Aptian is characterized by widespread deposition of organic-rich sediment.The Aptian bitumen limestone horizon,which is thin decimetre-thick sequences,locally crops out in the Kircaova area,Eastern Black Sea Region(Ea...Aptian is characterized by widespread deposition of organic-rich sediment.The Aptian bitumen limestone horizon,which is thin decimetre-thick sequences,locally crops out in the Kircaova area,Eastern Black Sea Region(Eastern Pontides).They are well correlated with Aptian bitumen limestone in the other Tethys Reams.They are proposed as episodes of increased organic matter.However,background factors controlling organic matter enrichment are poorly known.In this study,we present new inorganic geochemistry,including trace elements,rare earth elements(REE),redox-sensitive elements(RSE),stable-isotopes(δ~(18)O andδ~(13)C),and total organic carbon(TOC).We integrated new geochemical data with existing stratigraphy,paleontology,and organic chemistry data to provide new insight into the depositional environment and paleoclimate conditions during Aptian.The lacustrine bitumen limestone(LBL)samples have variedδ~(13)C(ave.-1.45‰)andδ~(18)O(ave.-4.50‰).They possess distinct REE patterns,with an average of REE(ave.14.45 ppm)and Y/Ho(ave.35)ratios.In addition,they have variable Nd/YbN(0.28-0.81;ave.0.56)and Ce/Ce*(0.68-0.97;ave.0.86),and relatively high Eu^(*)/Eu(1.23-1.53;ave.1.35).They display seawater signatures with reduced oxygen conditions.The enrichment in RSE(Mo,Cu,Ni,and Zn)and the low Mo/TOC(0.70-3.69;ave.2.41)support a certain degree of water restriction.The high Sr/Ba,Sr/Cu,Ga/Rb,and K/Al records of the LBL facies suggest hot house climatic conditions.The sedimentary environment was probably an isolated basin that is transformed from the marine basin.In addition to depositional conditions,the regional parameters such as the climate,increased run-off period,nutrient levels,alkalinity level,and dominant carbonate producers favored the enrichment in organic matter of LBL facies.Thus,extreme greenhouse palaeoclimate conditions have an important role in organic matter enrichment in the isolated basin.Our results are conformable with the published data from marine,semi-restricted basin,and lacustrine settings in the different parts of the Tethys margin.Thus,this approach provides the first insight into the Aptian greenhouse paleo-climate conditions of the Eastern Black Sea Region,NE Turkey.展开更多
The alternating marine and nonmarine coal-bearing Lower Cretaceous successions are well developed in eastern Heilongjiang, northeastern China, including the Jixi Group in the west and the Longzhaogou Group in the east...The alternating marine and nonmarine coal-bearing Lower Cretaceous successions are well developed in eastern Heilongjiang, northeastern China, including the Jixi Group in the west and the Longzhaogou Group in the east. The correlation of these two lithostratigraphic groups with the nonmarine Jehol Group is important for dating the exceptionally well-preserved Jehol Biota. The Early Cretaceous marine fossils recovered from eastern Heilongjiang include ammonites, bivalves, radiolarians, foraminifers and dinocysts. During the early Aptian transgression the ammonite fauna entered the Hulin and Mishan areas and the bivalve Aucellina fauna in the Jixi area. This enables correlation of the marine lower part of the Chengzihe Formation of the Jixi Group with the Qihulin Formation of the Longzhaogou Group.展开更多
This study reports on two forms of Araucarian cone-scale complexes from the Aptian Kitadani Formation of the Tetori Group in Fukui Prefecture,Central Japan.One of these has been identified as a new fossil species:Arau...This study reports on two forms of Araucarian cone-scale complexes from the Aptian Kitadani Formation of the Tetori Group in Fukui Prefecture,Central Japan.One of these has been identified as a new fossil species:Araucarites kitadaniensis Yabe et Yukawa sp.nov.This is the first known occurrence of Araucarian macrofossils from the Tetori Group,indicating that this group was substantially diverse during that time period.This finding concurs with previous palynological investigations at the site,supporting the hypothesis that Araucarian plants began to diversify during Aptian global warming.展开更多
