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Integrated facies analysis of the Late Cretaceous Simsima Formation in northwestern Oman mountain, Jabel Al-Rawdah, Hatta area, Oman

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Abstract

The Late Cretaceous Simsima Formation is a post-obduction mixed carbonate–sliciclastic sequence exposed in isolated outcrops in the Oman Mountains. This study utilizes an integrated facies analysis to interpret the depositional environment of the Simsima Formation in the Jabel Al-Rawdah section, Oman. The Simsima Formation in the study area is 75 m thick and unconformably overlies the Semail ophiolite complex. The formation consists of six lithofacies, including (i) paraconglomerate, (ii) laminated mudstone, (iii) arenaeous bioclastic grainstone, (iv) bioclastic grainstone, (v) greyish massive pack to rudstone, and (vi) rudist grainstone. The Simsima Formation is highly fossiliferous, containing corals, crinoids, rudists, Larger Benthic Foraminifera (Omphalocyclus macroporus, Siderolites calcitrapoide, and Orbitoides sp.), gastropods, and bivalves. According to petrographic analysis, the fabric texture of limestone is mainly grainstone (lower part), a few packstone intervals (middle part), and boundstone in the upper part of the formation. The most common non-skeletal grains are peloids, a few intraclasts, and coated grains. Terrigenous detritus grains are also present. The lithologic properties, fossil content, and sedimentary structures and textures of the six lithofacies that constitute the formation allow to decipher the deposition of the formation in a well-agitated shallow marine environment. The vertical arrangement of the various lithofacies of the Al-Rawdah section indicates an overall deepening-upward succession. The deposition of the formation was influenced by both tectonic and climatic factors.

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Acknowledgements

Hamdan Al-Zidi prepared thin sections. The authors express deep gratitude to the editor, and reviewers (Dr. Osman Salad-Hersi from the University of Regina, Canada, Dr. Mohibhllah Kakar from the University of Baluchistan, Pakistan, and an anonymous reviewer) for dedicating their time to assess the manuscript and providing valuable feedback. Their constructive input significantly enhanced the quality of the document.

Funding

This study was conducted through TRC grant # RC/RG-SCI/ETHS/21/01 and the College of Science internal grant # IG/SCI/ETHS/21/02.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman

    Mithaa Salim Al-Jabri, Iftikhar Ahmed Abbasi, Mohamed A. K. El-Ghali & Abdulrazaq Al Sayigh

  2. National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan

    Muhammad Hanif

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  1. Mithaa Salim Al-Jabri
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Correspondence to Iftikhar Ahmed Abbasi.

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Al-Jabri, M.S., Abbasi, I.A., Hanif, M. et al. Integrated facies analysis of the Late Cretaceous Simsima Formation in northwestern Oman mountain, Jabel Al-Rawdah, Hatta area, Oman. Arab J Geosci 17, 120 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-024-11929-0

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