Palynostratigraphy of the Dalichai Formation at Talu Section (NE Damghan) based on Dinoflagellate Cysts

The Dalichai Formation at Talu section, 24 kilometers NE of Damghan is studied Palynologically. The Middle Jurassic sediments with a thickness of 168 meters in this section contain grey to green marl and grey marly limestone. A total of 35 samples were collected systematically and 200 palynological sildes were prepared. Forty nine species of dinoflagellate cysts belonging to 30 genera were identified. A few fungal spores and foraminiferal test lining and spores and pollen grain were also recorded. Although, dinoflagellate species are abundant but all the species recorded were concentrated in lower parts of the section 0-110 meters). Two palynozones were identified; Cribroperidinium crispum Total Range Palynozone (Ccr), Dichadogonyaulax sellwoodii Interval palynozone (Dse). A local palynozone of Ctenidodinium combazii/Ctenidodinium ornatum ornatum Acme Zone were also established in the succession. An age of Bajocian – Late Callovian was proposed for the succession studied.