Reconstruction of depositional environment of the Paleocene siliciclastic depositions (Kerman Formation) in the northeast of Central Iran (Kashmar area) using lithofacies and petrofacies

Authors

1 Ph. D. (graduated), Dept., of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

2 Assoc. Prof., Dept., of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran

3 M. Sc., (graduated), Dept., of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran

Abstract

This study investigates lithofacies and petrofacies and reconstructs the depositional environment of the Paleocene siliciclastics of the Kerman Formation located in NE Central Iran, which is composed significantly of polymictic conglomerate bodies intercalated with some minor sandstone beds. Through detailed sedimentological studies (e.g., dominant grain size, degree of clast rounding and sorting, texture, and stratification) five lithofacies were identified: clast-supported massive conglomerate (Gcm), matrix-supported massive conglomerate (Gmm), horizontally stratified conglomerate (Gh), horizontally bedded sandstone (Sh), and massive sandstone (Sm). Petrographic analysis revealed three petrofacies composed of petromict conglomerate, volcanic arenite, and feldspathic litharenite; gravels were chiefly made up of basalt and andesite, as well as fewer limestone and agglomerated tuff. The lithofacies associations are related to sedimentary gravity flow (SG) and channel-fill sandstone bodies (CH) deposited in alluvial fan and braided fluvial systems. This research provides important insights into the sedimentary environments of the Kerman Formation.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 December 2023
  • Revise Date: 27 January 2024
  • Accept Date: 05 March 2024

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