Palynofacies and paleoenvironment of marl segment in Farokhi formation (Central Iran)

Farrokhi Formation is a Cretaceous rock unit in Central Iran that lithologically contains lime, marl and marly lime accompanied by layers of fossiliferous limestones. This formation lays conformably over the Haft-Tuman Formation, while its upper boundary is disconformable with Chupanan Formation. In this study, 23 rock samples from marl segment of the Farokhi Formation were prepared palynologically and their various palynological constituents were characterized and quantified by percent. Assessing the organic elements of formation demonstrated fair preservation of organic matters in marl segments and allowed determination of the sedimentation rate and oxygen content. Palynofacies investigation signifies that marl segment has been deposited in shallow to open marine environment with medium energy, and one palynofacies has been diagnosed for it. According to typical dinoflagellate cysts, a warm and rather shallow environment with medium energy and variable salinity is suggested for the period of sedimentation of the marl segment.