1887
Volume 31, Issue 4
  • ISSN: 1354-0793
  • E-ISSN:

Abstract

The Oligo-Miocene Asmari Formation is the most important reservoir unit in onshore SW Iran. It is more than 500 m thick in the central Zagros fold-and-thrust belt, decreasing in thickness southwards towards the offshore to less than 200 m in oil fields to the SE and NW of the Persian Gulf, and it does not extend over the Qatar Arch in the central area. Despite its reduced thickness offshore, the formation serves as the primary reservoir unit in a number of important structurally trapped fields, producing natural gas to the SE and oil in the NW. The formation also has stratigraphic potential because of its lithological heterogeneity.

The Asmari succession in the Gavarzin gas field to the SE and the Abouzar oil field in the NW part of the Persian Gulf was cored, and the sedimentology and palaeontology of each section was recorded in detail.

The Gavarzin core section consisted of 160 m of limestones comprising 10 sedimentary facies, with Ruplian–Chattian index foraminifera. The lower half of the formation is dominated by coralgal limestones of Rupelian age, whereas the upper half comprises Chattian-aged foraminiferal limestones with interbedded shales and marls. Deposition is interpreted to have occurred on a carbonate ramp with coral and red algal patch reefs representing a proximal mid-ramp area. Two third-order sedimentary sequences were identified: the RuS (Rupelian) and the ChS-1 (early Chattian) sequences.

The Abouzar core section to the NW is 135 m thick and comprises three members: lower Asmari carbonates, Ghar Member sandstones and upper Asmari carbonates. The 90 m-thick Ghar Member is the main oil reservoir and is roughly twice the thickness of the two carbonate sections combined. The lower Asmari carbonates contain Chattian index foraminifera and, in the absence of Burdigalian microfossils, the Ghar Member and upper Asmari carbonates were assigned to the Aquitanian. The succession comprises eight microfacies and petrofacies, interpreted to have been deposited on a shallow-water carbonate ramp with a significant influx of clastics. Three third-order sequences have been defined of late Chattian (Ch-S sequence) and Aquitanian (AqS-1 and AqS-2 sequences) age.

The regional stratigraphy and depositional history of the Asmari was assessed by correlating the Gavarzin and Abouzar sequences with equivalent sequences in 10 additional fields, along two offshore transects to the SE (transect A) and NW (transect B). Seismic reflector profiles highlight a clinoforming sequence on the SE transect, prograding towards the Lengeh Trough during the Rupelian and early Chattian. This is onlapped by Fars salt. The salt unit is barren of microfossils but is probably Chattian and Aquitanian in age. The NW transect suggests that the Asmari Formation and Ghar Member sandstones were largely confined to the Binak Trough.

© 2025 The Author(s). Published by The Geological Society of London for GSL and EAGE. All rights, including for text and data mining (TDM), artificial intelligence (AI) training, and similar technologies, are reserved. For permissions: https://www.lyellcollection.org/publishing-hub/permissions-policy. Publishing disclaimer: https://www.lyellcollection.org/publishing-hub/publishing-ethics

Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1144/petgeo2025-030
2025-09-23
2026-01-19

  • From This Site

    /content/journals/10.1144/petgeo2025-030
    dcterms_title,dcterms_subject,pub_keyword
    -contentType:Journal -contentType:Contributor -contentType:Concept -contentType:Institution
    10
    5
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Adams, C.G. and Bourgeois, E.1967. Asmari Biostratigraphy. Geological and Exploration Division Report 1074. Iranian Oil Operating Company, Tehran.
     [Google Scholar]
  2. Adams, T.D.1969. The Asmari Formation of Lurestan and Khuzestan Provinces. Geological and Exploration Division Report 1154. Iranian Oil Operating Company, Tehran.
