Dinoflagellate cysts from the Upper Triassic (Rhaetian) strata of the Tabas Block, East - Central Iran

Abstract

Rhaetian strata from the Nayband Formation of the Tabas block, East- Central Iran, were studied palynologically. The material<br />examined contained moderately diverse and well-preserved dinoflagellate cyst assemblages which lead to the identification of<br />Rhaetogonyaulax rhaetica Zone. The assigned age of this dinozone (Rhaetian) is justified by plant fossils such as Equisetites<br />arenaceus, Scytophyllum persicum, Pterophyllum bavieri, Pterophyllum aequale and Nilssoniopteris musafolia recorded from these<br />strata. The dinoflagellate cysts show close similarities with assemblages reported from Australia, Northwest Europe, Arctic Canada<br />and Northern Iran. Furthermore, the associated marine palynomorphs (dinoflagellate cysts), accompanied by spores grain indicate a<br />nearshore depositional environment for the Late Triassic (Rhaetian) deposits in Tabas Block of Iran.