Palynostratigraphy and palaeonvironmental reconstruction of the Sarcheshmeh Formation (Aptian) at the Anjirbolagh section, east of Kopeh-Dagh

The Sarcheshmeh Formation at Anjirbolagh section is mainly composed of shale and marl with limestone interbeds. Thirty-five genera and 40 species of dinoflagellates were identified. The assemblage mark s Odontochitina operculata Zone of Aptian age. Three palynofacies were identified according to palynological data. For paleoenvironmental interpretations, factors affecting the degree of preservation of organic materials such as lability and ratio of marine palynomorphs to AOM, marine palynomorphs to opaque AOM and also opaque AOM to transparent AOM were calculated. These factors indicate a low-oxygen condition with low sedimentation rate, leading to conclude an inner neritic to outer neritic environment for the depositional period of the formation.