Facies Analysis and Sequence Stratigraphy of Silurian Carbonate Ramps in the Turan (Kopeh-Dagh) and Central Iran Plates with Emphasis on Gondwana Tectonic Event

Two sections from the Silurian deposits in the Central Iran Micro and Turan Plates were measured and sampled. These deposits are mostly composed of submarine volcanic rocks, skeletal and non-skeletal limestone, shale and sandstone that were deposited in low to high energy conditions (from tidal flat to deep open marine). According to gradual deepening trend, wide lateral distribution of facies as well as absence of resedimentation deposits, a depositional model of a homoclinal ramp was proposed for these deposits. Field observations and facies distribution indicate that, two depositional sequences were recognized in both sections. These sections show similarities in facies and depositional sequence during the Early Silurian in the area. Although there are some opinions and evidences that demonstrated Paleo-Tethys rifting phase started at the Late Ordovician-Early Silurian, similarities suggest that the Turan and Iran Plates were not completely detached tectonic block during this time, and that their depositional conditions were affected by global sea level changes and tectonic events.