Biostratigraphy and paleoecology of Paleocene-Eocene deposits in Kuh–e-Ketabi section (West of Rafasanjan)

Abstract. The biostratigraphy and paleoecology of Paleocene - Early Eocene deposits in the west of Rafsanjan city (Kerman Province) were studied for the first time. The Kuh – e - Ketabi sequence, the measured profile has about 161 m thick, mainly consists of limestone, dolostone, marl, shale, dolomitic limestone, and calcareous sandstone. Based on lithological characteristics, the studied section could be divided into 5 informal rock units. Forty genera and species of benthonic and planktonic foraminifera have been obtained from the section. One planktonic biozone (Morozovella angulata Lowest occurrence zone) and three shallow-water Tethyan foraminiferal biozones (SBZ4 – SBZ6) have been recognized based on the foraminiferal distribution in the stratigraphic column. From the view of abundance, diversity and distribution of foraminifera the Late Paleocene - Early Eocene part of the studied section is comparable with an equivalent sequence of the Tethyan Basin. Also, environmental depth changes are discussed based on faunal changes.