ali reza ashouri

The attention to the control of aquatic ponds and the optimum use of water consumption can reduce pollution of the environment and maintenance ecological conditions of the region. This study investigated the effect of artificial wetlands on the reduction of ammonia and nitrate factors and also physical and chemical changes loading in wastewater to improve water efficiency in stellate sturgeon ponds over a ten-month growth period. To conduct this research, 5 ponds (4 m-2) and 5 cement canals were used. Three fiberglass ponds were used to culture of stellate sturgeon under the same conditions, two fiberglass ponds were used for culturing of Hediste diversicolor and Gammarus (Gammarus aequicauda) larvae, and cement channels were used to establish reed plants (Phragmites australis) in the treatments in the first to third rows, respectively. At this study was used 50% recyclution water and 50% freshwater. The ammonia and nitrate factors were measured in all ponds monthly. In the output of the reed plant, the highest percentage of ammonia (NH3-N) and nitrate (NO3-N) removal was related to the water that was passed through the gammarus ponds and stellate sturgeon, respectively. The results of percentage reduction of wastewater nutrients among the treatments showed that the highest ability to remove ammonia (15.6%), and nitrate (24%), was observed in the ponds of Phragmites australis and it also economically plays an important role due to the lack of food cost for feeding worms and Gamarus.

  A total of 1,200 A. stellatus juveniles at different ages of 55, 69, 77 and 85 days were stored at a density of 100 eggs per square meter. Habitation of A. stellatus juveniles in four breeding treatments including 55 days (0.5-1 g), 69 days (1-3 g), 77 days, (3-5 g) and 85 days (5-10 g) in water Accepted and 4 experiments in different salinities (0-- 0-5, 4-5 /., 9-4 and 9-13) and each experiment was designed in 4 treatments and each treatment had 3 replications. The results of the present study showed that the best breeding period for releasing juvenile A. stellatus fish into the sea (salinity 9-13) during 77 and 85 days (3 to 5 and 5 to 10 g) (df = 3, F = 8.933 P = 0.006) and (, df = 3, F = 68.800 P = 0.000). Is, which has the lowest loss rate.

The Julfa region in East Azerbaijan Province exhibits one of the best continuous marine sedimentary successions across the Permian to Triassic boundary. The present study is focused on the brachiopod contents of the Julfa beds in Qareh-Goz section (41.5 m thickness) in the south of Julfa. This study is led to the determination of 11 genera and 21 species of the orders Athyridida, Orthotetida, Orthida, Productida, Spiriferida, and Terebratulida, all representing the Cathaysian bioprovince for this area in the Western Paleotethys. Accordingly, four Wuchiapingian biozones, including Araxilevis intermedius Zone, Araxilevis intermedius-Permophricodothyris ovata Interval zone, Permophricodothyris ovata Zone, and Transcaucasathyris araxensis Zone, have been detected. These biozones correlate well through the other stratigraphic sections of the Julfa area in the Ali Bashi and Zal Mountains, Dorasham section in the Transcaucasia, Hembast Formation in the Abadeh area, and Nesen Formation in the central Alborz, approving the potential of these brachiopods in biocorrelation at a regional scale in the Late Permian.

Due to the drought and water shortage of rivers in the southern basin of the Caspian Sea, especially during the release of these fish and illegal fishing of juveniles in the river, to increase the survival rate, it is better to release these fish in the river or directly into the sea. Acipenser stellatus were examined in different weights with four treatments of 0.5-0, 0.5-0, 4-9 and 9-13 salinity per thousand (ppt) and each treatment in three replications. The experiment was performed for a period of one month along with feeding with live food, preferably Daphne, Gamarus, Nereis worm with a saturation of 6 servings per day and siphon and water change. Daily losses were collected and recorded during the period. The results showed that the percentage of survival in salinities of 0.5-0 and 4-5 g / l was significantly higher than salinity of 4-9 and 9-13 g / l in the weight range of 0.5-1 g. It was 0 g (df = 3, F = 68.800, P = 0.000). Also, the percentage of survival in salinities of 0.5-0 and 4-9 g / l was significantly higher than the salinity of 13-9 g / l in the weight range of 1-3 g (df = 3, F = 7.558, P = 0.010). Survival percentage in salinities of 0.5-0 and 0.5-4 g / l was significantly higher than salinity levels of 4-9 and 13-9 g / l for weight of 3-5 g (df = 3, F = 8.933 P = 0.006). Survival percentage in different salinities in the weight range of 5-10 g showed a significant difference (df = 3, F = 68.800, P = 0.000). According to the results, it is suggested that juvenile Acipenser stellatus are first released in the estuary at salinity below weight range of 8 g / l and enter to the sea after adapting to salinity.Due to the drought and water shortage of rivers in the southern basin of the Caspian Sea, especially during the release of these fish and illegal fishing of juveniles in the river, to increase the survival rate, it is better to release these fish in the river or directly into the sea. Acipenser stellatus were examined in different weights with four treatments of 0.5-0, 0.5-0, 4-9 and 9-13 salinity per thousand (ppt) and each treatment in three replications. The experiment was performed for a period of one month along with feeding with live food, preferably Daphne, Gamarus, Nereis worm with a saturation of 6 servings per day and siphon and water change. Daily losses were collected and recorded during the period. The results showed that the percentage of survival in salinities of 0.5-0 and 4-5 g / l was significantly higher than salinity of 4-9 and 9-13 g / l in the weight range of 0.5-1 g. It was 0 g (df = 3, F = 68.800, P = 0.000). Also, the percentage of survival in salinities of 0.5-0 and 4-9 g / l was significantly higher than the salinity of 13-9 g / l in the weight range of 1-3 g (df = 3, F = 7.558, P = 0.010). Survival percentage in salinities of 0.5-0 and 0.5-4 g / l was significantly higher than salinity levels of 4-9 and 13-9 g / l for weight of 3-5 g (df = 3, F = 8.933 P = 0.006). Survival percentage in different salinities in the weight range of 5-10 g showed a significant difference (df = 3, F = 68.800, P = 0.000). According to the results, it is suggested that juvenile Acipenser stellatus are first released in the estuary at salinity below weight range of 8 g / l and enter to the sea after adapting to salinity.Due to the drought and water shortage of rivers in the southern basin of the Caspian Sea, especially during the release of these fish and illegal fishing of juveniles in the river, to increase the survival rate, it is better to release these fish in the river or directly into the sea. Acipenser stellatus were examined in different weights with four treatments of 0.5-0, 0.5-0, 4-9 and 9-13 salinity per thousand (ppt) and each treatment in three replications. The experiment was performed for a period of one month along with feeding with live food, preferably Daphne, Gamarus, Nereis worm with a saturation of 6 servings per day and siphon and water change. Daily losses were collected and recorded during the period. The results showed that the percentage of survival in salinities of 0.5-0 and 4-5 g / l was significantly higher than salinity of 4-9 and 9-13 g / l in the weight range of 0.5-1 g. It was 0 g (df = 3, F = 68.800, P = 0.000). Also, the percentage of survival in salinities of 0.5-0 and 4-9 g / l was significantly higher than the salinity of 13-9 g / l in the weight range of 1-3 g (df = 3, F = 7.558, P = 0.010). Survival percentage in salinities of 0.5-0 and 0.5-4 g / l was significantly higher than salinity levels of 4-9 and 13-9 g / l for weight of 3-5 g (df = 3, F = 8.933 P = 0.006). Survival percentage in different salinities in the weight range of 5-10 g showed a significant difference (df = 3, F = 68.800, P = 0.000). According to the results, it is suggested that juvenile Acipenser stellatus are first released in the estuary at salinity below weight range of 8 g / l and enter to the sea after adapting to salinity.v

