In this study, four well-exposed outcrops of the Asmari Fm in the southeastern part of the Izeh Zone of the Zagros Mountains were measured and sampled. In this region, the Asmari Fm is Oligocene to Early Miocene in age as determined by large benthic foraminifera. Based on depositional geometries, biogenic contents and lateral and vertical variations of facies, three depositional models are proposed to illustrate the evolution of the Asmari carbonate platform. During the Chattian, large benthic foraminifera and coral-coralline red algae were dominant, while through the Early Miocene time interval (Aquitanian-Burdigalian), non-skeletal components along with porcelaneous foraminifera were the most conspicuous elements. These deposits formed a carbonate ramp in the Chattian and a low angle carbonate-ramp during the Early Miocene. Five major 3rd-order depositional sequences have been identified based on stratal stacking patterns and facies relationships. These depositional sequences show systematic progradations from SE to NW into and over the basinal Pabdeh Fm during Oligo-Miocene times

Keywords