Biostratigraphy of bekhme formation (upper cretaceous)‎ in selected sections, Kurdistan region, northeast Iraq

Abstract EN

The Bekhme Formation belongs to the Late Campanian – Early Maastrichtian cycle.

The formation consists mainly of thick and massive bedded limestone and dolomitic limestone.

The main objective of this study is to determine the microfossil and the age of Bekhme Formation.

Forty four species of benthonic and planktonic foraminifera have been recognized including one species described for the first time in Iraq.

Depending on the assemblage of different groups of foraminifera, two biozones of benthonic foraminifera were determined, namely: 1.

Murciella cuvillieri Range Zone.

2.

Omphalocyclus macropours-Orbitoides apiculatus-Siderolites calcitrapoides Assemblage Zone.

According to the identified biozones the age of Bekhme Formation is estimated as Late Campanian – Maastrichtian at Shaqlawa, Bekhme and Khanzad sections.