The Permian–Triassic sedimentary succession in the Julfa region is lithostratigraphically composed of limestones and shales of the Julfa Formation, the Zal Member shales, and the Paratirolites Limestone of the Ali-Bashi Formation, as well as shales and carbonate beds of the Elikah Formation. The Lower Julfa Beds are rich in benthic organisms such as brachiopods and corals, while the Upper Julfa Beds and Ali-Bashi Formation contain pelagic assemblages including ammonoids, fishes, and conodonts. These rocks have already been studied from different palaeontological and geochemical perspectives, but most have focused on the strata near the Permian–Triassic boundary. In the present study, ammonoids from older intervals around the Wuchiapingin–Changhsingian boundary in the four stratigraphic sections Aras Valley, Ali-Bashi 1, Ali-Bashi 4, and Zal are outlined. Fourteen genera and 22 species of ammonoids were identified and assigned to five successive biozones. The Araxocers latissimum Zone in the Lower Julfa Beds and the Vedioceras ventrosulcatum Zone in the Upper Julfa Beds document the Wuchiapingian. Following upwards, the Iranites transcaucasius-Phisonites triangulus Zone, Dzhulfites nodosus Zone and Shevyrevites shevyrevi Zone in the Zal Member confirm an early Changhsingian age. This follows the previously presented ages based on conodonts.

Devonian-Carboniferous boundary is an exciting issue for researchers all over the world. In this boundary, significant events have occurred on marine organisms (specially conodonts elements) and terrestrial organisms, consisting of weather and sea-level changes, and relative coincidence with the Hangenberg bio-event (Mc. Ghee, 1998; Sandberg et al., 2002; Caplan & Bustin, 1999; Kaiser et al., 2006, 2011, Bahrami et al., 2011, 2019; Konigshof et al., 2021; Sattari et al., 2021). According to ICS, the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary, as defined by the first Appearance Datum (FAD) of the conodont species Siphonodella sulcata within the Siphonodella praesulcata- Siphonodella sulcata lineage and the GSSP is located in the La Serre Trench E’ section in France (Paproth et al. 1991). Khoshyeilagh Formation in Zoo section consists of shallow marine deposits attributed to the Late Devonian (Frasnian-Famennin) (Najjarzadeh, 1997). This study focuses on identifying and reviewing the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary in a part of the Eastern Alborz area and study the biostratigraphy of deposits near this boundary based on conodont fauna.

58 carbonate and 11 non-carbonate samples (3-4 kg/each) were collected and processed for conodonts. The samples were processed with the conventional acetic acid technique, but formic acid 10% with 10 hours was also used for some silty samples and compacted limestones. Then picked remaining deposits with the handpicking method. The following steps include pasting the conodont specimens on stab, photographing them under an SEM microscope, and naming conodonts elements based on available references (e.g., Branson & Mehl, 1934; …). Accordingly, the biozonation of the studied sequence using the global standard zonings of Ziegler & Sandberg (1990), Sommervile (2008), Poty et al. (2006), Spalletta et al. (2017).

Khoushyeilagh and Mobarak formations Late Devonian-Carboniferous conodonts fauna of Zoo section, (NE Jajarm), led to identifying 10 conodont genera, 23 species, and 8 subspecies. The conodont faunas which be obtained in this research indicate the presence of these biozones: Bispathodus ultimus Zone (Latest Famennian), From the base of Siphonodella duplicata to within Siphonodella crenulata interval (Tournaisian), and Pseudopolygnathos multistriatus Zone (Visean). According to this study, the Fm/T boundary is located at the end of Khoushyeilagh formation, 6m above the diabase layer. The conodonts, as mentioned above, are indicators for Polygnathid biofacies. These sequences are similar to other Famennian-Tournaisian deposits in the east Alborz, both in the litho-facies and bio-facies peculiarities. The conodont Color Alteration Index in the Carboniferous conodonts element increased compared to the Late Devonian elements.

Abstract
In order to identify the palynofacies and to reconstruct the paleoenvironment of the Lower Cretaceous depositions in the Kopet-Dagh sedimentary basin, the Sanganeh Formation was sampled and studied. The four sections of the Sanganeh Formation were selected for correlation and comparison in the east and the center of the Kopet- Dagh Basin, respectively included Karizak, Mozduran, Sanganeh and Qarah-Su. The study of slides was done with an optical microscope. Marine palynomorphs groups, phytoclasts, amorphous organic matter, transparent to opaque amorphous organic matter ratio, brown to opaque phytoclast ratio, Peridinioid to Gonyaulacoid dinocyst ratio, abundance, and diversity of marine palynomorphs and dinoflagellates were counted and investigated.  In this study, a quantitative analysis of the main palynologic elements (AOM, marine palynomorph, phytoclast) led to characterize four palynofacies types that were identified in the Karizak and Mozduran sections. Based on the palynofacies analyses and according to the plotting to Tyson diagram, we have recorded an increase in the number of phytoclasts and a decrease in the number of marine palynomorphs to the east indicating a decrease in the depth and oxygen trend in the Sanganeh Formation in these part of the Kopet-Dagh sedimentary Basin. The sedimentation rate of the Sanganeh Formation was also considered low in the studied sections.
Keywords: Palynofacies, Dinoflagellate, Kopet-Dagh, Sanganeh Formation, Lower Cretaceous
 
 
According to Tyson (1993, 1995) and Batten (1996b), identification of palynofacies plays an essential role in determining depositional environments as well as studying the petroleum potential in sediments. The components of palynologic slides, which are used to determine palynofacies and paleoenvironmental interpretation, can be grouped into three groups: amorphous organic matter (AOM), marine palynomorphs (MP), and phytoclasts (P).  Due to the Sanganeh Formation lithology, paleontologists have been interested in working the shale samples. Several studies have been done to determine the age and identify the paleoenvironment on this formation in the Kopet-Dagh basin based on different fossil groups including foraminifera, calcareous nannofossil, ammonite, and palynomorph. Four stratigraphic sections have been selected from the Sanganeh Formation in the Kopet-Dagh Basin. The studied sections from the east to the center of the Basin are included Karizak, Mozduran, Sanganeh and Qarah-Su, respectively with a thickness of 320, 355, 550, and 580 meters. In the studied sections, the lower and upper boundaries of the Sanganeh Formation are continuance with Sarcheshmeh and Aitamir formations. The aim of this study was to identify the palynofacies and the paleoenvironment of the Sanganeh Formation based on the counting and frequency of palynological content in the studied sections.
 
Material & Methods    
A total of 370 samples were taken from the Sanganeh Formation in four sections, (Karizak, Mozduran, Sanganeh, and Qarah-Su). Samples were prepared based on the acid treating technique (HCl/HF) (Travers 2007). In this standard method, dry sediment samples were degraded with 30% hydrochloric acid (HCl) and 40% hydrofluoric acid (HF) to extract acid-resistant organic matter. These acids had been added to remove carbonates and silicates materials. In the following steps, after sieving (10 µm mesh), the samples were centrifuged with heavy liquid zinc chloride (ZnCl2), and the residual material was finally transferred to 3–5 lamellas for palynological studies. It should be noted that the samples were not oxidized.
 