     [Google Scholar]
  3. Ala, M. and Sorkhabi, R.2024. The modern oil industry in Iran: a historical perspective and review. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 47, 101–119, doi: 10.1111/jpg.1285210.1111/jpg.12852
     https://doi.org/10.1111/jpg.12852 [Google Scholar]
  4. Alavi, M.2004. Regional stratigraphy of the Zagros fold-thrust belt of Iran and its proforeland evolution. American Journal of Science, 304, 1–20, doi: 10.2475/ajs.304.1.110.2475/ajs.304.1.1
     https://doi.org/10.2475/ajs.304.1.1 [Google Scholar]
  5. Al-Husseini, M.I.2007. Iran's crude oil reserves and production. GeoArabia, 12, 69–94, doi: 10.2113/geoarabia12026910.2113/geoarabia120269
     https://doi.org/10.2113/geoarabia120269 [Google Scholar]
  6. Al-Juboury, A.I., Al-Ghrear, J.S. and Al-Rubaii, M.A.2010. Petrography and diagenetic characteristics of the Upper Oligocene–Lower Miocene Ghar Formation in SE Iraq. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 33, 67–85, doi: 10.1111/j.1747-5457.2010.00464.x10.1111/j.1747‑5457.2010.00464.x
     https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-5457.2010.00464.x [Google Scholar]
  7. Allahkarampour Dill, M., Seyrafian, A. and Vaziri-Moghaddam, H.2010. The Asmari Formation, north of the Gachsaran (Dill anticline), southwest Iran: facies analysis, depositional environments and sequence stratigraphy. Carbonates and Evaporites, 25, 145–160, doi: 10.1007/s13146-010-0021-610.1007/s13146‑010‑0021‑6
     https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-010-0021-6 [Google Scholar]
  8. Allahkarampour Dill, M., Vaziri-Moghaddam, H., Seyrafian, A. and Behdad, A.2018. Oligo-Miocene carbonate platform evolution in the northern margin of the Asmari intra-shelf basin, SW Iran. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 92, 437–461, doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.11.00810.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.11.008
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.11.008 [Google Scholar]
  9. Aqrawi, A.A.M., Keramati, M. et al.2006. The origin of dolomite in the Asmari Formation (Oligocene–Lower Miocene), Dezful Embayment, SW Iran. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 29, 381–402, doi: 10.1111/j.1747-5457.2006.00381.x10.1111/j.1747‑5457.2006.00381.x
     https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-5457.2006.00381.x [Google Scholar]
  10. Asl, M.E., Faghih, A., Mukherjee, S. and Soleimany, B.2019. Style and timing of salt movement in the Persian Gulf basin, offshore Iran: Insights from halokinetic sequences adjacent to the Tonb-e-Bozorg salt diapir. Journal of Structural Geology, 122, 116–132, doi: 10.1016/j.jsg.2019.02.00210.1016/j.jsg.2019.02.002
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2019.02.002 [Google Scholar]
  11. Badawi, A. and El-Menhawey, W.2016. Tolerance of benthic foraminifera to anthropogenic stressors from three sites of the Egyptian coasts. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research, 42, 49–56, doi: 10.1016/j.ejar.2015.09.00210.1016/j.ejar.2015.09.002
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejar.2015.09.002 [Google Scholar]
  12. Bahroudi, A. and Koyi, H.A.2004. Tectono-sedimentary framework of the Gachsaran Formation in the Zagros foreland basin. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 21, 1295–1310, doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2004.09.00110.1016/j.marpetgeo.2004.09.001
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2004.09.001 [Google Scholar]
  13. Barbieri, G. and Vaiani, S.C.2018. Benthic foraminifera or Ostracoda? Comparing the accuracy of palaeoenvironmental indicators from a Pleistocene lagoon of the Romagna coastal plain (Italy). Journal of Micropalaeontology, 37, 203–230, doi: 10.5194/jm-37-203-201810.5194/jm‑37‑203‑2018
     https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-37-203-2018 [Google Scholar]
