Ichnofacies and environmental significance of trace fossils in Aitamir Formation, Kopet – Dagh Basin

Authors

1 M. Sc. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

2 Ph. D. Student, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

3 Associate Professor, Department of Geology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

4 Professor, Department of Geology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

Abstract

  Aitamir Formation (Albian-Cenomanian) crops out in the Kopet-Dagh basin in north-east Iran. It is mainly composed of sandstone, shale, siltstone, and several carbonate beds. In siliciclastic sediments of the Aitamir Formation, mud beds show a significant decrease in bioturbations with respect to sandstone beds. Based on ichnofossils studies, nine trace fossils were identified in sandstone, siltstone and carbonate beds which include of Thalassinoides suevicus and Thalassinoides isp. (Glossifungites ichnofacies), Ophiomorpha nodosa , Palaeophycus tubularis, Skolithos isp. (Skolithos ichnofacies) and Thalassinoides isp., Planolites isp., Cylindrichnous concentricus, Chondrites isp., Ophiomorpha nodosa , Palaeophycus tubularis and Teichichnus isp. (Cruziana ichnofacies). Skolithos ichnofacies formed in high energy condition with respect to Cruziana ichnofacies and Glossifungites ichnofacies. Skolithos ichnofacies with low diversity, Skolithos isp. and vertical orientation Ophiomorpha present in well sorted and trough- hummocky cross bedded sandy substrate. This ichnofacies indicates of high energy barrier complex. Whereas Cruziana ichnofacies and Glossifungites ichnofacies with higher diversity and mainly horizontal to slightly oblique, trace fossils in sandy substrate with moderate sorting are formed in low energy condition in shoreface environment. Sedimentary evidences and investigated ichnofacies in vertical succession show that sandstones in the lower portion of the Aitamir Formation formed in barrier complex and sandstones sediment in upper portion deposited in shoreface environments.

Keywords


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