Simsima Formation, on the Western
and Afghah, 2004). Upper biostratigraphic limit of both strati-
Side of the Northern Oman Mountains. Cretaceous Re-
graphic columns are similar, therefore it acceptable boundary
search, 24(4): 391–405
between Upper Cretaceous and Lower Paleocene as synchro-
Afghah, M., 2005. Microbiostratigraphic Study of Tarbur For-
nous in both stratigraphic sections. Stratigraphic distribution of
mation in Khan-E Kat & Chehelcheshmeh. 9th Iranian
index foraminifers confirms Upper Maastrichtian age of the
Geology Society, Tehran. 354–367
Tarbur Formation in Tang-e Kushk stratigraphic column
Afghah, M., 2009. New Investigations of the Tarbur Formation
whereas there is no biostratigraphic data of separable of Maas-
Lithostratigraphy in the Review of Type Section and Its
trichtian strata in east of Sarvestan stratigraphic section. There
Correlation with Kuk-E Tir Section. Journal of Science Is-
are many documents which confirm continuous sedimentation
lamic Azad University, 19(73): 183–196
between Gurpi and Tarbur Formations (Afghah and Farhoudi,
Afghah, M., 2010. Biozonation and Biostratigraphic Limits of
2012; Khosrow and Afghah, 2004; James and Wynd, 1965).
the Tarbur Formation around Shiraz (SW of Iran): [Disser-
Occurrence of Early Campanian pelagic foraminifers of upper
tation]. Westefaelische Wilhelms Universitaet, Muenster.
parts of Gurpi Formation approved obvious disconformity
171
between Gurpi and Tarbur formations in studied area. It is
Afghah, M., Farhoudi, G., 2012. Boundary between Upper
necessary to note that Kalantari’s study (1976) did not distin-
Cretaceous and Lower Paleocene in the Zagros Mountain
guish this disconformity. Since Sarvestan fault affected this
Ranges of Southwestern Iran. Acta Geologica Sinica,
area, it is logic to conclude Tang-e Kushk section biozone was
86(2): 325–338
controlled by this fault during Maasrtichtian. Biostratigraphic
Afghah, M., Khosrow, T. K., 2004, Lithostratigraphic Units of
data of upper lithostratigraphic limit of Gurpi and lower Tarbur
Tarbur Formation in North East and South East of Shiraz.
formations are a proof of a stratigraphic gap in Middle Maas-
Journal of Science Islamic Azad University, 14(53): 1–30
trichtian period.
Afghah, M., Yousefzadeh, E., 2006. Microfacies and Sedimen-
The lower limit of Tang-e Kushk stratigraphic section is
tary Environment of Carbonate Deposits of Tarbur Forma-
discontinuous with Gurpi Formation. Also, the lower limit of
tion in Kherameh Section, the South East of Shiraz. Ap-
the East Sarvestan stratigraphic section has been limited with
plied Geology Publication, 3(2): 1–6
salt dome, while upper limit of Tarbur Formation in both sec-
Alavi, M., 2004. Regional Stratigraphy of the Zagros Fold-
tions comprises of evaporites of Sachun Formation.
Thrust Belt of Iran and Its Proforeland Evolution. Ameri-
Although there is a difference between the lower limit of
can Journal of Science, 304: 1–20
Tarbur Formation in both sections under study, the upper limit
Arzaghi, S., Khosrow Tehrani, K., Afghah, M., 2012. Sedimen-
of which is upper Maastrichtian and the datum line could be
tology and Petrography of Paleocene–Eocene Evaporites:
considered as the end of Maastrichtian (Fig. 6).
the Sachun Formation, Zagros Basin, Iran. Carbonates
Biostratigraphy Study of Tarbur Formation (Upper Cretaceous) 271

Plate I

1. Orbitoides triangularis Checchia-Rispoli, 1911, longitudinal section, Tang-e Kushk Section.

2. Orbitoides orientalis Rahaghi, 1976, longitudinal section,Tang-e Kushk Section.
3. Orbitoides media (d’Archic, 1873), longitudinal section, Tang-e Kushk Section.
4. Lepidorbitoides socialis Schlumberger, 1901, sub longitudinal section, Sarvestan Section.
5. Orbitoides apiculata Schlumberger, 1902, longitudinal section, Tang-e Kushk Section.
6. Gavelinella pertusa (Marsson, 1878), axial section, Tang-e Kushk Section.
272 Massih Afghah and Shohreh Yaghmour 

 
Plate II

1. Salpingoporella dinarica Radoicic, 1959, Tang-e Kushk Section.

2. Coskinollina sp. sub axial section, Sarvestan Section.
3. Dicyclina shlumbergeri (Munier-Chalmas 1887), longitudinal Section, Sarvestan Section.
4. Acordiella sp., sub axial section, Tang-e Kushk Section.
5. Nezzazatinella sp. sub axial section, Sarvestan Section.
6. Antalyna korayi Farinacci and Köylüoglu, 1985, axial section, Tang-e Kushk Section.

 
Biostratigraphy Study of Tarbur Formation (Upper Cretaceous) 273

Plate III

1. Salpingoporella turgida (Radoičić, 1965), Sarvestan Section.

2. Dicyclina shlumbergeri (Munier-Chalmas 1887), longitudinal section, Tang-e Kushk Section.
3. Omphalocyclus macroporus (Lamark, 1816), sub longitudinal section, Tang-e Kushk Section.
4. Loftusia sp., axial section, Tang-e Kushk Section.
5. Minouxia sp., sub longitudinal section, Sarvestan Section.
6. Rotalia skourensis Henson, 1948, sub axial section, Tang-e Kushk Section.
 274 Massih Afghah and Shohreh Yaghmour 

Plate IV

1. Globotruncana arca (Cushman, 1926), Gurpi Formation, Tang-e Kushk Section.

2. Globotruncana ventricosa White, 1928, Gurpi Formation, Tang-e Kushk Section.
3. Heterohelix globulosa (Ehrenberg, 1840), Gurpi Formation, Tang-e Kushk Section.
4. Macroglobigerinelloides bollii (Pessagno, 1967), Gurpi Formation, Tang-e Kushk Section.

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