Kamal Haji Karim
University of Sulaimani, Geology, Faculty Member
- professor at the Department of Geology, University of Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan Regionedit
In the Iraqi Northern Iraq, the Mawat-Chwarta area is well known, for its Ophiolite Complex and igneous rocks. Tens of studies investigated its petrology, geochemistry and tectonics under the name of Mawat Ophiolite Complex (MOC).... more
In the Iraqi Northern Iraq, the Mawat-Chwarta area is well known, for its Ophiolite Complex and igneous rocks. Tens of studies investigated its petrology, geochemistry and tectonics under the name of Mawat Ophiolite Complex (MOC). According to these studies, MOC is a large part of the oceanic crust which was thrusted hundreds of kilometers as allochthonous sheets and obducted on the passive margin of the Arabian plate during the Late Cretaceous. In the present study, conjugate signals of stratigraphy, structure, rock texture, topography, type of weathering, remote sensing data, boundary condition, fossils hosting, and literature on marl metamorphism, indicated the sedimentary origin of the MOC. These signals confirm the autochthonous nature of MOC and all of its rocks have resulted from the crystallization of two types of sedimentary rocks. The claimed gabbro of the complex (here called Mawat gabbro) is a regional metamorphism of the marl of the Shiranish Formation (hemipelagite of Late Campanian). The second rocks are the claimed peridotite, volcanic rocks and others that resulted from the metamorphism of greywackes and mafic and felsic volcaniclastic arenite of the Walash Formation (Paleocene). The outcrops of the metamorphosed sediments of the latter formation are partially covering the former formation. These results are supported by detailed geologic maps, cross-sections, tectonic models, thin sections and GPS data. These results do not aid the presence of ophiolite and igneous rocks in the Mawat area and introduce significant changes to the geology of the whole Zagros collisional belt.
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Mawat Ophiolite Complex is located about 36 km to the northeast of Sulaimani city and directly to the east- northeast of Mawat town near the border of Iran in the northeastern Iraq. The complex has about 600-km2 surface area and consists... more
Mawat Ophiolite Complex is located about 36 km to the northeast of Sulaimani city and directly to the east- northeast of Mawat town near the border of Iran in the northeastern Iraq. The complex has about 600-km2 surface area and consists of high mountain terrains that subjected to
intense geological investigations from the fiftieth of previous century till now. According to previous studies, the complex contains tens of igneous rocks such as basalt, metabasalt, tuff, diabase, metadiabase, diorite dykes, periodotite, serpentinite, serpentinite-matrix mélange, gabbro, metagabbro, harzbergite, pyroxenite, plagiogranite, pegmatite, granitiod rocks and dunite. They added occurrences of the volcanic and subvolcanic rocks in the form of dykes or basaltic flows. The present study tries to change the petrology and tectonics of whole complex from Ophiolite Complex
to Metamorphic Core Complex. The revision includes refusal of all the above igneous rocks, instead they considered as medium grade regional metamorphism of different types of volcaniclastic sandstones (volcanic wackes), arenites and greywackes (impure sandstones) which sourced
predominantly from remote volcanic source area inside Iran. The revision depended on several conjugate field and laboratory evidences inside the complex. These evidences such as absence of pillow basalt, volcanic flows, glass shards, volcanic cones, dykes, sills, contact metamorphism, dilatational structures and flow structures. Other evidences are presence of cross beddings, erosional surfaces, lensoidal channel fills, metamorphosed conglomerate, exposures of thousands of laminated planar beds and transition from fresh volcaniclastic sandstones to its medium grade metamorphosed counterparts, which previously considered as igneous rocks of ophiolite types. Another, evidence, in contrast to ophiolite section, the basalt location is at the base of the claimed ophiolite section while plutonic (dunite and peridotite) rocks located at its top. These locations of the two rocks contradict the definition of ophiolites. Accordingly, the present study changed the geological map of the whole Mawat area from igneous outcrops to metamorphosed volcaniclastic sandstones, arenites and greywackes that belong to Walash-Naoperdan Series. The parent rocks of the series transformed to different types of regionally metamorphosed rocks by deep burial during Eocene. During the burial, diageneses and metamorphisms enhanced by complex mixture of
materials from different source areas and seawaters environments. Later, they uplifted, unroofed and exhumed during Pliocene as a core complex
intense geological investigations from the fiftieth of previous century till now. According to previous studies, the complex contains tens of igneous rocks such as basalt, metabasalt, tuff, diabase, metadiabase, diorite dykes, periodotite, serpentinite, serpentinite-matrix mélange, gabbro, metagabbro, harzbergite, pyroxenite, plagiogranite, pegmatite, granitiod rocks and dunite. They added occurrences of the volcanic and subvolcanic rocks in the form of dykes or basaltic flows. The present study tries to change the petrology and tectonics of whole complex from Ophiolite Complex
to Metamorphic Core Complex. The revision includes refusal of all the above igneous rocks, instead they considered as medium grade regional metamorphism of different types of volcaniclastic sandstones (volcanic wackes), arenites and greywackes (impure sandstones) which sourced
predominantly from remote volcanic source area inside Iran. The revision depended on several conjugate field and laboratory evidences inside the complex. These evidences such as absence of pillow basalt, volcanic flows, glass shards, volcanic cones, dykes, sills, contact metamorphism, dilatational structures and flow structures. Other evidences are presence of cross beddings, erosional surfaces, lensoidal channel fills, metamorphosed conglomerate, exposures of thousands of laminated planar beds and transition from fresh volcaniclastic sandstones to its medium grade metamorphosed counterparts, which previously considered as igneous rocks of ophiolite types. Another, evidence, in contrast to ophiolite section, the basalt location is at the base of the claimed ophiolite section while plutonic (dunite and peridotite) rocks located at its top. These locations of the two rocks contradict the definition of ophiolites. Accordingly, the present study changed the geological map of the whole Mawat area from igneous outcrops to metamorphosed volcaniclastic sandstones, arenites and greywackes that belong to Walash-Naoperdan Series. The parent rocks of the series transformed to different types of regionally metamorphosed rocks by deep burial during Eocene. During the burial, diageneses and metamorphisms enhanced by complex mixture of