  14. Beavington-Penney, S.J. and Racey, A.2004. Ecology of extant nummulitids and other larger benthic foraminifera: applications in palaeoenvironmental analysis. Earth-Science Reviews, 67, 219–265, doi: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2004.02.00510.1016/j.earscirev.2004.02.005
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2004.02.005 [Google Scholar]
  15. Beydoun, Z.R., Clarke, M.W.H. and Stoneley, R.1992. Petroleum in the Zagros Basin: A late Tertiary foreland basin overprinted onto the outer edge of a vast hydrocarbon-rich Paleozoic–Mesozoic passive-margin shelf. AAPG Memoirs, 55, 309–339, doi: 10.1306/M55563C1210.1306/M55563C12
     https://doi.org/10.1306/M55563C12 [Google Scholar]
  16. Bordenave, M.L. and Hegre, J.A.2005. The influence of tectonics on the entrapment of oil in the Dezful Embayment, Zagros Foldbelt, Iran. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 28, 339–368, doi: 10.1111/j.1747-5457.2005.tb00087.x10.1111/j.1747‑5457.2005.tb00087.x
     https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-5457.2005.tb00087.x [Google Scholar]
  17. Brandano, M., Cornacchia, I. and Tomassetti, L.2017. Global versus regional influence on the carbonate factories of Oligo-Miocene carbonate platforms in the Mediterranean area. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 87, 188–202, doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.03.00110.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.03.001
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.03.001 [Google Scholar]
  18. Busk, H.G. and Mayo, H.T.1918. Some notes on the geology of the Persian oilfields. Journal of the Institute of Petroleum Technology, 5, 5–26.
     [Google Scholar]
  19. Buxton, M.W.N. and Pedley, H.M.1989. Short Paper: A standardized model for Tethyan Tertiary carbonate ramps. Journal of the Geological Society, London, 146, 746–748, doi: 10.1144/gsjgs.146.5.074610.1144/gsjgs.146.5.0746
     https://doi.org/10.1144/gsjgs.146.5.0746 [Google Scholar]
  20. Creamer, F.H., Streifel, J.E., Farmanara, S.A. and Feizy, G.A.1979. Development of the Ardeshir Field. Journal of Petroleum Technology, 31, 821–828, doi: 10.2118/7224-PA10.2118/7224‑PA
     https://doi.org/10.2118/7224-PA [Google Scholar]
  21. Daraei, M., Bayet-Goll, A. and Ansari, M.2017. An integrated reservoir zonation in sequence stratigraphic framework: a case from the Dezful Embayment, Zagros, Iran. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 154, 389–404, doi: 10.1016/j.petrol.2017.04.03810.1016/j.petrol.2017.04.038
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2017.04.038 [Google Scholar]
  22. Dunham, R.J.1962. Classification of carbonate rocks according to depositional texture. AAPG Memoirs, 1, 108–121.
     [Google Scholar]
  23. Ehrenberg, S.N. and Baek, H.2019. Deposition, diagenesis and reservoir quality of an Oligocene reefal-margin limestone succession: Asmari Formation, United Arab Emirates. Sedimentary Geology, 393–394, doi: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2019.10553510.1016/j.sedgeo.2019.105535
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sedgeo.2019.105535 [Google Scholar]
  24. Ehrenberg, S.N., Pickard, N.A.H. et al.2007. Strontium isotope stratigraphy of the Asmari Formation (Oligocene–Lower Miocene), SW Iran. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 30, 107–128, doi: 10.1111/j.1747-5457.2007.00107.x10.1111/j.1747‑5457.2007.00107.x
     https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-5457.2007.00107.x [Google Scholar]
  25. El Tokhi, M., Arman, H., Abdelghany, O., Hashem, W. and Saiy, A.E.2012. Isotope stratigraphy of Oligocene limestone in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 37, 1439–1449, doi: 10.1007/s13369-012-0253-y10.1007/s13369‑012‑0253‑y
     https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-012-0253-y [Google Scholar]
  26. Embry, A.F. and Klovan, J.E.1971. A late Devonian reef tract on northeastern Banks Island, Northwest Territories. Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology, 19, 730–781.
