Lithostratigraphy and Biostratigraphy of the Dalichai Formation at Talu (Northeast Damghan, Alborz) based on Ammonoids

Middle Jurassic strata are well developed northeast of Damghan (E Alborz). At the study section the Dalichai Formation has a maximum thickness of 156 m, consisting of an alternation of bluish-grey limestones and marls, being subdivided into 4 members. The lower boundary with the siliciclastics of the underlying Shemshak Formation is unconformable due to the Mid-Cimmerian tectonic event, whereas the upper boundary with the light and cliff-forming carbonates of the Lar Formation is gradational. The Dalichai Formation at the study section is very fossiliferous. Summing up 1750 fossil specimens were collected, among which the ammonoids with 1491 specimens clearly predominate.Altogether 27 genera, 33 species of ammonites, belonging to 6 biozones (Parkinsoni Zone, Zigzag-Aurigerus zones, Subcontractus Zone,Bullatus-Gracilis zones, Anceps-Coronatum zones, Athleta Zone) has been recognized. In addition 17 genera and 8 species of planktonic and benthic foraminifers are described.These can be divided into 2 biozones. The fossil-content is mainly concentrated within few meters of red and nodular limestone in the upper part of the section. Based on the ammonite fauna the age of the Dalichai Formation in the investigated area ranges from Upper Bajocian to Oxfordian. Paleobigeographically the fauna shows close relationship to western Europe and Sub-Mediterraneanregion. This indicates a paleogeographic position of the area at the northern Tethys during the Middle-Upper Jurassic.