Iraqi National Journal of Earth Sciences

Abstract

ABSTRACT Contrary to the present opinion regarding the Balambo Formation exposed in Jebel Azmer, Sulaimaniya area, northeastern Iraq, this study shows that the upper part (63 m) of the Balambo succession actually belongs to the Dokan Formation. The major hiatus between the lower part of the succession which represents the Balambo Formation and the upper part of the succession which we claim to represent the Dokan Formation together with the lithological differences give strong reason to characterize the studied section as the Dokan Formation. Dokan Formation in the studied section consists of light brown and white massive not well bedded limestone. Nineteen planktonic foraminiferal species have been identified from this section. The age of the Dokan Formation in the Jebel Azmer area is Middle - Late Cenomanian and is assigned to Rotalipora cushmani Zone; this indicates a major hiatus between the Dokan Formation and the older Balambo Formation of Middle-Late Albian age in this area.