Sedimentary facies, depositional environments and conceptual outcrop analogue (Dam Formation, early Miocene) Eastern Arabian Platform, Saudi Arabia: a new high-resolution approach

Abstract This paper presents the facies and depositional environment of early Miocene Dam Formation, Eastern Arabian platform, Saudi Arabia. Deposition Formation (Fm.) was considered as a restricted shallow marine deposition. Few studies suggest role sea-level change in its deposition but were without decisive substantiation. Here, we describe high-resolution model Fm. under varying conditions. The conditions subjected to changing relative sea level tectonics. High-resolution outcrop photographs, sedimentological logs, thin sections present that mixed carbonate–siliciclastic sequence affected by regional lower part development carbonate ramp are represented limestones marl. fluctuated with fall level, uplift region pushed siliciclastic down-dip covered whole platform. subsequent rise not pronounced thus allowed microbial laminites stromatolitic facies. southeast outcrops, down-dip, more prone compared northwest outcrop, which siliciclastic-prone sedimentation up-dip. All facies, architecture, heterogeneity, controlled tectonic events including uplift, subsidence, tilting, syn-sedimentary faulting, consequently affecting level. resulting conceptual would help improve our understanding systems serve an analogue for other stratigraphic units plate region. Our results show can be good target exploration Northern Gulf.