materials from different source areas and seawaters environments. Later, they uplifted, unroofed and exhumed during Pliocene as a core complex
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The Zagros Mountain Belt (ZMB) elongates between Arabian and Iranian plate from Turkey to Oman and passes through a part of both Iran and Iraq. The Iraqi part consists of tens of series of anticlines consisting mainly of Tertiary and... more
The Zagros Mountain Belt (ZMB) elongates between Arabian and Iranian plate from Turkey to Oman and passes through a part of both Iran and Iraq. The Iraqi part consists of tens of series of anticlines consisting mainly of Tertiary and Cretaceous rocks. The anticlines are mainly trending NW-SE and deeply dissected by v-shaped valleys across the strike of their limbs and plunge areas. The present study focused on roles of the valleys on development of non-tectonic (release) diagonal (hko) joints in a part of the Kurdistan Region, Northeast Iraq. Previously, oil companies and Academicians achieved, in the area, extensive joint analyses and they attributed their origins to tectonic stresses resulting from colliding of Arabian and Iranian plates. Conversely, in the present study, the hko and ac joint sets, as the main joint sets of ZMB, are attributed to non-tectonic and local unloading (release) stresses associated with the development of the valleys. These valleys dissected the anticlines during Quaternary and they developed the associated joints on the surface nearly parallel to the free faces of the valley sides and valley heads, which are approximately coincide with hko joint sets. These sets are similar to fracture (slab) formed parallel to free face during tunnel excavation. The present study analyzed by photos, sketches, stereonets many fields joint sets and their growth depicted parallel to valley sides and heads. Additionally, the analysis includes rare joint sets that are bending parallel to the valley sides (bending in response to free surfaces of the valley sides). For further justification for the non-tectonic hko joint sets, the study compared them with two joints sets formed along the tree barks that formed by growth (thickening, lengthening and desiccation) of the tree trunks. These joints, being surficial, do not coincide with those of deep wells in the same area, therefore, the oil companies do not necessarily depend on surface joint analysis to find porosity in deep oil wells.
View the article online for updates and enhancements. Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and... more
View the article online for updates and enhancements. Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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The study focuses on description, analysis and mapping of the thick succession of calciturbidites facies for the first time on the Early Cretaceous Arabian Platform Passive Margin from Western Zagros Fold-Thrust belt, Northeastern Iraq... more
The study focuses on description, analysis and mapping of the thick succession of calciturbidites facies for the first time on the Early Cretaceous Arabian Platform Passive Margin from Western Zagros Fold-Thrust belt, Northeastern Iraq (Kurd-istan Region). Along the margin, the study revealed active source of shedding voluminous calciturbidites sediments to the periplatform and deep basin of Neo-Tethys sea during the Early Cretaceous. Turbidity currents reworked pure coarse and fine detrital carbonates, from the platform, and transported long distance to the basin passing through the slope of the basin. Along this distance, the sediments crossed the marginal slope scoring submarine channels and depositing megabreccias in addition to coarse detrital carbonates (rudstone) before reaching the basin plain. On the plain mostly the fine grain facies of calciturbidites lay down and mixed with pelagic sediments such as radiolarias and calcispheres. The calciturbidite evidence can be tracked for more than 50 km in the studied area from platform to the basin across the slope. These latter facies are occasionally graded, laminated and cross-laminated with deep basin fossil such as planktonic foraminifera, and radiolarians. Stratigraphically, Qamchuqa, as carbonate factory, and Balambo Formations represent the platform and the basin facies, respectively. The periplatform (slope) was northeastward-facing and its toe was the depositional locus of shared lithology between the two aforementioned units. These formations are two Early Cretaceous rocks successions that crop out in Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt and occur in most famous oil fields in Middle East. These calciturbidites are keys for picturing boundary condition of the Passive Arabian Continental (platform) Margin, which is proved to be dynamic, stormy and with contrasted bathymetry (high topography). The study totally changes all characteristics of Balambo Formation from bathyal fine grain deposits to mixture of different carbonate grain of calciturbidite and pelagic origins.
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The Mawat and Bulfat Igneous Complexes are two neighboring areas in the extreme northeastern Iraq near the border with Iran. Each complex has about 250 square kilometers in surface area and their stratigraphic and tectonic settings are... more
The Mawat and Bulfat Igneous Complexes are two neighboring areas in the extreme northeastern Iraq near the border with Iran. Each complex has about 250 square kilometers in surface area and their stratigraphic and tectonic settings are nearly identical. These settings are established in the seventieth of the last century and since that time no significant changes are introduced till now although tens of the studies achieved on them. Here we introduce dramatic changes in the stratigraphy and tectonics of the two complexes depending on field mapping, eye witness and correlations in addition to applying petrographical, paleontological and boundary conditional studies. The two igneous complexes are changed to metamorphic core complexes by changing the previous ophiolite to metamorphosed greywackes and volcaniclastic sandstones. Additionally the previous three allochthonous sheets are considered to be autochthonous sedimentary stratigraphic units which include non-metamorphosed greywackes and limestone (Walash-Naoperdan Series) metamorphosed greywackes (previous ophiolite sheet) and metamorphosed Naoperdan Series (previous Gimo thrust Sheet). The deposition timing, source areas and their relation with other units of the Paleocene-Eocene are clarified and their boundaries are changed from tectonic to depositional. These attributes are linked with historical development of Sanandij-Sirjan Zone as the main part of Neo-Tethys sedimentary basin. It is concluded also that these sedimentary rocks are buried deeply during Late Eocene and metamorphosed regionally then uplifted as Core Complex during Pliocene bringing up with them self-Cretaceous units such a Shiranish Formation.