Discussion of Results & Conclusions  
Based on the relative frequency of three palynological matter categories, three types of palynofacies are recognized at the Qarah-Su section,and four types of palynofacies at the Karizak and Mozduran sections. According to these plots, we could subdivide the Sanganeh Formation into two parts in the studied sections. The first part is characterized by abundant phytoclast matter indicating a highly proximal dysoxic-anoxic basin.while the second part of the studied succession shows a change in organic matter in the samples composed of AOM and marine palynomorphs. This part is indicated by the proximal suboxic-anoxic shelf. The depositional depth showed an increase in this part. However, an exception could be observed in the Karizak section so there could be a third part and we could have observed a decrease in the depositional depth again.
The relative abundance of marine palynomorphs, phytoclasts, and amorphous organic matter, the ratio of transparent/opaque amorphous organic matter, brown/opaque phytoclast and Peridinioid/Gonyaulacoid dinocyst, and also the density and diversity of marine palynomorphs and dinoflagellates were considered at this study. The ratio of the  transparent AOM to opaque AOM indicates low oxygen conditions have fluctuated over time. The absence of dinocysts at the base of succession may be due to the lack of preservation of distributed organic matter at the sediment surface, diagenesis, or the initial lack of production of dinoflagellate cysts in the marine environments (Ogg 1992). The upward trend in the peridinioid group is also considered to be near-coastal or transitional environments (Habib and Miller 1989).
The distribution of palynological data on the Tyson diagram indicates the relative high amount of phytoclasts for this formation, especially in the eastern sections of the Kopet-Dagh Basin. According to the diagrams, the shallowing trend to the east can be observed, clearly in the Karizak section. Therefore, the depositional environment of the Sanganeh Formation can be considered as a shallow, coastal, and low oxygen environment in the eastern part of the study area. Towards the center of the Basin, the amount of marine palynomorphs has increased which indicates deeper and distal coast, and a relatively lack of oxygen.
The paleoenvironmental and palynological elements analysis of the Sanganeh Formation in the studied area generally show the following Comparison of the three main groups of palynological components (phytoclasts, amorphous organic matter, and marine palynomorphs) in the studied sections shows that the amount of phytoclasts in all sections is almost high. The amount of amorphous organic matter and marine palynomorphs are in the next degree of abundance. Due to the relative amount of these three groups, the base of the Sanganeh Formation has shown the shallow marine deposit and proximal setting. In the middle part, the amount of organic matter is increased and the amount of phytoclasts is reduced. The amount of marine palynomorphs also shows a relative increase in this part.
Therefore, the increase in amorphous organic matters, the presence of marine palynomorphs, and the relative decrease of phytoclasts, palaeoenvironment of the sequences can be considered mud dominate distal shelf. The upper part of the studied sections, which can be seen just only in the Karizak section, indicates a decrease in depth and near-shore environments, accompanied by an increase in phytoclasts.
The Karizak section, which is the most eastern section, has the lowest marine palynomorphs and the highest phytoclasts. The Mozduran section, which is the second section from the east shows  an increase in the marine palynomorph and AOM. Finally, marine palynomorphs and AOM are increased in the Sanganeh and Qarah-Su sections,indicating an increase in depth and a decrease in oxygen to the center of the Kopet-Dagh basin.

The Binalud Mountains in the northeast of Iran is a limited structural unit between the central Iran, Kopet-Dagh, and Alborz Mountains, mainly considered as a southeastern extension of Alborz Mountains (Lammerer et al., 1983; Eftekhar-Nezhad & Behroozi, 1991; Alavi, 1992; Seyed-Emami & Schairer, 2011). Jurassic successions, which have very well extended outcrops in the eastern Alborz and Binalud Mountains, were the main topic of the publications by Seyed-Emami & Schairer (2010), Wilmsen et al. (2009a,b), Raoufian et al. (2011, 2014), Seyed-Emami and Raoufian (2017), Seyed-Emami et al. (2018). Dalichai Formation in the eastern Alborz and Binalud Mountains comprises a thickness of marl and marly limestone, with an abundance of ammonite fauna which is the most important characteristic of the formation in the Binalud Mountains. This fauna in the Alborz and Binalud has long been considered in different papers (e.g., Shafeizad et al., 2005; Seyed-Emami et al., 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018; Raoufian et al., 2011, 2014). In this research, an outcrop of Dalichai Formation in the Bāghi stratigraphic section, northwest of Esfarayen city, was lithostratigraphycally and biostratigraphically studied.

The base of the measured stratigraphic section is located in 37°11′45.34″ and 57°16′21.89″, 29 km northwest of Esfarayen city (Esfarayen to Jajarm route). After field studies, reviews of lithofacies in the field, and drawing the log, 540 in situ ammonite specimens were obtained from the section. They are kept in the Museum of the Geology Department at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The biometric details of ammonite specimens, including the dimensions of the specimens, size, depth, and diameter of the umbilical area, the number, arrangement, and shape of ribs, marginal keels, nodes, suture lines, and apertural shape, have been studied. The studied ammonitic fauna are typically Northwest Tethyan and belongs to the Submediterranean Province with episodic Mediterranean and Subboreal affinities (Seyed-Emami et al., 2013). It reflects the relationship between these regions with other parts of the Paleotethys sidelines during the Jurassic time.

In the Baghi section, the Dalichai Formation unconformably overlies the siliciclastic Shemshak Formation and gradationally underlies the cliff-forming carbonate rocks of Lar Formation. The Dalichai Formation, with a thickness of 655 meters, is divided into ten separate informal members and is mainly composed of marls, limestone, and marly limestone. One of the most important features of the Dalichai Formation in this section is the abundance of ammonite fauna, especially in the lower half of the section. Due to the specific color, lithology, and abundance of ammonite fauna, the second member is a key member.Paleontological studies in this research is led to the determination of 96 species, 26 subgenera, 39 genera, 20 subfamilies, 14 families, and 6 superfamilies belonging to 3 suborders of Ammonitida. According to the mentioned assemblage, 17 standard biozones are recognized, consisting of Grantiana, Parkinsoni, Zigzag, Retrocostatum, Bullatus, Gracilis, Anceps, Coronatum, Athleta, Lamberti, Transversarium, Bifurcatus, Bimammatum, Planula, Platynota, Hypselocyclum, and Acanthicum. These biozones show the age of late Bajocian – late Kimmeridgian for the Dalichai Formation. The studied ammonitic assemblages are closely related to the other Middle-Late Jurassic fauna from Iran and further peri-Mediterranean regions, which correlates with the Sub-Mediterranean province.

Naraq section is located at the South of the Qom sedimentary basin in Central Iran. The study of microfacies sedimentary environments and sequence stratigraphic features of the Qom Formation in this area can help to understand the situation of the Qom sedimentary basin. In this study, 111 samples of the Qom Formation in Naraq section in the northwest of Naraq are investigated. Based on field observation and thin-section studies, 6 microfacies related to the lagoon, reef and slope parts of carbonate platform have been recognized.Due to the presence of slope microfacies and skeletal and non-skeletal grains that are transported from the shallow to this environment and the existence of SMF9, bioturbation, Also the presence of barrier / reef sediments, a carbonate shelf depositional environment is suggested for the Qom Formation in Naragh section. In this model, marls of b member of the Qom Formation show more relative depth. Also sequence stratigraphic studies show that the Naraq section is composed of three sedimentary sequences of third- order three types I and one type II sequence boundaries were recognized in this formation.

