Microfacies, sedimentary environment, and sequence stratigraphy of the Qom Formation in the Maragh area (Southwest of Kashan)

The Qom Formation is located at the Maragh area (20 kilometers southwest of Kashan). The formation with 216 m thickness contains shale and limestones. Volcanic rocks unconformably are covered by the Qom Formation. The upper boundary of the Qom Formation with the Upper Red Formation is also unconformable. Nine microfacies and terrigenous facies were identified based on the main components and sedimentological features. These microfacies and terrigenous facies were deposited on an open-shelf carbonate platform. Three environments were recognized in this carbonate platform. These environments include the inner shelf (restricted and semi-restricted lagoon), middle shelf, and outer shelf. In addition, three third-order and one incomplete depositional sequences were identified based on the vertical distribution of microfacies.