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The Piramagroon anticline (or Pira Magrun Mountain) elongates directly to the northwest of Sulaimani city, Northeast Iraq and its southeastern part contains two other anticlines, named Harmetool and Yakhyian anticlines in addition to... more
The Piramagroon anticline (or Pira Magrun Mountain) elongates directly to the northwest of Sulaimani city, Northeast Iraq and its southeastern part contains two other anticlines, named Harmetool and Yakhyian anticlines in addition to their complementary synclines and many other smaller folds. The anticline has experienced intense search for oil in the last few years and a well is drilled to a depth of 3000 meters but, any evidence of oil or gas wasn't found. In the present study, the southeastern part has been studied stratigraphically and structurally and the previous studies have been critically reviewed which may help to reason about the absence of oil in the area. In this study the stratigraphy of the anticline has been determined and Kometan, Gulneri, Dokan, Balambo and Sarmord formations have been plotted on a geological map and stratigraphic column and the nannofossils have been used for the aging of intervals with undetermined ages. The thickness of the Gulneri Formation is 2-4 m and by the analysis of nannofossils its age was identified as Late Cenomanian-Early Turonian. Lithology and bedding styles of the Dokan and Upper part of the Balambo formations are very similar to Kometan Formation and they can be determined either by fossils or by using Gulneri Formation as marker bed. The outcrop of the Gulneri Formation is helpful for differentiation since it is soft and can be recognized easily in the field by its darker color. The structure of the anticline is relatively complex as it consists of asymmetrical anticlines with southwest plunge mainly in few places while it changes to overturned fold in others and is deformed by reverse fault. The anticlines are shaped by detachments on the Gulneri and Sarmord formations and by the other older soft rocks. The newly formed anticlines have the style of multi-detachment fold or multi-detachment faulted fold.
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In the Iraqi Zagros, there are ten ophiolites and basaltic bodies, the famous ones are Penjween, Mawat, Bulfat and Peshashan Ophiolite complexes in addition to basaltic bodies such as Kata Rash, Avroman, Gercus, Chalki, and Hamrin... more
In the Iraqi Zagros, there are ten ophiolites and basaltic bodies, the famous ones are Penjween, Mawat, Bulfat and Peshashan Ophiolite complexes in addition to basaltic bodies such as Kata Rash, Avroman, Gercus, Chalki, and Hamrin basaltic bodies. The present study describes more than 12 significant problems concerning the previous assigning of the bodies as igneous rocks. These problems are observable in the field, laboratory, and in most previous works of literature that oppose the magmatic origin of these bodies. Our study explicated all aspects of each problem and clarified how the problems contradict magmatic crystallization and aid the sedimentary origin of these claimed igneous bodies. Finally, the interpretations of all the problems were collected as conjugate pieces of evidence for appraisal of the new origin of all igneous bodies in the Iraqi and Iranian Zagros belt. The outcomes consider the ophiolitic and basaltic rocks metamorphosed volcaniclastic sandstones (greywackes or mafic sandstone). These sandstones belong to fresh or metamorphosed greywackes of stratigraphic units of the Paleocene-Eocene Walash Formation (as distal facies) and Kata Rash Conglomerate (as proximal facies) which were previously considered volcanic rocks. These sediments are sourced originally from Urumeiah-Dokhtur Magmatic Arc (ADMA) and deposited inside Neo-Tethys, present Sanandaji-Sirjan Zone (SSZ), during the Jurassic-Early Cretaceous. Later, the sediments were metamorphosed and uplifted during the Paleocene and deposited inside the Iraqi Zagros belt by turbidity currents inside the Zagros Foreland basin. These ideas are shown in detail by tectonic and paleogeographic models.
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This study unveils new considerations regarding the dolomitization of the Bekhme and Qamchuqa formations (BQFs), two reefal Cretaceous units in the Iraqi Zagros collisional belt. Previous studies proposed the dolomitization of these... more
This study unveils new considerations regarding the dolomitization
of the Bekhme and Qamchuqa formations (BQFs), two reefal Cretaceous units
in the Iraqi Zagros collisional belt. Previous studies proposed the dolomitization
of these formations due to the ascent of Mg-rich hydrothermal solutions
through deep faults but lacked substantial supporting evidence. This paper
present new considerations suggesting that the dolomitization of the BQFs
resulted from the Cretaceous environmental conditions and basin paleogeographic
setting of the platform on which these formations were deposited. To
justify this consideration, seven proofs presented. First is the occurrence of
dolomite as vast layers extending tens of kilometers laterally and bounded
between limestone beds, which resemble a strata-bound occurrence. Second
is the absence of vertical selective dolomitization such as, hydrothermal mineralization,
vertical dolomite dykes, hydrothermal vents, tubes, or zones.
