Which geologic periods are represented by rocks in the central Pamirs?

The central zone of the Pamirs contains rock formations representing several geologic periods and eras:

• Paleozoic Era: Marine rocks from the first half of this era (approximately 540 to 440 million years ago).1
• Permian, Triassic, and Jurassic Periods: Limestone, sandstone, and shale rocks dating from about 300 to 145 million years ago.1
• Cretaceous Period: Red-coloured rocks from the Early Cretaceous Period (145 to 100 million years ago).1
• Paleocene Epoch: Lava and tuffaceous rocks from the Paleocene Epoch (65 to 55 million years ago).1

The structure of this region is characterized as a massive downwarp, which is separated from the northern Pamirs by a deep fracture.1