The coal seams of the Hojedk Formation have appropriate thicknesses, but the exact age of their permeable beds in the Sarapardeh stratigraphic section is indeterminate. In this study, we use the main plant groupschr('39') fossils of these beds to precise age dating. This study led to identifying 18 species belonging to 13 genera and 7 orders of plant fossils. In Sarapardeh section, coal beds include d0, d2, d3, d4, d5, d8, d9, d12. Phlebopteris angustiloba is the most abundant and well-preserved species associated with the d2 coal seam, which is the main industrial coal bed and is very thick in this section. This species is introduced from Iran with the new Middle Jurassic age for the first time. According to the index species Klukia exilis, Eboracia lobifolia, Nilssonia friziensis, Bajoician-Bathonian age is suggested for coal layers d3, d5, and d8. The floral gradient score (59) in the Sarapardeh stratigraphic section is comparable to the Kalshaneh area of Tabas (58.5), which indicates a humid and subtropical climate.

Infectious Laryngotrachitis (ILT) is an acute respiratory disease with high morbidity and low mortality in poultry. ILT is caused by Gallid herpesvirus 1 (GaHV-1), a member of the Iltovirus genus and family Herpesviridae. It causes in notable economic losses due to decreasing the growth rates, egg production, and increasing the mortality in commercial poultry, especially layer flocks, and usually, outbreaks are more severe in older birds than in younger flocks. However, Infectious Laryngotrachitis has been reported in broiler as well. Multicausal respiratory diseases are prevalent diseases in Iranian broiler flocks and caused a high rate of mortality and considerable economic losses. Field and vaccine strains of Infectious Laryngotrachitis virus are circulating in layer flocks in some geographical locations.

To detect seroprevalence of the Infectious Laryngotrachitis virus in broiler flocks, a total of 180 sera samples were collected in slaughterhouses from 15 broiler flocks (12 sera from each flock) of four provinces in Iran containing Golestan, West Azerbaijan, Qazvin and Tehran during autumn 2018. Infectious Laryngotrachitis virus antibodies were determined using a commercial ELISA test kit.

Based on the results, the seroprevalence of the Infectious Laryngotrachitis virus was found to be 13 % of flocks. Also, our finding showed that 33% and 25% of flocks were seropositive to ILTV collected from Tehran and West Azerbaijan respectively.

The results revealed that Infectious Laryngotrachitis viruses are circulating in broiler flocks in different parts of Iran.  This is the first report of ILT Seroprevalence in broiler flocks in Iran and in future, the molecular studies on ILT would be nessaccery in respiratory disease syndrome.

To separate the different units of the Paleogene sequences of the Kopet-Dagh basin and their regional correlation with the adjacent areas in the Central Asia, the Oyster bivalves fossils are used in the current research. Also, the study of their paleobiogeography has been considered in this study. Based on this fauna, Pycnodonte-Oestra community in the Chehelkaman Formation uppermost parts represents the late Paleocene age and the first occurrence of Flemingostrea hemiglobosa at the base of the Khangiran Formation confirms the beginning of Eocene epoch. Association of different species and subspecies of Turkostrea in the Khangiran Formation demonstrates the middle part of early Eocene and Sokolowia community near the top of the Khangiran Formation shows the Lotetian-Bartonin ages. These features are in full compliance with the bivalve communities recorded from the other parts of Central Asia such as Amu-Darya, Farghana, Afghan - Tajik and Trim basin of China. It illustrates the same geological history of the mentioned areas during Paleogene, indicates the occurrence of different types of molluscan taxa in the Kopet-Dagh basin is the same as parallel horizons and equivalent time units throughout the extensive Central Asian region.

Early and Middle Jurassic, continental sediments of considerable thickness are widespread in the northern, central, and central-eastern Iran (Kilpper, 1964, 1968, 1971, Barnard and Miller, 1976, Sadovnikov, 1976, 1984, 1991, Corsin and Stampfli, 1977, Fakhr, 1977, Schweitzer and Kirchner, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2003, Schweitzer et al., 1997, 2000, 2009, Vaez-Javadi and Pour-Latifi, 2004, Vaez-Javadi and Mirzaei-Ataabadi, 2006, Vaez-Javadi, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015a, b, 2018, Saadatnejad et al., 2010, Vaez-Javadi and Abbasi, 2012, 2018, Vaez-Javadi and Allameh, 2015). For a more detailed study, plant macrofossils from Chah-Rekhneh were considered here.
Material, metho

The plant fossils have been driven from a borehole in Chah-Rekhneh, 62km of SW Tabas city, 33˚17´56ʺ North latitude, 56˚24´01ʺ East longitude. A total of 84 specimens have been collected from a 240 m stratigraphic-core section. Some specimens yielded more than one fossil. The flora from this locality here is introduced for the first time. Material cited in this work (prefixed MJHCh; acronym for Mehdizadeh, Javadi, Hojedk, and Chah-Rekhneh) is held in the collection of the Palaeobotany Laboratory of the Department of Geology at the University of Ferdowsi, Mashhad. Biostratigraphy of the Chah-Rekhneh The Hojedk Formation consists of shale, siltstone, and fine-sandy silt alternating with thick medium-grained sandstone at the base of column. Several coal seams are present at the middle and upper part of the core column. One assemblage biozone was established in this section with lower and upper boundaries identified by FOO (First Observed Occurrence) and LOO (Last Observed Occurrence) of Coniopteris hymenophylloides and Klukia exilis, respectively. Furthermore, three informal subzones were recognized which are upward: I- Equisetites beanii- Ptilophyllum harrisianum Interval zone; II- Ptilophyllum harrisianum- Elatides thomasii Interval zone, III- Elatides thomasii - Nilssonia macrophylla Interval zone.Palaeoclimate Analysis In order to recognize palaeoclimate of the Chah-Rekhneh area during the Middle Jurassic, plant macrofossils relative abundance analysis and floral gradient method were used. Ziegler et al. (1996) assigned all Jurassic leaf genera to ten coarser morphological categories (or 'morphocats'). Rees et al. (2000) explained "Floral gradient" analysis. They show how this analysis can be used to interpret phytogeographic patterns based on the axis 1 scores of individual leaf genera and corresponding plant localities, due to their relative degrees of association. Then the climatical distribution in terms of the basic morphological characteristics of individual leaf genera and the palaeogeographic distribution of plant localities can be understood. By calculating the average of the scaled (0 to 100) axis 1 scores of the 32 genera common to all three intervals, a Jurassic 'floral gradient' has been derived. Floral gradient score of this flora in Chah-Rekhneh is 41.81. It shows that the flora assigned to the middle part of Floral Gradient table and suggests a humid and sub-tropical climate during early Middle Jurassic.

The Hojedk Formation in the Chah-Rekhneh area, south west Tabas contains 33 plant macrofossil species (21 genera) of various orders. On the basis of FOO and LOO of index species, one assemblage zone- Coniopteris hymenophylloides-Klukia exilis Assemblage zone and three informal subzones were recognized. These subzones are upward: I- Equisetites beanii- Ptilophyllum harrisianum Interval zone, II- Ptilophyllum harrisianum- Elatides thomasii Interval zone, and III- Elatides thomasii - Nilssonia macrophylla Interval zone. The occurrence of index fossils such as Klukia exilix and Elatides thomasii, Aalenian-Bajocian are assigned for this assemblage. Statistical analysis studies reveal that Order Filicales, Cycadales, Pinales and Equisetales with relative abundance of 46.31%, 23.50%, 12% and 9.26%, and Nilssonia, Klukia, Coniopteris and Equisetites were the most abundant genera with 22.81%, 13.38%, 8.40% and 8.40%, respectively in the Chah-Rekhneh area. Therefore, based on relative abundance of Filicales and Cycadales, the occurrence of Equisetites beanii as index species of climatic and ecologic, and average floral gradient score (41.81), a humid sub-tropical palaeoclimate was dominant in this area during the Aalenian-Bajocian interval.