This study aims to the initial characterization of Aptian sedimentary limestones in the Kef region located in the North-West of Tunisia in order to use in industrial fields. The limestone samples were collected from t...This study aims to the initial characterization of Aptian sedimentary limestones in the Kef region located in the North-West of Tunisia in order to use in industrial fields. The limestone samples were collected from three outcrops respectively named Jebel Jerissa, Jebel Hmeima and Jebel Harraba. A geochemical characterization highlights a variation of the weight percentage (wt%) as follows: CaO (53 - 55), MgO (0.04 - 0.28), Al2O3 (0.07 - 0.51), Fe2O3 (0.41 - 2.87), and a loss on ignition (41.62 - 43.35). The other oxides (K2O, SO3, Na2O) are in trace amounts. Mineralogical analysis revealed that limestones contain more than 95% of calcite and the clay impurities are the minor phases detected. Petrographic study showed that these limestones are packestone-wakestone type. The hardness of Aptian limestones crosses the upper limit of the hard domain. Geotechnical tests reveal a Dry Micro Deval (MDS) coefficient varying from 23% to 33%, a Wet Micro Deval (MDH) coefficient with values oscillating around 26% to 36%, a Los Angeles coefficient (LA) about 25% against a value of the compressive strength ranging from 593 Kg/cm2 to 866 Kg/cm2. The gravimetric tests highlighted a flexural strength value from 106 Kg/cm2 at 208 Kg/cm2, while the ultrasonic coefficient oscillates from 4876 m/s to 5233 m/s, indicating the low porosity of these limestone (0.5% to 1%). The density recorded an average value of 2.50 g/cm3. The various properties studied have proved that the limestone studied can be used in various industrial fields such steel industry, aggregate, cement industry and marble.展开更多
After sea level rises during the Early Cretaceous,upper parts of the Khami Group sediments(Fahliyan.Gadvan.and Dariyan Formations) deposited over Jurassic sediments.The Lower Cretaceous(Aptian) Dariyan Formation(equiv...After sea level rises during the Early Cretaceous,upper parts of the Khami Group sediments(Fahliyan.Gadvan.and Dariyan Formations) deposited over Jurassic sediments.The Lower Cretaceous(Aptian) Dariyan Formation(equivalent to the Shu'aiba Formation and Hawar Member of the Arabian Plate) carbonates,which have hydrocarbon reservoir potential,form the uppermost portion of the Khami Group that unconformably overlays the Gadvan Formation and was unconformably covered by the Kazhdumi Formation and Burgan sandstones.Detailed paleontological.sedimentological.and well log analysis were performed on seven wells from Qeshm Island and offshore in order to analyze the sequence stratigraphy of this interval and correlate with other studies of the Dariyan Formation in this region.According to this study,the Dariyan Formation contains 14 carbonate lithofacies,which deposited on a ramp system that deepened in both directions(NE—wells 5,6 and SW—wells 1,2).Sequence stratigraphy led to recognition of 5 Aptian third-order sequences toward the Bab Basin(SW—well 1) and 4 Aptian third-order sequences toward Qeshm Island(NE—wells 5and 6) so these areas show higher gamma on the gamma ray logs and probably have higher source rock potential.Other wells(wells 2-4 and 7) mainly deposited in shallower ramp systems and contain 3 Aptian third-order sequences.On the other hand,rudstone and boundslone lilhofacies of studied wells have higher reservoir potential and were deposited during Apt 3 and Apt 4 sequences of the Arabian Plate.The Dariyan Formation in Qeshm Island(well 6) and adjacent well(well 5) was deposited in an intrashelf basin that should be classified as a new intrashelf basin in future Aptian paleogeographic maps.We interpret that salt-related differential subsidence,crustal warping.and reactivation of basement faults of the Arabian Plate boundary were responsible for the creation of the intrashelf basin in the Qeshm area.展开更多
