Synthesis of Late Cretaceous pelagic carbonates of the eastern Neo-Tethys, Pakistan: Implications for paleogeography and paleobiogeography

The Late Cretaceous interval was marked by the widespread development of platform-to-basin carbonate system(s), representing a complete profile from shallow-marine carbonate platforms to deeper pelagic settings across the Neo-Tethyan realm. This study presents a detailed microfacies and biostratigraphic analysis of the pelagic Kawagarh Formation in the northern Pakistan, which is dominated by outer ramp facies, including mudstone and wackestone. The presence of planktonic foraminiferal assemblages allowed the recognition of four key biozones: Dicarinella asymetrica , Globotruncana ventricosa , Radotruncana calcarata , and Globotruncanella havanensis . For the first time, these biozones are correlated systematically with coeval successions across the Neo-Tethys from west to east: Italy, Tunisia, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, India, and southern Tibet China, providing new insights into the paleogeography and paleobiogeography of the Neo-Tethys. The widespread distribution of Late Cretaceous planktonic foraminiferal zones demonstrates that the Neo-Tethys Ocean was a well-connected marine eco-system, facilitating faunal migration and dispersal across its eastern, central, and western sectors. The persistence of outer ramp depositional environments and widespread carbonate production during high sea-level stands further supports the existence of stable carbonate system across the Tethyan realm. The planktonic foraminiferal assemblages reflect low endemism, broad latitudinal distribution, and paleoceanographic conditions favorable for open-marine connectivity. These findings highlight the importance of the Kawagarh Formation record for reconstructing Late Cretaceous Tethyan paleoceanography and underscore the role of carbonate platforms as key archives for global correlation.