Zagros sedimentary basin is one of the most important geological areas based on hydrocarbon potential in the world (Alavi, 2004) located between central Iran and the Arabian plate (Talebian & Jackson, 2004). Purple shale is one of the informal members at the base of the Pabdeh Formation in the Zagros basin (James & Wynd, 1965). This member in the Arabian plate was correlated to Rus and upper parts of Umm er Radhuma Formations (Ziegler 2001). We aimed to study the paleoenvironment and sequence stratigraphy of a section in the SouthEast of Malek-Shahi city, Ilam Province (West of Iran).

Purple shale member in this section is composed of three lithological parts (lower purple shale, middle gray shale, and upper purple shale). One hundred and eleven palynological slides related to the 37 rock samples have been prepared and studied. In sample preparation, we used HCl, HF, and ZnCl2 to extract palynological particles from carbonate and silicate minerals. All palynological slides were studied using a transmitted microscope. Three hundred and fifty palynological particles (including palynomorphs, structureless organic matter and phytoclasts) per one slide have been counted and relative abundance graph lines and charts including a palynological chart (Tyson 1993) have been plotted.

Palynofacies analysis and triangle chart can be used in paleoenvironmental reconstruction (Tyson, 1993). Plotting data on Tyson chart show four palynofacies areas including VI, VII, VIII, and IX. Most data show a high abundance of SOM (Palynofacies type IX). Based on this fact we can propose a distal suboxic-anoxic basin as the dominant paleoenvironmental conditions for this strata. Pridinioid/Gonialacoid ration in dinocyst assemblages can be used in productivity rate and upwelling current (Pross et al. 2006; Radi et al. 2006). Also, we used paleoecological index taxa for the reconstruction of paleoenvironment conditions including temperature, light, and energy current. We used cool water/warm water taxa ratio considering cool water taxa (Achomosphaera, Glaphyrocysta, Spiniferites) and warm water taxa (Areoligera, Exochosphaeridium) and other factors in this study based on Helenes and Tellez-Duarte 2002; Pross et al. 2006; Tyson 1993; Oboh & and Villiers 2003; Pross & and Schmiedl 2002; Stover 1996; Travers 2007; Gasemi-Nejad 2001). Palynological data and index dinocyst taxa can be used also in sequence stratigraphy studies (Carvalho, 2006; Robertson, 1993; Habib et al. 1992). One stratigraphic sequence has been identified based on palynological data in this study. 

Palynological investigations have been carried out for the reconstruction of the paleoenvironment and sequence stratigraphic of purple shale in the Zagros Basin. Based on this study, distal suboxic-anoxic basin, oligotrophic, low productivity and cool conditions have been proposed as the main paleoenvironmental conditions for this strata. Moreover, one stratigraphic sequence has been identified based on palynological data in these strata that shows a deepening upward trend in this section.

Macro-borings are macroscopic traces on hard substrates produced by animals that penetrate hard substrates by drilling, grinding, dissolving, and scraping. They are considered as biogenic structures that are produced mechanically or biochemically by guest animals or parasites in hard substrates (Miller, 2007). The survey of such buildings was studied in the present study. Bioerosion is a general process in substrates and widely extended on non-living hard substrates such as rock and woods (Bromley, 1994). However, living substrates can also be used as temporary substrates by different organisms and play the role of inorganic hard substrates, in smaller dimensions. The process of bioerosion on living substrates has long been attracted the attention of many paleontologists, and extensive studies have been carried out to clarify the details of predation on bivalves and, interestingly, most of these studies on Cenozoic fossil communities have been studied (Martinell & Domènech, 1981; Bromley & Martinell, 1991; Kitchell et al., 1981). Many invertebrates can drill. Warme & McHuron (1978) have identified at least 12 species of invertebrates as having the capacity to hunt through the digging of other calcareous shells. According to Stanley (2008), the importance of the hunting process is to the extent that it affects an important part of the diversity of marine faunal specimens. Investigating the location of hunting remains and borings on the hunt can provide information on the behavior of the predator attack. The study of borings in recent decades has become an important topic in many paleontological studies due to the key role of these works in providing important information on the process of hunting, digging animals and even paleontological analyzes (Taylor, 1970; Kitchell et al, 1981; Bromley, 1981). Since borings are generally categorized as trace fossils, they provide valuable evidence of the constructive behavior of the trace that cannot be achieved through the study of body fossils. Besides, the study of these borings, as they are part of the bioerosion process, provides evidence of organisms (Miller, 2007).

Oyster bivalves are the most abundant biological debris present in marine sediments due to the high preservation potential of their shells. Accordingly, these organisms provide the hardest living substrates for different groups of organisms (El-Hedeny, 2005). For this reason, bioerosion is the most important taphonomic process that affects the oyster shells, and so identifying these patterns is important in the study of their taphonomy (El-Hedeny, 2005). On the other hand, most of the oysters, which are semi-infaunal, are in the tidal zone. This group attaches itself to the substrate by special methods to be resistant to the high energy of this region (Stenzel, 1971). Post-mortem oyster shells are also a good substrate for organisms (Farinati & Zavala, 2002). Some carnivorous species can make holes in the outer calcareous skeleton of invertebrates. Interesting observations of some of these activities were observed in the oyster shells of the Chehelkaman Formation in the Sheikh section. These borings extend extensively on the larger left valves of oysters and include vertical, cylindrical, and horizontal traces that developed on the shells. The distribution of encrusters on the gastropods indicates that they are concentrated near the mouth of these organisms. This distribution is apparently due to the high capability of these parts to use nutrients for their growth (Žítt et al., 2003). The vertical and oblique borings that examined in this study were divided into two groups in size. Larger varieties have a maximum depth of 5.15 mm and a maximum diameter of 5.08 mm. Smaller types that are more abundant have a maximum depth of 2.50 mm and a maximum diameter of less than 3 mm. The edges are clear and the walls are smooth. Interior is concave, flat, vertical, or concave-flat. The internal and external openings can also be centered or non-centered. The drilled axis is also at different angles to the surface of the shell, giving rise to different shapes. On this basis, as well as on the geometric structure five different groups A to E can be named. In the Sheikh section, the central part of the oyster shells exhibits the highest concentration of borings. Interestingly these parts are not the thinnest part of the shells. More precisely, it can be seen that these points are located in the muscles situation of the bivalves and these parts have been skillfully targeted by the predator, which assures the immediate opening of the valves (Kelley, 1988). Thin shells break down after drilling, and thus, types of thick shells are more likely to be affected by biological erosion. In older specimens with a thick shell, there is no evidence of attack or predation. Therefore, it is likely that these organisms will not be considered as prey by hunters.

In this study, the oyster fauna and gastropods of the Chehelkaman Formation at Sheikh section were studied for bioerosion and encrustation. Accordingly, five groups borings (A to E) were separated on the oyster shells. Most excavations were observed in Pycnodonte sp. In this study ichnogenus Oichnus (Bromley, 1981) belonged to the Naticid, and Entobia (Bronn, 1837) belonged to the sponges. Maeandropolydora (Voigt, 1965) and Talpina (Von Hagenov, 1840) were attributed to worms' activities. Most excavations in the specimens were concentrated in the central part of the bivalves and the excavations were more selective.

Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the most serious diseases among many species of birds and causes devastating effects on the poultry industry. This disease is endemic in Iran and ND outbreaks occur unexpectedly and with high mortality and severe clinical signs. The sequence of the F protein cleavage site is that the major virulence determinant of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). This study aimed to understand the molecular characterization of three NDVs isolates from commercial broilers from Qazvin province during 2019-2020. Thus, we can design appropriate control programs by obtaining useful data.

