Geochemistry of the Razak Formation sandstones, southeastern Zagros sedimentary basin: implications for tectonic setting, parent rocks and palaeoweathering

In this study, the sandstones of the Razak Formation at the Finu and Hanudun outcrops and at Sarkhun Field north of Bandar-Abbas have been investigated by petrography and geochemistry analyses to discriminate provenance for determination of tectonic setting, parent rock and palaeoweathering and for comparison with the Ahwaz Sandstone of Asmari Formation. The Razak Formation mainly consists of marl, sandstone, conglomerate and sandy limestone. The results of geochemical investigation of major and trace elements indicated that the sedimentation of the Razak Formation took place in an active continental margin. Provenance analysis shows that the siliciclastic sediments of the Razak Formation were largely derived from mafic and intermediate igneous, low- to high-grade metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Chemical weathering indices suggested that their source area underwent a moderate degree of chemical weathering in an arid climate. It seems that the sediments of the Razak Formation are results of erosion from a mixture of ophiolitic-igneous rocks belonging to the Neo-Tethys oceanic crust, metamorphic rocks and other sedimentary strata deposited in Zagros sedimentary basin during foreland basin evolution. Wedge thickness of the Razak Formation changes from the hinterland thrust basin towards the Zagros trough and ridge basin and finally disappears in the coastal Fars region. The presence of polymictic conglomerate and coarse-grained sandstone with abundant rock fragments could be considered as additional evidence for the source of Razak Formation from the Zagros imbricated zone.