Abstract
We studied the Abtalkh Formation from five outcrops (Sheikh, Hajgelichkhan, Qarehso, Muzduran, and Deraz-Ab) in the Kopeh-Dagh sedimentary basin. Atotal of 30 species of planktonic foraminifera belonging to 21 genera were recorded. These species were used to subdivide the Abtalkh Formation into seven biozones (Dicarinella asymetrica Zone, Globotruncanita elevata Zone, Contusotruncana plummerae Zone, Radotruncana calcarata Zone, Globotruncanella havanensis Zone, Globotruncana aegyptiaca Zone, and Gansserina gansseri Zone). The Abtalkh Formation was deposited during the late Santonian-latest Campanian and the Santonian-Campanian boundary is identified based on the last occurrence of Dicarinella asymetrica. The base of theCampanian stagewas delineated by the extinction of the marginotruncanid group, the first occurrences of Pseudotextularia nuttalli and Rugoglobigerina rugosa, and on the last occurrence of Dicarinella asymetrica.