The partial open reading frame sequences of the F gene and haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) genes of three isolates were amplified and sequenced. All sequences were edited using BioEdit Package and phylogenic trees were created based on the partial F gene sequences of isolates attained in this study and other NDV sequences available in GenBank with MEGA 7 software.

The phylogenetic analysis displayed that the viruses belonged to genotype VII and further clustered into sub-genotype VII.1.1. Analysis of the F protein showed polybasic amino acid motif and a phenylalanine at position 117 at the cleavage site.

The similarity of these strains could indicate the entry of migratory birds from neighboring countries into Iran. Also, the role of backyard poultry is very important in the epidemiology of ND.  This study proclaims the urgency of effective control strategies.

Coral fossils of Jamal Formation Bagh-e-Vang member in Bagh-e-Vang and Shesh-Angosht stratigraphic sections (Tabas area of East-Central Iran) have been investigated in this research. Except the studies by Flügel (e.g.; 1964, 1968, 1972, 1995) and Ezaki (1991) Permian corals are poorly known from Iran. The Jamal Formation was firstly introduced by Stöcklin et al. (1965) for the Permian rocks of east central Iran consisting mainly of limestone and dolomite in Shotori and Shirgesht Mountain ranges of the Tabas Block. With 293 to 473 m thickness (Stöcklin et al., 1965; Ruttner et al., 1968; Leven and Vaziri Mohaddam, 2004), its succession confined unconformably upon eroded surface of siliciclastic rocks  belonging to the Carboniferous Sardar Formation and is conformably overlain by the Lower Triassic Sorkh Shale Formation (Partoazar et al., 2014). Jamal Formation in the studied sections is divided into 2 members, Bagh-e-Vang and Cherty Limestone member. The first one which is the main subject of the current research consists of shale and fossiliferous limestone with a siliciclastic rock unit of conglomerate and sandstone at the base, which is overlaid on the green shales of the Sardar Formation. The member is overlaid by cherty limestone of the Jamal Formation through a conglomeratic horizon. This study discuss paleontologically and paleobiogeographically the new material collected from the Jamal Formation in the mentioned localities, Bagh-e-Vang (coordinates of N33°58′27″ and E56°47′33″) on the southwestern flank of the Bagh-e-Vang Mountain and Shesh-Angosht (coordinates of N33°59′15″ and E56°46′50″) on the western flank of the Shesh-Angosht Mountain, at the north of Tabas.

Beside the lithostratigraphical studies in the field, we looked the whole succession of the Bagh-e-Vang member to investigate the coral contents. Totally more than 350 specimens of in situ and float solitary and colonial corals have been collected bed by bed. The specimens were immersed in cold water for one week for study to remove the soft sediment particles attached to them with a special brush. Subsequently, the descriptive characteristics of the specimens included external features such as overall shape, length, diameter, diameter, base and calyx diameter, presence or absence of transverse and longitudinal bands, preservation and wall thickness, rejuvenation, columella and its diameter and depth of calyx were recorded in the respective tables and photographed from various positions with a Canon XD60 camera. In addition, coral fossils serially sectioned in the transverse and longitudinal directions according to the size and conditions of the study. They were studied under normal light (PPl) binocular microscope with a magnification of 5. In the thin section studies, coral diameter, dissepimentarium thickness, number of dissepiment rows, their size and slope, types of dissepiments, central structure, number, shape and thickness of septa as well as their types (Alar septa, cardinal septa, etc.), granule, fossula, tabularium and their number in cm, tabular diameter, type of wall, its thickness and ornamentation, central area diameter and septotheca were investigated. The final determination is carried out based on the proper literatures such as Flügel (1964, 1972, 1990), Ezaki (1991), Flügel & Hubmann (1993), Fedorowski (2010), Berkowski (2012), Kossavaya et al. (2012), Somerville et al. (2012).

The stratigraphic interval in which all examined tabulate corals occur represents the lowest ca. 60 m part (＝ Bagh-e Vang Member in Partoazar, 1995), where carbonate facies are sandy to marly and contain interlayers of sandstone, shale, and olistolith. The Bagh-e-Vang member was dated by various taxa. These results are as follows: Bolorian (＝Kungurian; fusulinids; Leven and Vaziri Mohaddam, 2004), Yakhtashian (＝Artinskian) to Bolorian (fusulinids; Arefifad, 2006), Artinskian to Kungurian (bryozoans; Ernst et al., 2006), Bolorian to early Kubergandinian (＝early Roadian; fusulinids; Leven and Gorgij, 2011), and Sakmarian to Kungurian (conodonts; Voulo, 2014). Taking these information into consideration, the age of corals examined herein is best constrained as late early Permian. The Tabas Block forms the Central-East Iranian Microcontinent with the Yazd and Lut blocks, whose paleogeographic position is interpreted to have been part of northern margin of Gondwana during early Permian time (e.g. Berberian and King, 1981; Ruban et al., 2007). It is concluded that, therefore, habitat of the Jamal coral assemblage was on the southern shelves of the Paleotethys.The coral assemblage of the Bagh-e-Vang member comprises 27 genera, 2 subgenera, 35 species, and 6 subspecies belong to 20 families of solitary and cerioid-fasiculate colonial Rugosa and Tabulata corals. This fauna is similar to Early Permain (Sakmarian – Kungurian) assemblages of the Cimmerian blocks. They are categorized into two distinct Waagenophyllum and Cyathaxonia fauna; although the Cyathaxonian forms with more diversity and abundance are dominant in the studied sequences. The Fasciculat and cerioid colonial genera of the Waagenophyllum fauna approve the shallow warm water tropical realms of the Tethys Ocean, however the small solitary Cyathaxonia fauna mostly tends to cool - temperate antitropical, antiequatorial or bipolar realms of the northern and southern hemispheres in the Permian (Wang et al., 2013). It means the Cyathaxonia fauna of the Bagh-e-Vang member are comparable with the Pri-Gonwanan realm and the Waagenophyllum fauna are similar to those from North and South China in the tropical realm. Consequently, the Early Permian coral fauna in the Bagh-e-Vang member suggests a complex paleobiogeographic pattern consist of tropical Waagenophyllum and cool-temperate Cyathaxonia fauna.

In this research, Ordovician conodonts obtained from the sedimentary succession of the informal Katkoyeh formation is studied in a stratigraphic section at the south of Kuh-e-Bonorg, eastern flank of Kalmard Anticline in the west of Tabas (Central Iran). The formation which is partly equivalent to the succession of the Shirgesht Formation in Tabas Block is unconformably overlaid the Kalmard Formation (attributed to the Neoproterozoic) and disconformably overlain by the Carboniferous Gachal formation. The Katkoyeh formation with 214.8 meter thickness is divided into three lithostratigraphic members including the Lower Sandstone (mostly quartzarenite to litharenite), Middle Shale (red to green shales interbedded with some dolomitic and calcareous sandstones, in laminated wavy stromatolite structure at the base) and Upper Carbonate (limestones, dolostones and marls). The section was sampled bed by bed for conodont studies so that 80 samples have been selected, however only seven of them were productive. Within the selected samples, six genera and 14 species of coniform and ramiform conodont elements are determined, a few of them are reporting for the first time from Iran. The obtained conodonts demonstrate the faunal assemblages equal to the proteus, elegans-evae and diprion Zones which confirm the age of Early Ordovician (late Tremadocian–Floian) for the studied section. The whole conodont material display a faunal affinity with the Baltoscandic and Argentina paleobiogeographic provinces.