The Khami group within the petroliferous Zagros Basin of Iran includes the Surmeh, Hith, Fahliyan, Gadvan and Dariyan formations. The Dariyan Formation, previously known as Orbitolina limestone is very significant as ...The Khami group within the petroliferous Zagros Basin of Iran includes the Surmeh, Hith, Fahliyan, Gadvan and Dariyan formations. The Dariyan Formation, previously known as Orbitolina limestone is very significant as a reservoir rock in the Zagros Basin. In this study, the age of the Dariyan Formation is examined based on biostratigraphic and paleontological investigations. 236 m of Dariyan Formation sediments in the sections at Kuh-e Rahmat(north) and Nour-Abad(west) of Iran were selected to study its biostratigraphy.According to the lithostratigraphic investigations, the Dariyan Formation in these sections is subdivided into three: lower, middle and upper, which include thin-bedded to medium-bedded and massive limestone. Micropaleontologic study of the Dariyan Formation has led to the recognition of two biozones in the Nour-Abad area and one biozone in the Kuh-e Rahmat stratigraphic column. Diagnostic foraminifera in these sections are as follows: Globigerinelloides algerianus Cushman and Ten Dam, Globigerinelloides ferreolensis Moullade, Globigerinelloides maridalensis(Bolli), Globigerinelloides paragottisi Verga and Permoli Silva, Hedbergella aptiana Bartenstein, Hedbergella excelsa Longoria, Hedbergella luterbacheri Longoria,Hedbergella occulta Longoria, Hedbergella ruka(Banner et al.), Hedbergella similis Longoria, Hedbergella trocoidea(Gandolfi), Muricohedbergella delrioensis(Carsey), Pseudoplanomalina cheniourensis Sigal, Conicorbitolina conica d'Archiac, Iraqia sp., Mesorbitolina parva Douglass, Mesorbitolina pervia Douglass, Mesorbitolina ovalis Gorog and Arnaud-Vanneau, Mesorbitolina subconcava Leymerie, Mesorbitolina texana(Roemer), Mesorbitolina ovalis-pervia Cherchi and Schroeder, Debarina hahounerensis Fourcade et al.,Marssonella trochus(d'Orbigny), Nezzazata sp., Orbitolina sp., Textularia sp.Based on the identified foraminifera, the age of the Dariyan Formation in the Kuh-e Rahmat area is assigned to Aptian, and in the Nour-Abad area is determined as upper Aptian.展开更多
The d 13C values of Lower Cretaceous Aptian-Albian platform-type carbonates in the Cuoqin Basin, North Tibet vary between 2.48 and 5.46. The mean value is 3.93. The values are not only provided with positive excursion...The d 13C values of Lower Cretaceous Aptian-Albian platform-type carbonates in the Cuoqin Basin, North Tibet vary between 2.48 and 5.46. The mean value is 3.93. The values are not only provided with positive excursion, but also 1.17 higher than those of con-temporaneous pelagic carbonates which possess pretty high d 13C values. The origin is ap-proached. During the oceanic anoxic events, a great number of organisms were rapidly buried, causing the increase of the d 13C value of oceanic total dissolved carbon (TDC) and generally promoting the values of marine carbonates. After that, owing to the organisms undergoing dif-ferent isotopic fractionation in the paleo-ocean with stratified structure, d 13C values of shallow sea carbonate were obviously higher than those of pelagic carbonates.展开更多
The Aptian–Albian series are characterized, in Tunisia, by several variations in subsidence rates and records discrete unconformity between Albian and Aptian in central and southern Tunisia. In central Tunisia Upper ...The Aptian–Albian series are characterized, in Tunisia, by several variations in subsidence rates and records discrete unconformity between Albian and Aptian in central and southern Tunisia. In central Tunisia Upper Aptian regressions were sustained until the beginning of Albian with a low sea level stand. In this paper, wells data gathered from central Tunisia exposes well expressed Aptian–Albian hiatus associated to several partial sedimentary gaps, erosion surface and unconformities and correlated with the "Aptian Crisis" highlighted at the Tethyan scale. This latter is coeval with an extensional regime in concurrence with the African rifting responsible for halokinesis movements and magmatism and leaded to the establishment of paleoreliefs as much as tilted blocks and half grabens in central Tunisia. Deposition shows regional hiatus and lateral transition from platform facies to south to, open marine facies to the north. The structural configuration of this domain within normal faulting, horsts and grabens leaded to the establishment of several distinct basins with different subsidence rates. Discordances occur specially around and upward uplifted blocks and emerged land and are especially associated with Aptian reef, karsts and shallow marine facies. They are unconformably overlaid by the transgressive open marine facies of Albian–Cenomanian series acknowledged as source rock in Central Tunisia. In addition, the reefal Aptian facies is considered a potential reservoir rocks in central Tunisia and it is frequently associated to mineralization and Hydrocarbure reservoirs.展开更多