     [Google Scholar]
  27. Esrafili-Dizaji, B. and Rahimpour-Bonab, H.2014. Generation and evolution of oolitic shoal reservoirs in the Permo-Triassic carbonates, the South Pars Field, Iran. Facies, 60, 921–940, doi: 10.1007/s10347-014-0414-410.1007/s10347‑014‑0414‑4
     https://doi.org/10.1007/s10347-014-0414-4 [Google Scholar]
  28. Esrafili-Dizaji, B. and Rahimpour-Bonab, H.2019. Carbonate reservoir rocks at giant oil and gas fields in SW Iran and the adjacent offshore: a review of stratigraphic occurrence and poro-perm characteristics. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 42, 343–370, doi: 10.1111/jpg.1274110.1111/jpg.12741
     https://doi.org/10.1111/jpg.12741 [Google Scholar]
  29. Flügel, E.2004. Microfacies of Carbonate Rocks: Analysis, Interpretation and Application. Springer, Berlin.
     [Google Scholar]
  30. Frost, S.H.1977. Ecologic controls of Caribbean and Mediterranean Oligocene reef coral communities. In: Taylor, D.L. (ed.) Proceedings of the Third International Coral Reef Symposium, Miami, Volume 2. Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 367–375.
     [Google Scholar]
  31. Ghazban, F.2007. Petroleum Geology of the Persian Gulf. Tehran University, Tehran.
     [Google Scholar]
  32. Hallock, P.2005. Global change and modern coral reefs: New opportunities to understand shallow-water carbonate depositional processes. Sedimentary Geology, 175, 19–33, doi: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2004.12.02710.1016/j.sedgeo.2004.12.027
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sedgeo.2004.12.027 [Google Scholar]
  33. Hallock, P. and Glenn, E.C.1986. Larger foraminifera; a tool for paleoenvironmental analysis of Cenozoic carbonate depositional facies. PALAIOS, 1, 55–64, doi: 10.2307/351445910.2307/3514459
     https://doi.org/10.2307/3514459 [Google Scholar]
  34. Hardenbol, J., Thierry, J., Farley, M.B., Jacquin, T., De Graciansky, P.C. and Vail, P.R.1998. Mesozoic and Cenozoic sequence chronostratigraphic framework of European basins. SEPM Special Publications, 60, 3–13, doi: 10.2110/pec.98.02.000310.2110/pec.98.02.0003
     https://doi.org/10.2110/pec.98.02.0003 [Google Scholar]
  35. Hassanpour, J., Muñoz, J.A., Yassaghi, A., Ferrer, O., Jahani, S., Santolaria, P. and SeyedAli, S.M.2021. Impact of salt layers interaction on the salt flow kinematics and diapirism in the Eastern Persian Gulf, Iran: Constraints from seismic interpretation, sequential restoration, and physical modelling. Tectonophysics, 811, doi: 10.1016/j.tecto.2021.22888710.1016/j.tecto.2021.228887
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2021.228887 [Google Scholar]
  36. Homke, S., Vergés, J. et al.2010. Insights in the exhumation history of the NW Zagros from bedrock and detrital apatite fission-track analysis: evidence for a long-lived orogeny. Basin Research, 22, 659–680, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2117.2009.00431.x10.1111/j.1365‑2117.2009.00431.x
     https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2117.2009.00431.x [Google Scholar]
  37. Jahani, S., Callot, J.P., Letouzey, J. and De Lamotte, D.F.2009. The eastern termination of the Zagros Fold-and-Thrust Belt, Iran: Structures, evolution, and relationships between salt plugs, folding, and faulting. Tectonics, 28, doi: 10.1029/2008TC00241810.1029/2008TC002418
     https://doi.org/10.1029/2008TC002418 [Google Scholar]
  38. James, G. and Wynd, J.1965. Stratigraphic nomenclature of Iranian oil consortium agreement area. AAPG Bulletin, 49, 2182–2245.