To study of Permian corals at the northwest of Iran, Ali-Bashi stratigraphic section was selected and sampled. After microscopic studies of several longitudinal, transverse, and serial sections were obtained from more than 180 coral fossils, 12 species belonging to 6 genera of rogues and tabula corals were determined. The Permian succession of the Julfa area is the dominion of two types of coral fauna. Waagenophyllidae fauna that is the territory of the colonial coral forms comprises typically Tethyan indicators such as Ipciphyllum and Waagenophyllum with the age of Middle?- Late Permian. Cyathaxonia fauna, Late Permian in age, include terminal phylogenetic representatives of the rugose corals, mostly composed of solitary one Pentaphyllum. This genus is persistent till the vicinity of the extinction horizon at the near end Permian in the Ali Bashi Formation topmost horizon. Also, the last standing tabula coral before the Late Permian extinction in the Julfa region is the genus Protomichelinia. The Permian coral fauna of the NW Iran finely corresponds to those of the Abadeh region in Central Iran and Transcaucasus. The Waagenophyllidae forms are the same as South China fauna, whereas the Cyathaxonia ones reveal a high endemism in the Late Permian of NW Iran.

This study led to identify 30 species and 16 genera of eight different plant macrofossils orders including Equisetales, Cycadales, Bennettitales, Coniferales, Peltaspermales, Ginkgoales, Corystospermales, and Filicales at the Deh-Shiykh section, north of Kerman. According to stratigraphic ranges of the index taxa such as Otozamites furoni, Nilssoniopteris mosafolia, Nilssonia tenuicaulis, Anomozamites major, Coniopteris hymenophylloides, Nilssonia bozorga and Elatides thomasii the age of early Middle Jurassic (Bajocian–Bathonian) is assigned to the Deh-Shiykh section. Middle Jurassic ichno fossils of the Hojedk Formation in the Deh-Sheikh section have been studied for the first time. The study also led to the determination of terrestrial ichno fossils including eight ichno species, belonging to four ichnogenera such as Planolithes, Rhizoliths, Taenidium and Thalassinoides. They have been found alongside the stems of Equisetals. Combination of the results of ichno fossil studies with plant fossils help us to identify the palaeoenvironment. These plant fossils are generally indicator of humid conditions. Moreover, the identified ichnofossils in accordance with the sedimentological studies, represent deltaic environments influenced by the river systems and channels. This is the first study of the combination of three studies of paleontology (Plant macrofossils), sedimentology and ichnology in east central Iran. The results have contributed to the accurate understanding of the paleoenvironment of fossiliferous horizons of the Hojedk Formation.

The Lower Cretaceous successions of the NE Iran in the sedimentary Kopet-Dagh basin are result from transgression of the Berriasian-Barremian marine, which are deposited after first erosional cycle (Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous). In this research, two stratigraphic sections of these successions, including the Tirgan Formation, described and studied in detail, and is provided a biostratigraphic framework for them. The new paleontological results of the Tirgan Formation are based on the benthic foraminifera. Some of them are reported for the first time (e.g. Conorbinella azerbaidjanica, Cuneolina composaurii, Feurtillia gracilis and Orbitolinopsis cf. nikolovi). Feurtillia gracilis taxon range zone offers the Valanginian age for the base parts of the Tirgan Formation as well genera and species; Balkhania balkhanica, Dictyoconus pachymarginalis and Orbitolinopsis cf. nikolovi confirm Late Barremian-Aptian age for the upper parts of this Formation. This study shows a diachrony in the age of base of the Tirgan Formation, so that transgressive successions start with Valanginian age (or probably Berriasian) in the Tirgan village section, however the Amirabad section shows Late Barremian age at the beginning of transgression.

Due to the source nature and placement of the Gurpi Formation between the Asmari and Bangestan reservoirs, it has a special importance. The name of this formation has been derived from Gurpi Mountain in the northwest of Masjid-Soleyman County. At the type section, this formation includes 320 meters of marl and bluish gray shales together with subordinate thin layers of clayey (argillaceous) limestone which overlies the limestones of the Ilam Formation, along an erosional unconformity. The Gurpi Formation has an open marine and deep sea sedimentation environment, which is why it is a good talent for biostratigraphy studies using planktonic fauna. Studies conducted by some researchers on the Gurpi Formation represent a Late Santonian – Tanetian age in different parts of the Zagros area, based on different planktonic assemblages (e.g., Kameli Azan et al., 2004; Darvishzadeh et al., 2007; Abrari et al., 2010; Senemari & Sohrabi Molla Usefi, 2012; Senemari & Azizi, 2012; Beiranvand et al., 2013; Najafpour et al., 2014; Fereydoonpoor et al., 2014; Razmjooei et al., 2014.). This study is based on macroscopic field description of 252 meters of Upper Cretaceous sequences (Gurpi Formation) in the Gandab section located on southern flank of Kabir Kuh anticline in Lurestan Province of Zagros, southwest Iran. In total, 192 hand specimens were taken from rock samples and sediments from these sections for paleontological study. After washing, samples were dried on sieves and put in special cellules. Released fossils were studied by binocular firstly, and then by Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM). Determination and naming genera and species was based on Robaszynski et al. (1984), Caron (1985), Loeblich and Tappan (1988), and Premoli Silva and Verga (2004). In this study, 57 species related to 20 genera and 7 biozones of planktonic foraminifers are recognized in Gandab section.
- Globotruncana ventricosa Interval Zone
This biozone is defined between Globotruncana ventricosa appearance at the bottom and Radotruncana calcarata appearance at the top. It is correlated with Globotruncana ventricosa biozone aged Middle to Late Campanian (Premoli Silva and Verga , 2004).
- Radotruncana calcarata Total range Zone
This biozone which its top and bottom is consistent with the appearance and extinction of Radotruncana calcarata respectively, It is correlated with Radotruncana calcarata biozone aged Late Campanian (Premoli Silva and Verga , 2004).
- Globotruncana aegyptiaca Interval Zone
This zone is defined according the appearance of Globotruncana aegyptiaca at the base and the appearance of Gansserina gansseri at the top and is parallel to Globotruncana aegyptiaca biozone aged the End of Late Campanian (Premoli Silva and Verga , 2004).
- Gansserina gansseri Interval Zone
It places between the appearance of Gansserina gansseriat the base andContusotruncana contuosaat the top. This biozone is parallel with Gansserina gansseri biozone aged the most final part of Campanian-Maastrichtian (Premoli Silva and Verga , 2004).
- Contusotruncana contuosa Interval Zone
This biozone is defined between the appearance ofContusotruncana contuosa at the base and Abathomphalus mayaroensis at the top and is equivalent of Contusatruncana contusa and Racemiguembelina fructicosa biozones and aged Early to Late Maastrichtian (Premoli Silva and Verga, 2004).
- Abathomphalus mayaroensis Interval Zone
It is defined between the appearance of Abathomphalus mayaroensis species at the base and its extinction at the top. This biozone equals Abathomphalus mayaroensisbiozone agedLate Maastrichtian(Premoli Silva and Verga, 2004).
Cretaceous – Paleocene (K-P) boundary
K-P boundary is located on top of the Gurpi Formation in Gandab section. It is characterized by the end of Abathomphalus mayaroensis zone and extinction of all planktonic foraminifers. In this research, because of the missing of Guembelitria cretacea Zone P0 as a result of far sampling distance, biozone of Abathomphalus mayaroensis related to Gurpi Formation, is located below Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina Zone (Pα) of the Pabdeh Formation (i.e. Danian).
Correlation
Biozones of the Gurpi Formation in Gandab section are compared with biozones of this formation at the in Kuh - e Siah anticline. In the Kuh - e Siah anticline studied by Fereydoonpoor et al, 2014, 8 biozones were introduced from the Gurpi Formation. These biozones give Early Santonian – Early Maastrichtianage for the Gurpi Formation in this section. The Gurpi Formation at the Gandab section with a thickness of 252m composing of limestone and argillaceous limestone. The lower boundary with the Ilam Formation is conformable with sharp lithology and upper boundary is gradational with the Pabdeh Formation in two sections. Through this study, 57 species related to 20 genera and 7 biozones of planktonic foraminifers in Gandab section were distinguished. According to these biozones and fossil content, the age of Gurpi was determined Middle Campanian to Late Maastrichtian.Transition from Maastrichtian to Paleocene was continuous and the K-P boundary located at the top of Gurpi Formation.