Spatangoid echinoids belonging to Heteraster found in the Lower Cretaceous limestones and calcareous deposits of the Tirgan and Sarcheshmeh formations(Barremian-Aptian)in the Bahman jan-Bala stratigraphic section on t...Spatangoid echinoids belonging to Heteraster found in the Lower Cretaceous limestones and calcareous deposits of the Tirgan and Sarcheshmeh formations(Barremian-Aptian)in the Bahman jan-Bala stratigraphic section on the northern flank of the Borouj syncline,situated in the eastern Kopet-Dagh Basin,northeastern Iran are assessed as a sexually dimorphic species.Sexual dimorphism is a common feature in echinoids and,in this study of Heteraster renngarteni Poretzkaja,1961,sexual dimorphism has been detected for the first time in the family Toxasteridae.展开更多
文摘Aptian is characterized by widespread deposition of organic-rich sediment.The Aptian bitumen limestone horizon,which is thin decimetre-thick sequences,locally crops out in the Kircaova area,Eastern Black Sea Region(Eastern Pontides).They are well correlated with Aptian bitumen limestone in the other Tethys Reams.They are proposed as episodes of increased organic matter.However,background factors controlling organic matter enrichment are poorly known.In this study,we present new inorganic geochemistry,including trace elements,rare earth elements(REE),redox-sensitive elements(RSE),stable-isotopes(δ~(18)O andδ~(13)C),and total organic carbon(TOC).We integrated new geochemical data with existing stratigraphy,paleontology,and organic chemistry data to provide new insight into the depositional environment and paleoclimate conditions during Aptian.The lacustrine bitumen limestone(LBL)samples have variedδ~(13)C(ave.-1.45‰)andδ~(18)O(ave.-4.50‰).They possess distinct REE patterns,with an average of REE(ave.14.45 ppm)and Y/Ho(ave.35)ratios.In addition,they have variable Nd/YbN(0.28-0.81;ave.0.56)and Ce/Ce*(0.68-0.97;ave.0.86),and relatively high Eu^(*)/Eu(1.23-1.53;ave.1.35).They display seawater signatures with reduced oxygen conditions.The enrichment in RSE(Mo,Cu,Ni,and Zn)and the low Mo/TOC(0.70-3.69;ave.2.41)support a certain degree of water restriction.The high Sr/Ba,Sr/Cu,Ga/Rb,and K/Al records of the LBL facies suggest hot house climatic conditions.The sedimentary environment was probably an isolated basin that is transformed from the marine basin.In addition to depositional conditions,the regional parameters such as the climate,increased run-off period,nutrient levels,alkalinity level,and dominant carbonate producers favored the enrichment in organic matter of LBL facies.Thus,extreme greenhouse palaeoclimate conditions have an important role in organic matter enrichment in the isolated basin.Our results are conformable with the published data from marine,semi-restricted basin,and lacustrine settings in the different parts of the Tethys margin.Thus,this approach provides the first insight into the Aptian greenhouse paleo-climate conditions of the Eastern Black Sea Region,NE Turkey.
文摘The alternating marine and nonmarine coal-bearing Lower Cretaceous successions are well developed in eastern Heilongjiang, northeastern China, including the Jixi Group in the west and the Longzhaogou Group in the east. The correlation of these two lithostratigraphic groups with the nonmarine Jehol Group is important for dating the exceptionally well-preserved Jehol Biota. The Early Cretaceous marine fossils recovered from eastern Heilongjiang include ammonites, bivalves, radiolarians, foraminifers and dinocysts. During the early Aptian transgression the ammonite fauna entered the Hulin and Mishan areas and the bivalve Aucellina fauna in the Jixi area. This enables correlation of the marine lower part of the Chengzihe Formation of the Jixi Group with the Qihulin Formation of the Longzhaogou Group.
基金financially supported by Fukui Prefectural Government
文摘This study reports on two forms of Araucarian cone-scale complexes from the Aptian Kitadani Formation of the Tetori Group in Fukui Prefecture,Central Japan.One of these has been identified as a new fossil species:Araucarites kitadaniensis Yabe et Yukawa sp.nov.This is the first known occurrence of Araucarian macrofossils from the Tetori Group,indicating that this group was substantially diverse during that time period.This finding concurs with previous palynological investigations at the site,supporting the hypothesis that Araucarian plants began to diversify during Aptian global warming.