     [Google Scholar]
  39. Kashfi, M.S.1980. Stratigraphy and environmental sedimentology of lower Fars Group (Miocene), south-southwest Iran. AAPG Bulletin, 64, 2095–2107, doi: 10.1306/2F919742-16CE-11D7-8645000102C1865D10.1306/2F919742‑16CE‑11D7‑8645000102C1865D
     https://doi.org/10.1306/2F919742-16CE-11D7-8645000102C1865D [Google Scholar]
  40. Kasprzyk, A. and Ortí, F.1998. Palaeogeographic and burial controls on anhydrite genesis: the Badenian basin in the Carpathian Foredeep (southern Poland, western Ukraine). Sedimentology, 45, 889–907, doi: 10.1046/j.1365-3091.1998.00190.x10.1046/j.1365‑3091.1998.00190.x
     https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-3091.1998.00190.x [Google Scholar]
  41. Kendall, C.G.S.C., Alsharhan, A.S., Jarvis, I. and Stevens, T.2011. Quaternary Carbonate and Evaporite Sedimentary Facies and Their Ancient Analogues: A Tribute to Douglas James Shearman. IAS/Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, UK.
     [Google Scholar]
  42. Khalaf, F.I., Abdel-Hamid, M. and Al-Naqi, M.2019. Occurrence and genesis of the exposed Oligo-Miocene Ghar Formation in Kuwait, Arabian Gulf. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 152, 151–170, doi: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2019.02.00710.1016/j.jafrearsci.2019.02.007
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2019.02.007 [Google Scholar]
  43. Khalili, A., Vaziri-Moghaddam, H., Arian, M. and Seyrafian, A.2021. Carbonate platform evolution of the Asmari Formation in the east of Dezful Embayment, Zagros Basin, SW Iran. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 181, doi: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2021.10422910.1016/j.jafrearsci.2021.104229
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2021.104229 [Google Scholar]
  44. Laursen, G.V., Monibi, S. et al.2009. The Asmari Formation revisited: changed stratigraphic allocation and new biozonation. Paper presented at the First International EAGE Petroleum Conference & Exhibition, 4–9 May 2009, Shiraz, Iran.
  45. Leinfelder, R.R., Krautter, M. et al.1994. The origin of Jurassic reefs: Current research developments and results. Facies, 31, 1–56, doi: 10.1007/BF0253693210.1007/BF02536932
     https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02536932 [Google Scholar]
  46. Masurel, H.1989. Ostracods as palaeoenvironmental indicators in the Lower Carboniferous Yoredale Series of northern England. Journal of Micropalaeontology, 8, 157–182.
     [Google Scholar]
  47. Mehrabi, H., Hajikazemi, E., Zamanzadeh, S.M. and Farhadi, V.2023. Reservoir characterization of the Oligocene–Miocene siliciclastic sequences (Ghar Member of the Asmari Formation) in the northwestern Persian Gulf. Petroleum Science and Technology, 42, 3867–3892, doi: 10.1080/10916466.2023.221622910.1080/10916466.2023.2216229
     https://doi.org/10.1080/10916466.2023.2216229 [Google Scholar]
  48. Miller, K.G., Schmelz, W.J., Browning, J.V., Rosenthal, Y., Hess, A.V., Kopp, R.E. and Wright, J.D.2024. Global mean and relative sea-level changes over the past 66 Myr: implications for Early Eocene ice sheets. Earth Science, Systems and Society, 4, doi: 10.3389/esss.2023.1009110.3389/esss.2023.10091
     https://doi.org/10.3389/esss.2023.10091 [Google Scholar]
