Introducing echinoderms of the Maastrichtian and Paleocene in Maraveh Tappeh section, in western Kopet-Dagh

In order to study the echinoderms of the Kalat and Chehel Kaman formations in the western part of the Kopet-Dagh Basin, Maraveh Tappeh stratigraphic section has been selected and sampled. In this section, Kalat Formation with 9 m in thickness lithologically composed of sandy bioclastic limestone. The lower boundary of the Kalat Formation with marl and argillaceous limestones of the Abtalkh Formation is continuous. The upper boundary of the Kalat Formation with the Chehel Kaman Formation which is predominatly composed of limestone, argillaceous limestone and marl is also concordant. In this research along with Kalat Formation, 46 m of the basal sediments of the Chehel Kaman Formation for echinoderm analysis has been investigated. 4 genera and 5 species from the echinoderm collected specimens has been identified which are belong to Hemiaster, Cyclaster, Echinocorys and Pseudogibbaster. This is the first report of the Cyclaster, Pseudogibbaster and Hemiaster stella from Iran. These genera with respect to their test morphology categorized in three epiphonal, semiphonal and in epifaunal, semifaunal and infaunal group.