文摘This study aims to the initial characterization of Aptian sedimentary limestones in the Kef region located in the North-West of Tunisia in order to use in industrial fields. The limestone samples were collected from three outcrops respectively named Jebel Jerissa, Jebel Hmeima and Jebel Harraba. A geochemical characterization highlights a variation of the weight percentage (wt%) as follows: CaO (53 - 55), MgO (0.04 - 0.28), Al2O3 (0.07 - 0.51), Fe2O3 (0.41 - 2.87), and a loss on ignition (41.62 - 43.35). The other oxides (K2O, SO3, Na2O) are in trace amounts. Mineralogical analysis revealed that limestones contain more than 95% of calcite and the clay impurities are the minor phases detected. Petrographic study showed that these limestones are packestone-wakestone type. The hardness of Aptian limestones crosses the upper limit of the hard domain. Geotechnical tests reveal a Dry Micro Deval (MDS) coefficient varying from 23% to 33%, a Wet Micro Deval (MDH) coefficient with values oscillating around 26% to 36%, a Los Angeles coefficient (LA) about 25% against a value of the compressive strength ranging from 593 Kg/cm2 to 866 Kg/cm2. The gravimetric tests highlighted a flexural strength value from 106 Kg/cm2 at 208 Kg/cm2, while the ultrasonic coefficient oscillates from 4876 m/s to 5233 m/s, indicating the low porosity of these limestone (0.5% to 1%). The density recorded an average value of 2.50 g/cm3. The various properties studied have proved that the limestone studied can be used in various industrial fields such steel industry, aggregate, cement industry and marble.
基金the National Iranian Oil Company,Exploration Directorate,for the support of this researchthe Department of Geology at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad for their support
文摘After sea level rises during the Early Cretaceous,upper parts of the Khami Group sediments(Fahliyan.Gadvan.and Dariyan Formations) deposited over Jurassic sediments.The Lower Cretaceous(Aptian) Dariyan Formation(equivalent to the Shu'aiba Formation and Hawar Member of the Arabian Plate) carbonates,which have hydrocarbon reservoir potential,form the uppermost portion of the Khami Group that unconformably overlays the Gadvan Formation and was unconformably covered by the Kazhdumi Formation and Burgan sandstones.Detailed paleontological.sedimentological.and well log analysis were performed on seven wells from Qeshm Island and offshore in order to analyze the sequence stratigraphy of this interval and correlate with other studies of the Dariyan Formation in this region.According to this study,the Dariyan Formation contains 14 carbonate lithofacies,which deposited on a ramp system that deepened in both directions(NE—wells 5,6 and SW—wells 1,2).Sequence stratigraphy led to recognition of 5 Aptian third-order sequences toward the Bab Basin(SW—well 1) and 4 Aptian third-order sequences toward Qeshm Island(NE—wells 5and 6) so these areas show higher gamma on the gamma ray logs and probably have higher source rock potential.Other wells(wells 2-4 and 7) mainly deposited in shallower ramp systems and contain 3 Aptian third-order sequences.On the other hand,rudstone and boundslone lilhofacies of studied wells have higher reservoir potential and were deposited during Apt 3 and Apt 4 sequences of the Arabian Plate.The Dariyan Formation in Qeshm Island(well 6) and adjacent well(well 5) was deposited in an intrashelf basin that should be classified as a new intrashelf basin in future Aptian paleogeographic maps.We interpret that salt-related differential subsidence,crustal warping.and reactivation of basement faults of the Arabian Plate boundary were responsible for the creation of the intrashelf basin in the Qeshm area.