  49. Motiei, H.1993. The Stratigraphy of Zagros. Geological Survey of Iran, Tehran.
     [Google Scholar]
  50. Mouthereau, F., Lacombe, O. and Vergés, J.2012. Building the Zagros collisional orogen: Timing, strain distribution and the dynamics of Arabia/Eurasia plate convergence. Tectonophysics, 532–535, 27–60, doi: 10.1016/j.tecto.2012.01.02210.1016/j.tecto.2012.01.022
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2012.01.022 [Google Scholar]
  51. Murray, J.W.2006. Ecology and Applications of Benthic Foraminifera. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
     [Google Scholar]
  52. Noorian, Y., Moussavi-Harami, R., Reijmer, J.J.G., Mahboubi, A., Kadkhodaie, A. and Omidpour, A.2021. Paleo-facies distribution and sequence stratigraphic architecture of the Oligo-Miocene Asmari carbonate platform (southeast Dezful Embayment, Zagros Basin, SW Iran). Marine and Petroleum Geology, 128, doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2021.10501610.1016/j.marpetgeo.2021.105016
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2021.105016 [Google Scholar]
  53. Orang, K. and Gharabeigli, G.2020. Tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Helleh Paleo-high (NW Persian Gulf): Insights from 2D and 3D restoration methods. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 119, doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2020.10444310.1016/j.marpetgeo.2020.104443
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2020.104443 [Google Scholar]
  54. Orang, K., Motamedi, H., Azadikhah, A. and Royatvand, M.2018. Structural framework and tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the eastern Persian Gulf, offshore Iran. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 91, 89–107, doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.12.01410.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.12.014
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.12.014 [Google Scholar]
  55. Pirouz, M., Avouac, J.-P., Hassanzadeh, J., Kirschvink, J.L. and Bahroudi, A.2017. Early Neogene foreland of the Zagros, implications for the initial closure of the Neo-Tethys and kinematics of crustal shortening. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 477, 168–182, doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2017.07.04610.1016/j.epsl.2017.07.046
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2017.07.046 [Google Scholar]
  56. Piryaei, A. and Davies, R.B.2024. Petroleum geology of the Cenozoic Succession in the Zagros of SW Iran: a sequence stratigraphic approach. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 47, 235–290, doi: 10.1111/jpg.1286410.1111/jpg.12864
     https://doi.org/10.1111/jpg.12864 [Google Scholar]
  57. Pomar, L.2001. Types of carbonate platforms: a genetic approach. Basin Research, 13, 313–334, doi: 10.1046/j.0950-091x.2001.00152.x10.1046/j.0950‑091x.2001.00152.x
     https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0950-091x.2001.00152.x [Google Scholar]
  58. Pomar, L. and Hallock, P.2008. Carbonate factories: a conundrum in sedimentary geology. Earth-Science Reviews, 87, 134–169, doi: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2007.12.00210.1016/j.earscirev.2007.12.002
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2007.12.002 [Google Scholar]
  59. Pomar, L., Mateu-Vicens, G., Morsilli, M. and Brandano, M.2014. Carbonate ramp evolution during the Late Oligocene (Chattian), Salento Peninsula, southern Italy. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 404, 109–132, doi: 10.1016/j.palaeo.2014.03.02310.1016/j.palaeo.2014.03.023
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2014.03.023 [Google Scholar]
  60. Pomar, L., Baceta, J.I., Hallock, P., Mateu-Vicens, G. and Basso, D.2017. Reef building and carbonate production modes in the west-central Tethys during the Cenozoic. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 83, 261–304, doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.03.01510.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.03.015
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.03.015 [Google Scholar]
  61. Racey, A.2001. A review of Eocene nummulite accumulations: structure, formation and reservoir potential. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 24, 79–100, doi: 10.1111/j.1747-5457.2001.tb00662.x10.1111/j.1747‑5457.2001.tb00662.x
     https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-5457.2001.tb00662.x [Google Scholar]
  62. Rahimpour-Bonab, H., Esrafili-Dizaji, B. and Tavakoli, V.2010. Dolomitization and anhydrite precipitation in Permo-Triassic carbonates at the South Pars gasfield, offshore Iran: controls on reservoir quality. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 33, 43–66, doi: 10.1111/j.1747-5457.2010.00463.x10.1111/j.1747‑5457.2010.00463.x
     https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-5457.2010.00463.x [Google Scholar]
  63. Rahmani, A., Vaziri-Moghaddam, H., Taheri, A. and Ghabeishavi, A.2009. A model for the paleoenvironmental distribution of larger foraminifera of Oligocene–Miocene carbonate rocks at Khaviz Anticline, Zagros Basin, SW Iran. Historical Biology, 21, 215–227, doi: 10.1080/0891296090346129610.1080/08912960903461296
     https://doi.org/10.1080/08912960903461296 [Google Scholar]
  64. Richardson, R.K.1924. The geology and oil measures of southwest Persia. Journal of the Institute of Petroleum Technology, 10, 256–283.