Third is the barrenness of most of the fault surfaces and their surrounding
rocks with selective dolomitization. Fourth is the sharp boundary between the
dolomite and limestone layers, indicating a sudden environmental change
from lagoon to reef or forereef. Fifth is the record of dolomitization in the sediments
reworked by bioturbation, evident in thalassinoides burrows. Sixth is
the succession of BQFs underlain by limestone and green marl devoid of dolomitization
and hydrothermal upward movement. Seventh is the contradictory
notion of hydrothermal dolomitization among the most recent study
published in the Science journal which atributed dolomitization to normal
temperate on earth surface. In the present study, the source of the Mg is argued
and its presence is attributed to the warmth of the Arabian platform
(plate) near the equator during the Cretaceous period. Another source is the
connection of the Arabian platform with the Neo-Tethys Sea, which was the
locus of Mg-rich mafic volcanism in the form of arcs and mid-oceanic ridge
topography, which supplied a voluminous amount of Mg to the Arabian carbonate platform through ocean currents.
of the Bekhme and Qamchuqa formations (BQFs), two reefal Cretaceous units
in the Iraqi Zagros collisional belt. Previous studies proposed the dolomitization
of these formations due to the ascent of Mg-rich hydrothermal solutions
through deep faults but lacked substantial supporting evidence. This paper
present new considerations suggesting that the dolomitization of the BQFs
resulted from the Cretaceous environmental conditions and basin paleogeographic
setting of the platform on which these formations were deposited. To
justify this consideration, seven proofs presented. First is the occurrence of
dolomite as vast layers extending tens of kilometers laterally and bounded
between limestone beds, which resemble a strata-bound occurrence. Second
is the absence of vertical selective dolomitization such as, hydrothermal mineralization,
vertical dolomite dykes, hydrothermal vents, tubes, or zones.
Third is the barrenness of most of the fault surfaces and their surrounding
rocks with selective dolomitization. Fourth is the sharp boundary between the
dolomite and limestone layers, indicating a sudden environmental change
from lagoon to reef or forereef. Fifth is the record of dolomitization in the sediments
reworked by bioturbation, evident in thalassinoides burrows. Sixth is
the succession of BQFs underlain by limestone and green marl devoid of dolomitization
and hydrothermal upward movement. Seventh is the contradictory
notion of hydrothermal dolomitization among the most recent study
published in the Science journal which atributed dolomitization to normal
temperate on earth surface. In the present study, the source of the Mg is argued
and its presence is attributed to the warmth of the Arabian platform
(plate) near the equator during the Cretaceous period. Another source is the
connection of the Arabian platform with the Neo-Tethys Sea, which was the
locus of Mg-rich mafic volcanism in the form of arcs and mid-oceanic ridge
topography, which supplied a voluminous amount of Mg to the Arabian carbonate platform through ocean currents.
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The present study focuses on finding the relations between the Walash and Naopurdan formations in the thrust zone of the Soran area with the Kolosh and Khurmala Formations in High-Folded Zones of the Shaqlawa area. The study also tries to... more
The present study focuses on finding the relations between the Walash and
Naopurdan formations in the thrust zone of the Soran area with the Kolosh
and Khurmala Formations in High-Folded Zones of the Shaqlawa area. The
study also tries to indicate the relation of these four units with the Iraqi
ophiolite, volcanic rocks and Gimo sequence in the Soran area. The present
study modeled and reconstructed the tectonic setting and depositional
environment of the above units in a single foreland basin. The present study
changed the Walash and Naopurdan Groups to formations and indicated that
the type sections of the claimed two groups belong to the same succession.
The main difference between the two type sections is the metamorphism of
the type section of Walash Group. same as whereas the Walash Formation
consists of conglomerate, sandstone and siliceous shale south of Soran town.
The Naopurdan Formation consists of two parts, the lower part contains
sparse nummulite and alveolinas while the upper part is mainly comprised of
coralline limestone and the thickness of the two parts are about 100 m thick.
To the north, and northwest the Walash and Naopurdan formations are
metamorphosed regionally which is previously called the ophiolite and Gimo
sequence. We documented that the ophiolite is the regionally
metamorphosed felsic and mafic volcaniclastic sandstone (greywackes) of
the Walash Formation and deposited inside the shelf of the foreland basin.
While the Kolosh Formation is indicated as basinal facies of the Walash
Formation and it represents the fine siliciclastic sediments (shale and
sandstone) that are transported to a deep basin of the foreland basin by a
turbidity current. In the basin, Naopurdan and Khurmala Formations are
deposited as reefal facies on the top of the Walash and Kolosh Formations
during the Early Eocene.
The changing of the ophiolite to metamorphosed Walash Formation is
based on many signals which are finding pervasive laminations, granular
textures, planar bedding surfaces, erosional surfaces, and lensoidal
submarine channels, in the rocks that are previously considered ophiolite in
Soran areas. All the grains of the claimed igneous rocks are angular and
show breakage edges and pitted surfaces which show that the grains are
crystalloclasts and volcanic lithic fragments deposited by water currents.
Other evidence for the absence of ophiolite and igneous rocks in northern
Iraq are the absence of dykes, pillow lava, volcanic flow, contact
metamorphism, sheet -channalized lava flows and mineralization. Another
piece of evidence is the similarity between Kolosh and Walash Formations
in mineralogy, and ages, and both formations consist mainly of fragments of plagioclase, hornblende, and pyroxene with miner olivine. The stratigraphic columns, depositional models and geologic cross section are drawn for the Soran area which are relevant to the Mawat and Chwarta areas.
Naopurdan formations in the thrust zone of the Soran area with the Kolosh
and Khurmala Formations in High-Folded Zones of the Shaqlawa area. The
study also tries to indicate the relation of these four units with the Iraqi
ophiolite, volcanic rocks and Gimo sequence in the Soran area. The present
study modeled and reconstructed the tectonic setting and depositional
environment of the above units in a single foreland basin. The present study
changed the Walash and Naopurdan Groups to formations and indicated that
the type sections of the claimed two groups belong to the same succession.
