Planktonic Foraminiferal Biostratigraphy of Tanjero Formation (Late Maastrichtian) in Bekhme Area, Northeastern Iraq

Abstract

The biostratigraphy of Tanjero Formation has been investigated within a well-exposed section at the northern limb of Perat anticline, Bekhme area, Northeastern Iraq. The studied section consists mainly of marl, marly limestone, and sandstone. The formation conformably overlies Shiranish Formation (Late Campanian-Maastrichtian) and it is overlain unconformably by the Kolosh Formation (Paleocene). The samples of the section under investigation yielded rich and well diversified planktonic foraminiferal taxa, where 69 planktonic species belonging to 21 genera have been recognized. The detailed foraminiferal investigation permits the recognition of four well defined zones. These are from older at the base: 4. Plummerita hantkeninoides Total Range Zone. 3. Pseudoguembelina palpebra Partial Range Zone. 2. Pseudoguembelina hariaensis Interval Zone. 1. Racemiguembelina fructicosa Interval Zone. The Planktonic zones were correlated with other zonal schemes in- and outside Iraq. They are considered to be of Late Maastrichtian age.