Systematic recognition of Dasyclad Algae from Shah Kuh Formation in Chah Palang section (NW Ardakan)

A detailed study of the Lower Cretaceous Dasyclad algae of the Shahkuh Formation was done in the Chahpalang stratigraphic section (its name comes from the mountain in studied area). According to the study of the 101 thin sections, for the first time, we recognized 7 genus and 8 species of dasyclad algae from Shah Kuh Formation in Chah Palang section including Angioporella cf. fouryae, Griphoporella aff. cretacea, Kopetdagaria sphaerica, Montiella? elitzae, Neomeris sp., Pseudoactinoporella? iranica, Salpingoporella sp., Salpingoporella aff. Muehlbergi and Salpingoporella cf. pygmaea. Based on identified dasyclad algae, and the age of index Orbitolinid fossil that have been recognized in this formation, such as Dictyoconus pachymarginalis, Montseciella arabica, Praeorbitolina sp., Palorbirolina sp., the age of Shahkuh Formation is Barremian to Aptian.