Biostratigraphy and Biogeography of the Gurpi Formation in Mish-Khas Section, South of East Ilam Province, Based on Foraminifera

In order to study the Gurpi formation for biostratigraphical purposes the 310 meters thick section was sampled at Mish-khas Sectiona, Ilam province. The sequence is mainly made up of monotonous marl, limy marl and Limestone and contains two formal members of Lopha (with brachiopod, Echinoid and Bivalve) and Emam-Hasan. Lower boundary Gurpi formation is contineous with Ilam Formation.At boundary both formation, Gray marl Gurpi formation located on limestone and limy marl at Ilam formation and upper boundary is continus with Pabdeh Formation. Sixty seven species belonging to 26 genera were identified and fourteen biozones were differentiated. These are: 1.Globotruncanita elevata partial range zone, 2. Globotruncana ventricosa interval zone, 3. Radotruncana calcarata total range zone, 4. Globigerinelloides subcarinatus partial range zone, 5. Globotruncana aegyptiaca partial range zone, 6. Gansserina gansseri partial range zone, 7.Contusotruncana contusa partial range zone, 8. Pseudotextularia intermedia partial range zone, 9. Racemiguembelina fructicosa partial range zone, 10. Pseudoguembelina hariaensis partial range zone, 11. Pseudoguembelina palpebra partial range zone, 12. Praemurica uncinata interval zone, 13. Morozovella angulata- Globanomalina pseudomeandri interval zone, 14. Globanomalina pseudomenardi total range zone. According to the planktonic foraminifera the formation encompases Lower Campanian to late Paleocene (Thanetian). lack of Marginotruncanid and Dicarinella asymetrica showing lower campanian for bas of section.There is distinct hiatus in Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary based on paleontology and sedimentology evidence. Analysis of Planktonic and Benthic foraminifers’ assemblage at this section with Cretaceous biostratigraphical provinces is indicating a close similarity with those of Tethyan provinces.