     [Google Scholar]
  65. Riding, R.2000. Microbial carbonates: the geological record of calcified bacterial–algal mats and biofilms. Sedimentology, 47, 179–214, doi: 10.1046/j.1365-3091.2000.00003.x10.1046/j.1365‑3091.2000.00003.x
     https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-3091.2000.00003.x [Google Scholar]
  66. Riding, R.2011. Microbialites, stromatolites, and thrombolites. In: Reitner, J. and Thiel, V. (eds) Encyclopedia of Geobiology. Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands, 635–654, doi: 10.1007/978-1-4020-9212-1_19610.1007/978‑1‑4020‑9212‑1_196
     https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9212-1_196 [Google Scholar]
  67. Romero, J., Caus, E. and Rosell, J.2002. A model for the palaeoenvironmental distribution of larger foraminifera based on late Middle Eocene deposits on the margin of the South Pyrenean basin (NE Spain). Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 179, 43–56, doi: 10.1016/S0031-0182(01)00406-010.1016/S0031‑0182(01)00406‑0
     https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-0182(01)00406-0 [Google Scholar]
  68. Sadooni, F.N. and Alsharhan, A.S.2019. Regional stratigraphy, facies distribution, and hydrocarbons potential of the Oligocene strata across the Arabian Plate and Western Iran. Carbonates and Evaporites, 34, 1757–1770, doi: 10.1007/s13146-019-00521-310.1007/s13146‑019‑00521‑3
     https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-019-00521-3 [Google Scholar]
  69. Sajadi, S.H., Baghbani, D., Daneshian, J. and Moezabad, M.K.2016. Stratigraphy of Oligocene–Miocene salt deposits in the SE Persian Gulf. Carbonates and Evaporites, 31, 277–288, doi: 10.1007/s13146-015-0263-410.1007/s13146‑015‑0263‑4
     https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-015-0263-4 [Google Scholar]
  70. Sandberg, P.A.1983. An oscillating trend in Phanerozoic non-skeletal carbonate mineralogy. Nature, 305, 19–22.
     [Google Scholar]
  71. Sepehr, M. and Cosgrove, J.W.2004. Structural framework of the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt, Iran. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 21, 829–843, doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2003.07.00610.1016/j.marpetgeo.2003.07.006
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2003.07.006 [Google Scholar]
  72. Shabafrooz, R., Mahboubi, A., Vaziri-Moghaddam, H., Ghabeishavi, A. and Moussavi-Harami, R.2014. Depositional architecture and sequence stratigraphy of the Oligo-Miocene Asmari platform; Southeastern Izeh Zone, Zagros Basin, Iran. Facies, 61, 423, doi: 10.1007/s10347-014-0423-310.1007/s10347‑014‑0423‑3
     https://doi.org/10.1007/s10347-014-0423-3 [Google Scholar]
  73. Sharland, P.R., Archer, R. et al.2001. Arabian Plate Sequence Stratigraphy. GeoArabia Special Publications, 2.
     [Google Scholar]
  74. Snidero, M., Carrera, N. et al.2020. Diapir kinematics in a multi-layer salt system from the eastern Persian Gulf. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 117, doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2020.10440210.1016/j.marpetgeo.2020.104402
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2020.104402 [Google Scholar]
  75. Thomas, A.N.1950. The Asmari Limestone of south-west Iran. In: Hobson, G.D. (ed.) International Geological Congress Report of 18th session Great Britain 1948, Part IV. Proceedings of Section E, the Geology of Petroleum. International Geological Congress, London, 35–44.
