Temporal and spatial distribution of the Qom Formation pyroclastic deposits with special emphasis on SE Kerman Province: Their application in (tephra) event stratigraphy

This article is the first published example of the application of (tephra) event stratigraphy in the Qom Formation as well as the temporal and spatial distribution of the Qom Formation pyroclastic deposits. The presence of igneous (volcanic) associations is the most obvious facies change of the Qom Formation. The tuffaceous limestones and tuff units of both Bozdan and Kagharaki sections (in the southeast of Kerman province) are late Rupelian in age, indicating the occurrence of a volcanic event in NW Jazmourian at the same time. The pyroclastic deposits of the Qom Formation have a significant and regular extent in different areas of the formation realm (from Jazmourian to Mako). In general, it can be said that the pyroclastic units of the Qom Formation are mainly distributed in the following three areas: 1) Jazmourian–Jiroft–Sirjan (fore-arc); 2) Southwest of the Natanz–Kashan–Qom–Saveh belt (mainly in intra-arc); and 3) Zanjan region (SE, S, SW, W, and NW of Zanjan). The thickness and age of these deposits vary in different sections.