The main difference between the two type sections is the metamorphism of
the type section of Walash Group. same as whereas the Walash Formation
consists of conglomerate, sandstone and siliceous shale south of Soran town.
The Naopurdan Formation consists of two parts, the lower part contains
sparse nummulite and alveolinas while the upper part is mainly comprised of
coralline limestone and the thickness of the two parts are about 100 m thick.
To the north, and northwest the Walash and Naopurdan formations are
metamorphosed regionally which is previously called the ophiolite and Gimo
sequence. We documented that the ophiolite is the regionally
metamorphosed felsic and mafic volcaniclastic sandstone (greywackes) of
the Walash Formation and deposited inside the shelf of the foreland basin.
While the Kolosh Formation is indicated as basinal facies of the Walash
Formation and it represents the fine siliciclastic sediments (shale and
sandstone) that are transported to a deep basin of the foreland basin by a
turbidity current. In the basin, Naopurdan and Khurmala Formations are
deposited as reefal facies on the top of the Walash and Kolosh Formations
during the Early Eocene.
The changing of the ophiolite to metamorphosed Walash Formation is
based on many signals which are finding pervasive laminations, granular
textures, planar bedding surfaces, erosional surfaces, and lensoidal
submarine channels, in the rocks that are previously considered ophiolite in
Soran areas. All the grains of the claimed igneous rocks are angular and
show breakage edges and pitted surfaces which show that the grains are
crystalloclasts and volcanic lithic fragments deposited by water currents.
Other evidence for the absence of ophiolite and igneous rocks in northern
Iraq are the absence of dykes, pillow lava, volcanic flow, contact
metamorphism, sheet -channalized lava flows and mineralization. Another
piece of evidence is the similarity between Kolosh and Walash Formations
in mineralogy, and ages, and both formations consist mainly of fragments of plagioclase, hornblende, and pyroxene with miner olivine. The stratigraphic columns, depositional models and geologic cross section are drawn for the Soran area which are relevant to the Mawat and Chwarta areas.
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Cenomanian-Turonian (C/T boundary) is globally foci of intense geological study in the most part of the world due its organic matter content. In Iraq, the representative of the boundary is defined previously as bituminous black shale and... more
Cenomanian-Turonian (C/T boundary) is globally foci of intense geological study in the most part of the world due its organic matter content. In Iraq, the representative of the boundary is defined previously as bituminous black shale and named “Gulneri Formation” which is about 2.5 meters thick. In the country, the boundary is controversial both stratigraphically and lithologically; since it is assumed that its top and base are bounded by unconformity and deposited in euxinic and small relic basin. In the present study, the previous studies are critically evaluated and many new results and new fact are documented about the formation through studying of nine sections. The new results include changing of the lithology and boundary condition (rejecting of underlying and overlying previously indicated unconformities). The lithology has amended to marl and marly limestone and the depositional basin is changed to large open basin in which Balambo and Kometan formations are deposited. Addi...
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... CONGLOMERATE, PRECIOUSLTY KNOWN AS QULQULA CONGLOMERATE FORMATION AT AVROMAN-HALABJA AREA, NE-IRAQ Mushir Mustafa Qadir Baziany' and ... of the Suren Mountain (western part of Avroman mountain) (modified from Ali and... more
... CONGLOMERATE, PRECIOUSLTY KNOWN AS QULQULA CONGLOMERATE FORMATION AT AVROMAN-HALABJA AREA, NE-IRAQ Mushir Mustafa Qadir Baziany' and ... of the Suren Mountain (western part of Avroman mountain) (modified from Ali and Ameen, 2005) showing ...
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The Maastrichtian Aqra Formation around Mawat-Chwarta (Sulaimaniya city) in NE Iraq consists mainly of coarse grained detrital limestone, locally containing terrigenous clastics, and is characterized by abundant rudists in life position.... more
The Maastrichtian Aqra Formation around Mawat-Chwarta (Sulaimaniya city) in NE Iraq consists mainly of coarse grained detrital limestone, locally containing terrigenous clastics, and is characterized by abundant rudists in life position. The rudist biostromes are very common in the formation and benthic foraminifers, gastropods and non-rudist bivalves with scarcer echinoderms and solitary corals are associated with the rudists. This first determination of rudists from NE Iraq recognizes the following species, Dictyoptychus aff. morgani, Sauvagesia somalica, Hippurites cornucopiae, Praeradiolites subtoucasi and Lapeirousia jouanneti, as well as some indeterminable radiolitid sections. This rudist fauna is assigned to the Hippurites cornucopiae interval zone indicating a mid to Late Maastrichtian age. Dictyoptychus is an endemic rudist genus for the Arabian Plate, to which Sauvagesia somalica also seems to be limited. Other determined species are recorded mostly from the central-eastern Mediterranean Tethys, and to a lesser extend from the Arabian Plate. The determination of rudists from NE Iraq fills an important gap in terms of the taxonomic database and palaeobiogeography. The data on the rudist fauna reveals the existence of a shallow marine dispersal route for rudist larvae during the Maastrichtian along the area of the present Zagros fold-thrust belt from SE Turkey across NE Iraq towards SW Iran
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This study deals with the biostratigraphy of Shiranish Formation (Late Cretaceous), depending on the Ammonite and associated Foraminifera in four outcrop sections, three of which are located in Al-Sulaimaniya governorate (Dokan,... more
This study deals with the biostratigraphy of Shiranish Formation (Late Cretaceous), depending on the Ammonite and associated Foraminifera in four outcrop sections, three of which are located in Al-Sulaimaniya governorate (Dokan, Esewa and Kanny dirka sections) and one in Erbil governorate, northern Iraq (Hijran section). Fourteen species of Ammonite belonging to fourteen genera were determined, which are: Dsemoceratidae, Gaudryceras, Gunnarites, Hoplitoplacenticeras, Kitchinites, Kossmaticeratinae, Neancyloceras, Neokossmaticeras, Nostoceras, Paratexanites, Partschiceras, Phylloceras, Pseudophyllites and Yubariceras. Also, thirty- five species of Foraminifera belonging to thirteen genera were determined, which are: Cibicides, Cymopolia, Eggellina, Elphidium, Globigerinelloides, Globotruncana, Hedbergella, Heterohelix, Marginulina, Miliolid, Neobulimmina, Nodosaria and Textularia. Seven range zones were determined, three of which are of Ammonite, which are: Desmophyllites larte...
