Foraminiferal biostratigraphy, facies and sequence stratigraphy analysis across the K-Pg Boundary in Hazara, Lesser Himalayas (Dhudial Section)

The sedimentary strata were sampled in the lesser Himalayas to probe paleoenvironmental changes across Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary eastern Tethys. study provides an integrated lithologic and bio-sequence stratigraphic analysis, leading paleoecology interpretations. planktic foraminiferal limestone of late Cretaceous is overlain by lateritic sandstones sandy limestones, latter being Paleocene age. Though deposition cretaceous mainly occurred transgressive high stand system tracts, top marked type-I sequence low tract, corresponding Hangu Formation. Deposits below K-Pg zone interval have been correlated Cenomanian Rotalipora reichel biozone early Campanian Globotruncana ventricosa zone, with absence Maastrichtian fauna. A change fauna above has observed manifested presence larger benthic foraminifera such as Lockhartia Davies, 1932 Globanomalina Haque, 1956 genera. occurs at contrasting inter-facial contact two rock units advocates lowered sea-levels or dead ocean model. An organic bed Turonian-early Coniacian corresponds probable OAE3 could represent a missing link Pakistani domain. Prior event Indo-Eurasian collision, influx siliciclastics suggests major episode uplift shortening caused ophiolite obduction magmatic upwelling during Campanian. subsequent erosion its re-deposition shaped platform, evolving it from relatively steeper ramp geometry gentler epeiric Selandian Thanetian, triggered shallow facies. similar nature erosional phase whole region but duration was prolonged section upper limit some regional changes. As finding this study, “Nara Sandstone Member” Kawagarh Formation Hazara area earlier workers be revised