Geoheritage of the Neyriz ophiolite-related radiolarite sequence (Cretaceous; southwest Iran): First report and evaluation in regional and global contexts

Ophiolites and related sedimentary rocks are valuable geological archives. In the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt, the Neyriz ophiolite and the related Pichakun radiolarites have been well-known for decades and studied intensively. Field investigations of these radiolarites near Neyriz town and review of the already published knowledge permit to realize that these rocks provide outstanding (for the territory of Iran) sedimentary, palaeogeographical, palaeontological, and tectonic information that has been employed historically for studies of ophiolitic assemblages of the Zagros. This evidence implies the national uniqueness of the Pichakun radiolarites. The Abbarik section exhibiting these rocks overlain unconformably by the Tarbur limestones is selected as a respresentative geosite of the potential geoheritage. This geosite can be interesting to researchers, educators, and (geo)tourists. Aesthetic properties of the geosite are determined by colour and pattern. Together with the other geosites established in the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt, the Abbarik geosite can be included into a possible geopark demonstrating three themes, namely Zagros geology, spectrum of marine palaeoenvironments, and evolution of major subduction and collision zones. The established geoheritage seems to be a part of the internationally-important ophiolite-related geoheritage represented in a few geosites and geoparks of some other countries (Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Oman, Spain, etc.).