Comparative Study of Brachiopods of Chhidru Formation from Zaluch and Nammal Sections, Western Salt Range, Pakistan

  • Fazli Rabbi Khan
  • Jawad Afzal

Abstract

 The Zaluch and Nammal sections are important reference areas of the marine upper Permian of the world. These sections are located in Mianwali District, Punjab, Pakistan. Specimens of brachiopods have been studied from Chhidru Formation in Zaluch and Nammal sections. The main results are summarized as follow; Paleontological study resulted in the identification of the following 8 genera and 10 species from Zaluch as follow: Nudauris diabloensis, Waagenoconcha abichi, Waagenoconcha purdoni, Linoproductus semisulcatus, Linoproductus angustus, C/eiothyridina pilularis, Composita crassa, Derbyia altes tria ta, Derbyia pannucia and Marginifera opima. In addition 7 genera and 8 species from Nammal section as follow: Nudauris, diabloensis, Waagenoconcha abichi, Linoproductus semisulcatus, Linoproductus angustus, Cleiothyridina pilularis, Composita crassa, Derbyia pannucia and Marginifera opima. Based on the studies and research of the abovementioned fauna, two-biostratigraphic zones have been established from both sections as: (A) Waagenoconcha abichi indicating Early Dzhulfian age and (B) Derbyia pannucia-Marginifera opima indicating Late Dzhulfian age. Palaeoenvironments has been interpreted on the bases of the above-mentioned brachiopod fauna as inner sublittoral environment of deposition for the Chhidru Formation. Chhidru Formation along Zaluch section shows comparatively well-populated brachiopod fauna and suggests deeper environment of deposition.

Published
2005-06-01
Section
Articles