     [Google Scholar]
  76. Tomašových, A.2004. Microfacies and depositional environment of an Upper Triassic intra-platform carbonate basin: the Fatric Unit of the West Carpathians (Slovakia). Facies, 50, 77–105, doi: 10.1007/s10347-004-0004-y10.1007/s10347‑004‑0004‑y
     https://doi.org/10.1007/s10347-004-0004-y [Google Scholar]
  77. Tucker, M.E., Wright, V.P. and Dickson, J.A.D.1990. Carbonate Sedimentology. Blackwell Scientific, Oxford, UK.
     [Google Scholar]
  78. Vail, P.R., Audemard, F., Bowman, S.A., Eisner, P.N. and Perez-Cruz, C.1991. The stratigraphic signatures of tectonics, eustasy and sedimentology – an overview. In: Einsele, G., Ricken, W. and Seilacher, A. (eds) Cycles and Events in Stratigraphy. Springer, Berlin, 617–659.
     [Google Scholar]
  79. van Buchem, F.S.P., Allan, T.L. et al.2010. Regional stratigraphic architecture and reservoir types of the Oligo-Miocene deposits in the Dezful Embayment (Asmari and Pabdeh Formations) SW Iran. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 329, 219–263, doi: 10.1144/SP329.1010.1144/SP329.10
     https://doi.org/10.1144/SP329.10 [Google Scholar]
  80. Van Wagoner, J.C., Posamentier, H.W., Mitchum, R.M., Vail, P.R., Sarg, J.F., Loutit, T.S. and Hardenbol, J.1988. An overview of the fundamentals of sequence stratigraphy and key definitions. SEPM Special Publications, 42, 39–45, doi: 10.2110/pec.88.01.003910.2110/pec.88.01.0039
     https://doi.org/10.2110/pec.88.01.0039 [Google Scholar]
  81. Vaziri-Moghaddam, H., Kimiagari, M. and Taheri, A.2006. Depositional environment and sequence stratigraphy of the Oligo-Miocene Asmari Formation in SW Iran. Facies, 52, 41–51, doi: 10.1007/s10347-005-0018-010.1007/s10347‑005‑0018‑0
     https://doi.org/10.1007/s10347-005-0018-0 [Google Scholar]
  82. Vergés, J., Casini, G. et al.2024. Structural style and timing of NW–SE trending Zagros folds in SW Iran: interaction with north–south trending Arabian folds and implications for petroleum geology. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 47, 3–73, doi: 10.1111/jpg.1285010.1111/jpg.12850
     https://doi.org/10.1111/jpg.12850 [Google Scholar]
  83. Warren, J.K.2010. Evaporites through time: tectonic, climatic and eustatic controls in marine and nonmarine deposits. Earth-Science Reviews, 98, 217–268, doi: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2009.11.00410.1016/j.earscirev.2009.11.004
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2009.11.004 [Google Scholar]
  84. Warren, J.K.2016. Evaporites: A Geological Compendium. 2nd edn. Springer, Cham, Switzerland.
     [Google Scholar]
  85. Wilson, J.L.1975. Carbonate Facies in Geologic History. Springer, New York.
     [Google Scholar]
  86. Wray, J.L.1998. Calcareous algae. In: Haq, B.U. and Boersma, A. (eds) Introduction to Marine Micropaleontology. 2nd edn. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 171–187, doi: 10.1016/B978-044482672-5/50007-610.1016/B978‑044482672‑5/50007‑6
     https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-044482672-5/50007-6 [Google Scholar]
  87. Wynd, J.1965. Biofacies of the Iranian Oil Consortium Agreement Area, Iranian Oil Corporation Companies. Geological and Exploration Division Report 1082. Iranian Oil Operating Company, Tehran.
     [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/10.1144/petgeo2025-030
Loading
Stratigraphy and depositional environment of the Asmari Formation in selected locations in the Persian Gulf
Petroleum Geoscience 31, petgeo2025-030 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1144/petgeo2025-030
/content/journals/10.1144/petgeo2025-030
/content/journals/10.1144/petgeo2025-030
Loading

Data & Media loading...

  • Article Type: Research Article

Most Cited This Month Most Cited RSS feed

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error