The Pabdeh Formation in Zagros Bain records cyclic pelagic sedimentation (shale, marl, limestone cycles) around the PETM interval, characterized by a global warming event and increased ocean-water temperatures. This paper investigates the Paleocene-Eocene sediments in a Tethyan palaeoceanographic setting at the Zagros Mountains. (Paryab section: N 33 ,15\\\' ,14\\\", E 46º, 37\\\' ,3.2\\\"). The cyclic limestone-marl successions of the Paleocene–lower Eocene consist of deep-water pelagic to hemipelagic shale, marl(stone) and limestone. A total of 394 samples has been taken from the 171m thick predominantly shaly lower part, and marly (limestone) upper part of the Pabdeh Formation. We use mineralogy including clay mineralogy, geochemical signatures of trace elements and carbon and oxygen stable isotopes to characterize the stratigraphic profiles. The PETM interval is indicated by carbon isotope values (13C) of bulk rock carbonate , falling from 1.5% to -0.2 % starting at 69.1 m, representing the onset of the distinct negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE) characterising the PETM interval. Higher up-section d13C values increase again at 75.6 m. However significant change from shales to shale-marl cycles can be identified in the section after the PETM interval. The mineralogical composition is generally characterized by mainly carbonates and quartz as well as mixed layer chlorite/smectite, chlorite, illite and kaolinite. Oxygen isotopes, although diagenetically altered, may also be interpreted as a warming-cooling trend. Sea-level fluctuations may be recognized in this pelagic realm by changes in grain-size (coarser during sea-level fall and lowstands) and elements concentration (e.g. calcium, manganese) in the sediments. A first longer-term sea-level trend based on Mn contents indicates a large-scale

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