文摘The Khami group within the petroliferous Zagros Basin of Iran includes the Surmeh, Hith, Fahliyan, Gadvan and Dariyan formations. The Dariyan Formation, previously known as Orbitolina limestone is very significant as a reservoir rock in the Zagros Basin. In this study, the age of the Dariyan Formation is examined based on biostratigraphic and paleontological investigations. 236 m of Dariyan Formation sediments in the sections at Kuh-e Rahmat(north) and Nour-Abad(west) of Iran were selected to study its biostratigraphy.According to the lithostratigraphic investigations, the Dariyan Formation in these sections is subdivided into three: lower, middle and upper, which include thin-bedded to medium-bedded and massive limestone. Micropaleontologic study of the Dariyan Formation has led to the recognition of two biozones in the Nour-Abad area and one biozone in the Kuh-e Rahmat stratigraphic column. Diagnostic foraminifera in these sections are as follows: Globigerinelloides algerianus Cushman and Ten Dam, Globigerinelloides ferreolensis Moullade, Globigerinelloides maridalensis(Bolli), Globigerinelloides paragottisi Verga and Permoli Silva, Hedbergella aptiana Bartenstein, Hedbergella excelsa Longoria, Hedbergella luterbacheri Longoria,Hedbergella occulta Longoria, Hedbergella ruka(Banner et al.), Hedbergella similis Longoria, Hedbergella trocoidea(Gandolfi), Muricohedbergella delrioensis(Carsey), Pseudoplanomalina cheniourensis Sigal, Conicorbitolina conica d'Archiac, Iraqia sp., Mesorbitolina parva Douglass, Mesorbitolina pervia Douglass, Mesorbitolina ovalis Gorog and Arnaud-Vanneau, Mesorbitolina subconcava Leymerie, Mesorbitolina texana(Roemer), Mesorbitolina ovalis-pervia Cherchi and Schroeder, Debarina hahounerensis Fourcade et al.,Marssonella trochus(d'Orbigny), Nezzazata sp., Orbitolina sp., Textularia sp.Based on the identified foraminifera, the age of the Dariyan Formation in the Kuh-e Rahmat area is assigned to Aptian, and in the Nour-Abad area is determined as upper Aptian.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 49772124)the China National Petroleum Corporation (Grant No. 970204-04-01).
文摘The d 13C values of Lower Cretaceous Aptian-Albian platform-type carbonates in the Cuoqin Basin, North Tibet vary between 2.48 and 5.46. The mean value is 3.93. The values are not only provided with positive excursion, but also 1.17 higher than those of con-temporaneous pelagic carbonates which possess pretty high d 13C values. The origin is ap-proached. During the oceanic anoxic events, a great number of organisms were rapidly buried, causing the increase of the d 13C value of oceanic total dissolved carbon (TDC) and generally promoting the values of marine carbonates. After that, owing to the organisms undergoing dif-ferent isotopic fractionation in the paleo-ocean with stratified structure, d 13C values of shallow sea carbonate were obviously higher than those of pelagic carbonates.
文摘The Aptian–Albian series are characterized, in Tunisia, by several variations in subsidence rates and records discrete unconformity between Albian and Aptian in central and southern Tunisia. In central Tunisia Upper Aptian regressions were sustained until the beginning of Albian with a low sea level stand. In this paper, wells data gathered from central Tunisia exposes well expressed Aptian–Albian hiatus associated to several partial sedimentary gaps, erosion surface and unconformities and correlated with the "Aptian Crisis" highlighted at the Tethyan scale. This latter is coeval with an extensional regime in concurrence with the African rifting responsible for halokinesis movements and magmatism and leaded to the establishment of paleoreliefs as much as tilted blocks and half grabens in central Tunisia. Deposition shows regional hiatus and lateral transition from platform facies to south to, open marine facies to the north. The structural configuration of this domain within normal faulting, horsts and grabens leaded to the establishment of several distinct basins with different subsidence rates. Discordances occur specially around and upward uplifted blocks and emerged land and are especially associated with Aptian reef, karsts and shallow marine facies. They are unconformably overlaid by the transgressive open marine facies of Albian–Cenomanian series acknowledged as source rock in Central Tunisia. In addition, the reefal Aptian facies is considered a potential reservoir rocks in central Tunisia and it is frequently associated to mineralization and Hydrocarbure reservoirs.
基金The authors appreciate the hard work and help of our friends in the Geological Survey of Iran,North East Territory(GSINET),especially Dr.Jafar Taheri.The authors are especially grateful for the linguistic helps and efforts of Susan Turner(Brisbane).
文摘Spatangoid echinoids belonging to Heteraster found in the Lower Cretaceous limestones and calcareous deposits of the Tirgan and Sarcheshmeh formations(Barremian-Aptian)in the Bahman jan-Bala stratigraphic section on the northern flank of the Borouj syncline,situated in the eastern Kopet-Dagh Basin,northeastern Iran are assessed as a sexually dimorphic species.Sexual dimorphism is a common feature in echinoids and,in this study of Heteraster renngarteni Poretzkaja,1961,sexual dimorphism has been detected for the first time in the family Toxasteridae.