The Upper Cretaceous strata were studied in a composite stratigraphic section named here Padeha-Baghak section in east of Koppeh- Dagh basin, north east of Iran. In this study, palynostratigraphy, palynofacies and depositional environment history of Abderaz Formation were integrated with sequence stratigraphy. Determination of sea level history and sequence units of the Abderaz Formation using sedimentology data is accompanied with many problems due to uniform deposition of this formation in moderately deep parts of the basin. Hence, using the fossil evidences together with sedimentology information, sequence units of this formation have been splitup. For this purpose, 127 rock samples were collected and studied. Studies of planktonic foraminifera and dinoflagellate cysts suggested a late Turonian-early Campanian age for this formation. Palynofacies parameters such as frequency and diversity of dinoflagellate species and the ratio of continental to marine constituents (CONT/MAR ratio) have been used for interpretation of the sequence stratigraphy of the formation. The ratios of amorphous organic matter to Marine Palynomorphs (AOM/MP), and Chorate to Proximate, Proximochorate, Cavate (C/PPC) and peridinioid to gonyaulacoid dinocysts (P/G) reflect the changes in sea level throughout the studied section. According to these studies, five palynofacies have been recognized. The record of sea level changes in the shales and marls of this section shows seven third – order sequence with six sequence boundary (type II), The interpreted sea-level curve in the Koppeh-Dagh basin can be correlated with late Cretaceous global curves.

In this research, gray, green, red to cream limestone, shale and marly deposits of the Julfa, Alibashi and lower part of Elikah Formation at the Zal stratigraphic section, NW Iran, with 67.20 meter thickness have been studied based on conodonts. This investigation is led to identification of 27 species and 4 subspecies belong to 5 different genera of conodonts while a proposed new subspecies Clarkina leveni zalensis n. sub sp. belonging to the species Clarkina leveni have been described. Also, 18 conodont zones with the age of Wuchiapingian – Griesbachian have been determined. Amongst them, 5 biozones belong to Wuchiapingian, 10 to Changhsingian and 3 to Griesbachian whereas the Late Permian extinction horizon is located on the upper surface of the Paratirolites Limeston last bed like other sections in the Alibashi Mountains re gion. In addition, Wuchiapingian – Changhsingian boundary is located at the Julfa to Alibashi formations boundary and the Permian – Triassic boundary placed at the gray calcareous parts of the lower Elikah Formation, .90 m above the extinction horizon. Unlike some recent entries, the boundary between Alibashi and Elikah formations are continuous due to the presence of two conodont zones Clarkina meishanensis – Hindeodus praeparvus As. Zone and Merrillina ultima – Stepanovites ?mostleri As. Zone in the marine shaly Araxes member and lower carbonate part of the Elikah Formation, occurrence of small orthotetid brachiopods, bellerophontid gastropods and numerous Bairdiidae ostracods in this shaly member even several preceding geochemical and isotopic studies.

Study of quaternary microvertebrate remains in eastern Iran, according to a few of the sediments is very important. Reconstruction of quaternary climate in many parts of West and North West of Iran as the biggest karst state is possible, such as cave Kani Mikaiel (Hashemi et al. 2005, 2006, 2007a;b, 2008; 2010, Jangjoo et al. 2010), Yafteh cave (Otte et al. 2007, Hashemi et al. 2015). However, such studies were very poor in eastern and north-eastern Iran (Hashemi and darvish 2006; Hashemi et al. 2008, 2015). Investigation of taxonomic identification; quantification and distribution of micromammals revealed that these remains are useful in paleontology and archaeological research, because their abundance is useful for paleobiostratigraphy and dating of continental sediments. The recent research is about reconstruction of paleoclimate in two archeological sites of Konar sandal (KS) (Jiroft) and Tapeh Naderi (TN) (Mashhad) based on the microvertebrate and especially Tatera indica species. In these sites we attempted to solve the palaeoenvironment condition by analysis of rodent remains which hold the greatest potential to monitoring of ecological parameters (Hoover et al. 1977; Getz 1961; Reig 1970; Merritt 1974). Combining of a rich network of data with using of morphological and morphometric methods; reconstruction of paleoenvironment; documentation and investigation of their relationship with the environment is the main result of this research. Material & Methods; In both zooarchaeological samples which are composed of juveniles and young individual rodent, (KS, NISP=800 and TN, NISP=3) cranial and postcranial remains were sorted anatomically and washed with water. Dental pattern of mandible and maxillary tooth rows were drowns using a drawing tube connecting to a stereomicroscope (Olympus SZH-10). All recovered teeth fragments were measured based on the greatest dental length and width of the upper and lower jaw molars when possible, with the aid of measuring microscope having accuracy 0.001 mm. One of the main goals of the detailed analysis on dental remains is obtaining the changes of teeth size during time and space (Mashkour and Hashemi 2008). KS remains were recovered out by water sieving a column of three geological sieves with decreasing size of the mesh from top to bottom: 1 cm, 0.5 cm and 0.2 cm. Furthermore, all obtained information, which depending on the type of the skeletal remains has been entered in tables of excel for statistical analysis. Combination of morphometric with morphological studies and their identification keys were used to identify of the remains. Based on these methods, known examples in both archeological sites were belonging to Gerbillinae and Tatera indica species. Discussion of Results & The effect of climate change on Tatera indica species was found for the first time in 1973 in the western regions of Iran and Dehloran plain (10,000-3800 years ago) (Redding 1978). This region has 200 to 399 mm of rainfall per year; rivers, streams, marshes and channels which represents wet conditions in most of the year. In this area, in addition of Tatera indica species, Nesokia indica, Mus musculus, Gerbillus nanus and Meriones crassus were identified. The remains of Tatera indica species with Nesokia and Mus were found also in Shahre shoukhteh in Sistan which wa s reported approximately 6000 years ago (Chaline and Helmer 1974). Presence of Tatera indica in KS site and also in other central, western, southwestern and eastern Iran during the mid to late Holocene can be show that climatic and environmental conditions in the southern half part of the country has not changed from 9000 years to recent (Alley et al. 1997). Finding the dental and cranial remains of Tatera indica in TN of Mashhad and in another archeological site such as Kohandejh in north east of Iran (Nishapur) can be indicate the change climate probably was intense in 2,000 years ago in this part of Iran, because recently, this species not found in northeast of Iran and the maximum their current geographical spread of this species is Torbat-e Jam, while density of these remains were very much in KS, 6000 years ago, (Jiroft).This species is very sensible to cold climate and except of this; it is adaptability with other ecological conditions (Misonne 1959). Addition to Jiroft, obtaining evidence from this remain fauna in other regions of half southern part of Iran showed that from about 10,000 years ago and ever since the Holocene started, with gradual warming of the weather, distribution of this species has not been changed in southern part of Iran, which would be indicative the stability of this species against to warm condition.