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Avroman Mountain has a northwest–southeast trend of Zagros Collisional Belt and elongates parallel to the Iranian border in Northeastern Iraq, Kurdistan Region. Previous studies found many volcanic bodies on the mountain and considered... more
Avroman Mountain has a northwest–southeast trend of Zagros Collisional Belt and elongates parallel to the Iranian border in Northeastern Iraq, Kurdistan Region. Previous studies found many volcanic bodies on the mountain and considered them either as Triassic and Cretaceous dismembered ophiolite fragments or as basaltic dykes. The present work focused on the restudy of these bodies and proved that they are neither dykes nor ophiolite rocks. On the contrary, the present study considers these bodies as successions of altered volcaniclastic sandstones (greywackes) and conglomerates that were transported from the Urumieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Arc (UDMA) as fresh or old reworked sediments, during Paleocene–Eocene, and deposited inside the Sanandij-Sirjan Zone (SSZ). Additionally, many clues are found that manifest their sedimentary origins such as presences of laminations, a southward decrease in grain sizes, the parallelism of all the bodies to the surrounding layer of Qulqula Radiolarian Formation (QRF) and Avroman Formation, folded successions, graded beddings, poorly sorted textures, irregular and broken grains outlines, a gradation from conglomerate to sandstone. Other evidences are absences of pillow basalts, amygdales, volcanic vents or cones, volcanic mineralizations, volcanic flow structures and textures, chilled borders, contact metamorphism, sedimentary xenoliths, volcanic bombs, or lapilli, and crosscutting relations between the sedimentary bodies and host rocks. These bodies are nearly located between the Avroman and Qulqula Radiolarian formations at the top and the base, respectively. Finally, these bodies have tectonic, depositional, and chronological close relations with the volcaniclastic successions of the Mawat, Bulfat, and Penjween areas. Stratigraphically, they belong to Walash Formation (or Group) and were deposited during the Paleocene–Eocene.
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Calciturbidites are similar to siliciclastic turbidites in structure, texture, basin physiography and processes of deposition; nevertheless, their clasts (grains) are carbonate minerals. Turbidity currents transport carbonate grains from... more
Calciturbidites are similar to siliciclastic turbidites in structure, texture, basin physiography and processes of deposition; nevertheless, their clasts (grains) are carbonate minerals. Turbidity currents transport carbonate grains from carbonate source areas and coastal areas to the deep basins after passing the shelf (peri-platform). These currents are triggered by short-lived catastrophic events, such as tsunamis, earthquakes, marine slides, and typhoons. The Late Cretaceous Zagros Foreland and Hinterland in NE-Iraq (Kurdistan Region) was an active source for the shedding of voluminous sediments to the deep basin of Zagros Foreland Basin. During late Campanian, Shiranish Formation was deposited in the foreland basin; it occurs in the most famous oil fields in the Middle East and represents hemplagite facies (much diluted turbidite facies). Previous studies have not broached the origins of Shiranish Formation, neither in detail or briefly. Conversely, the present study focused on...
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The Zagros Fold Thrust Belt extends for more than 1500 kms from Oman to Turkey and passes through Kurdistan Region, northern Iraq where the studied area is located. The belt is about 200 kilometers wide and the main anticlines axes have... more
The Zagros Fold Thrust Belt extends for more than 1500 kms from Oman to Turkey and passes through Kurdistan Region, northern Iraq where the studied area is located. The belt is about 200 kilometers wide and the main anticlines axes have the trends of 300°-325° in the studied area. The present study focused on a local disturbance of the above trends in the Chwarta–Mawat area. The disturbance is expressed by 20-30° of clockwise rotation (toward north) of axes of the local anticlines relative to trend of the non-rotated main anticlines of the Zagros belt. The rotation occurs in the lateral boundary between the Early Cretaceous Balambo Formation (thin bedded limestone and marly limestone) and Qamchuqa Formation (massive limestone and dolomite). These two formations are consisting of incompetent and competent rocks whereas shifting is occurred at their lateral boundary. The reasons for this tectonic disturbance is discussed and analyzed according to the direction of stress in the area and boundary conditions that are associated with the axes rotation. The study attributes the disturbance to lateral facies changes from competent, in the northwest, to incompetent rocks in the southeast. Furthermore, the facies change is associated with presence of massif block (Mawat Massif) which is responsible for transferring of the northeast Zagros tectonic stress toward southwest direction into areas of anticlines disturbance. Due to this transfer , the rate of the stress propagation, being directed by the massif, is faster in the incompetent units in the southeast which rotates the massif clockwise and forcing the axis of the neighboring anticlines to shift northward about 25 degrees. The massif is a large block (26 km × 8 km) and according to previous studied consists of metamorphic and igneous rocks in addition to conglomerates. The block is located between rotated folds (the local disturbance) and the Main Zagros Thrust. Due to southwest pushing of the massif by the Main Zagros Thrust (or reverse Fault), the surrounded rocks are folded and aligned parallel to the massif. The rotated folds are localized at the interfaces between the massif and incompetent rocks. The record of this local disturbance is important for analysis of the dynamic evolution of Zagros since the local events can be used for interpretation of regional ones.
