Palynology of the Permian succession from the Ajabshir area (Azerbaijan, Central Iran): a preliminary report

Permian stratigraphic sequences are widely distributed throughout Iranian, making this one of the best locations in the world to study15 this geological time interval. Nevertheless, some units lack detailed biostratigraphic characterization which is essential for16 palaeogeographic reconstructions. This preliminary study comprises a palynological assessment of a Permian stratigraphic section17 cropping out in the Ajabshir area (SW Azerbaijan, NW Iran). The continuous and relatively well-exposed Ajabshir section comprises18 Unit 3 of the Dorud Formation and the Nesen and Ruteh formation In this area, the Dorud Formation starts with the Unit 319 unconformably overlying the Mila Formation, with its lower units missing. Unit 3 (48 m thick) is characterized by sandstones with20 siltstones and shale intercalations and an upward increase of limestones. The overlying Ruteh Formation (192 m thick) consists21 mainly of carbonates with scattered coarse sandstone intercalations and dolomitic limestones