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A range of planktonic foranminifera in the upper part of Kolosh Formation from northeastern Iraq is discussed. Based on the evidence of twenty planktonic foranminifera species and subspecies, the upper part of Kolosh Formation ftom... more
A range of planktonic foranminifera in the upper part of Kolosh Formation from northeastern Iraq is discussed. Based on the evidence of twenty planktonic foranminifera species and subspecies, the upper part of Kolosh Formation ftom Sartak-Bamo area is subdivedd into biozones, these are from bottom to top:
The Globorotalia veascoensis biozone and the Globorotalia wilcoxensis/Globorotalia rex biozone. planktonic foranminifera boizone are corelated wit other areas of Iraq and the world. The nature of the contact between Kolosh and Sinjar Formations is discussed lithologically and environmentally. The represented age of the upper par of Kolosh Formation is Late Paleocene to Early Eocene.
The Globorotalia veascoensis biozone and the Globorotalia wilcoxensis/Globorotalia rex biozone. planktonic foranminifera boizone are corelated wit other areas of Iraq and the world. The nature of the contact between Kolosh and Sinjar Formations is discussed lithologically and environmentally. The represented age of the upper par of Kolosh Formation is Late Paleocene to Early Eocene.
Northeastern Arabian Plate Margin is now part of the Zagros Collisional belt and extends nearly parallel to the Iraq-Iran border. The margin comprised, during the Early Cretaceous, of the Arabian Carbonate Platform which is poorly... more
Northeastern Arabian Plate Margin is now part of the Zagros Collisional belt and extends nearly parallel to the Iraq-Iran border. The margin comprised, during the Early Cretaceous, of the Arabian Carbonate Platform which is poorly explored. This margin consists of thick carbonate succession and separates the Neo-Tethys Ocean (present Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone) from the Arabian Plate interior. The carbonate succession, as the Qamchuqa and Balambo formations, consists of more than 600 m of dolomite and reefal limestone. The present study focused on records and discussions of evidence of unconformity and paleokarst (UaPK) inside the Arabian platform in northeast Iraq. The study recorded this evidence inside the lower part of the Qamchuqa Formation and the pieces of evidence include limestone conglomerate, plaeo-solution cavities, erosional surfaces, widespread coarse and fine grain detrital limestones, hardground, extensive burrows of Thalassiniodes, and mineralization. The solution cavitie...
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The present study focuses on the presentation of field and laboratory evidences for the first record of the Aqra Formation (Maastrichtian) outcrop at the top of the Tanjero Formation in the Soran area, Erbil Governorate. The previous... more
The present study focuses on the presentation of field and laboratory evidences for the first record of the Aqra Formation (Maastrichtian) outcrop at the top of the Tanjero Formation in the Soran area, Erbil Governorate. The previous studies indicated its outcrops as Middle Miocene Govanda Formation between Merga Red Bed Series and Tanjero Formation. The present study discusses relations of this outcrop with Govanda and Bekhme formations in the Sulaimani and Duhok governorates in terms of environment and tectonics. In the Soran area, the formation has variable thickness ranging between 2-160 m and underlies either Red Bed Series or Govanda Formation (Middle Miocene). The study documented many stratigraphic and paleontological evidences to prove occurrence of the Aqra Formation in the area. Additionally, we discussed the significance of its occurrence in detail by which many tectonic and stratigraphic issues of the area are unlocked. One of the issues is occurrence of Tanjero Formati...
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The Zagros Mountain Belt (ZMB) elongates between Arabian and Iranian plate from Turkey to Oman and passes through a part of both Iran and Iraq. The Iraqi part consists of tens of series of anticlines consisting mainly of Tertiary and... more
The Zagros Mountain Belt (ZMB) elongates between Arabian and Iranian plate from Turkey to Oman and passes through a part of both Iran and Iraq. The Iraqi part consists of tens of series of anticlines consisting mainly of Tertiary and Cretaceous rocks. The anticlines are mainly trending NW-SE and deeply dissected by v-shaped valleys across the strike of their limbs and plunge areas. The present study focused on roles of the valleys on development of non-tectonic (release) diagonal (hko) joints in a part of the Kurdistan Region, Northeast Iraq. Previously, oil companies and Academicians achieved, in the area, extensive joint analyses and they attributed their origins to tectonic stresses resulting from colliding of Arabian and Iranian plates. Conversely, in the present study, the hko and ac joint sets, as the main joint sets of ZMB, are attributed to non-tectonic and local unloading (release) stresses associated with the development of the valleys. These valleys dissected the anticlines during Quaternary and they developed the associated joints on the surface nearly parallel to the free faces of the valley sides and valley heads, which are approximately coincide with hko joint sets. These sets are similar to fracture (slab) formed parallel to free face during tunnel excavation. The present study analyzed by photos, sketches, stereonets many fields joint sets and their growth depicted parallel to valley sides and heads. Additionally, the analysis includes rare joint sets that are bending parallel to the valley sides (bending in response to free surfaces of the valley sides). For further justification for the non-tectonic hko joint sets, the study compared them with two joints sets formed along the tree barks that formed by growth (thickening, lengthening and desiccation) of the tree trunks. These joints, being surficial, do not coincide with those of deep wells in the same area, therefore, the oil companies do not necessarily depend on surface joint analysis to find porosity in deep oil wells.
The present study focuses on the presentation of field and laboratory evidences for the first record of the Aqra Formation (Maastrichtian) outcrop at the top of the Tanjero Formation in the Soran area, Erbil Governorate. The previous... more
The present study focuses on the presentation of field and laboratory evidences for the first record of the Aqra Formation (Maastrichtian) outcrop at the top of the Tanjero Formation in the Soran area, Erbil Governorate. The previous studies indicated its outcrops as Middle Miocene Govanda Formation between Merga Red Bed Series and Tanjero Formation. The present study discusses relations of this outcrop with Govanda and Bekhme formations in the Sulaimani and Duhok governorates in terms of environment and tectonics. In the Soran area, the formation has variable thickness ranging between 2-160 m and underlies either Red Bed Series or Govanda Formation (Middle Miocene). The study documented many stratigraphic and paleontological evidences to prove occurrence of the Aqra Formation in the area. Additionally, we discussed the significance of its occurrence in detail by which many tectonic and stratigraphic issues of the area are unlocked. One of the issues is occurrence of Tanjero Formation between the Aqra and Bekhme formations and it separates the two formations in two different age ranges and tectonic episodes. Another issue is the documentation of the occurrence of the Aqra Formation inside the Thrust Zone by which the distribution of the formation is extendable beyond Main Zagros Thrust Fault. The study includes a detailed stratigraphic column and tectonic model of the formation to show the coastal area, patchy reef, and shelf environment of the Aqra Formation.
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Exsolution lamellae and octahedral inclusions of chromian spinel occur in olivine of harzburgite of the Pauza ultramafic rocks, Kurdistan region, northeastern Iraq. The lamella is up to 80mum long and up to 50 mum wide. The lamellae and... more
Exsolution lamellae and octahedral inclusions of chromian spinel occur in olivine of harzburgite of the Pauza ultramafic rocks, Kurdistan region, northeastern Iraq. The lamella is up to 80mum long and up to 50 mum wide. The lamellae and octahedral inclusions of chromian spinel are distributed heterogeneously in the host olivine crystal. They are depleted in Al2O3 relative to the subhedral
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The lower part of the Qulqula (Radiolarian) Formation is studied in the Thrust Zone, Northeast Iraq (Kurdistan Region) near the border with Iran. The lower part consists of alternation of more than four detrital limestone successions each... more
The lower part of the Qulqula (Radiolarian) Formation is studied in the Thrust Zone, Northeast Iraq (Kurdistan Region) near the border with Iran. The lower part consists of alternation of more than four detrital limestone successions each about 25 m thick with thick intervals of bedded chert and shale. The limestones are mainly of distinctly bedded and shallow marine in origin. The four successions have nearly the same lithology of peloid, ooid, lithoclastic and bioclastic grainstone and packstone, with rare mudstone and wackstone. The matrix consists mostly of blocky cement and minor amount of micrite (lime mud). Previously mentioned, that the lower part of the Qulqula (Radiolarian) Formation overlies the Balambo and Kometan formations and a conglomerate bed (0.22 m thick) separates the two formations. In the present study, the origin of this conglomeratic bed is studied and inferred that it belongs to Tanjero Formation. It is found that, with the conglomerate, slices of the Shira...
Thick succession of conglomeratic limestone (about 300 m thick) is exposed on right and left sides of Dokan reservoir and covers more than 40 Km2 of surface area. It called "Dokan Conglomerate" in this study, which is not... more
Thick succession of conglomeratic limestone (about 300 m thick) is exposed on right and left sides of Dokan reservoir and covers more than 40 Km2 of surface area. It called "Dokan Conglomerate" in this study, which is not described and shown on any geological map, previously. The Dokan conglomerate is indurate and weathering resistant, which mostly consists of blocks, boulders and gravels of Qamchuqa Formation, with some clasts of Kometan Formation, and at the upper part rare clasts of Pila Spi Formation can be observed. The conglomerate is folded and in some place has more than 30 degrees, and angularly overlies the Kolosh, Shiranish, Kometan formations with more than 20 degrees difference in dip. In other areas, the conglomerate shows, more or less equal dip with aforementioned formations. The paleocurrent analysis revealed southwest, south, southeast direction for lower, middle and upper part of the conglomerate. From indicating the origin of the pebbles of the conglome...
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The present study aims to recording and describing, for the first time, the occurrence of Barsarin Formation in the Barzinja area (north east of Iraq) and to provide more details on the limestones succession that is contain both laminated... more
The present study aims to recording and describing, for the first time, the occurrence of Barsarin Formation in the Barzinja area (north east of Iraq) and to provide more details on the limestones succession that is contain both laminated and nodular massive beds. samples have been collected from this succession of which more than thin-sections have been obtained and studied under binocular and polarized microscope. Based on the thin sections studies and field observations in the outcrop, it is proved that both, laminitic and massive limestones are belonging to cryptalgal stromatolite. Morphologically, the examined stromatolites can be divided into four types: 1-planer, 2wavey, 3-Columnar and 4-Spheroidal (oncoidal) stromatolites. The first two types occur as laminated limestone (mat) while the other two types form more or less massive limestone beds. The formation as a whole was deposited in a semiclosed lagoon (as a part of rimmed shelf) of an attached carbonated platform which is...
The present study is set out not only to discuss but also to propose possible new functions (origins) of Paleodictyon. This function is a kind of protection against predation and not related to food habit or burrowing as concluded in... more
The present study is set out not only to discuss but also to propose possible new functions (origins) of Paleodictyon. This function is a kind of protection against predation and not related to food habit or burrowing as concluded in previous studies. The organism achieving this protection by making its shape and size resemble (mimic) hard corals to decisive attacker organism. This protective operation happens through the hard corals which are found in the same basin with the traces. The study attributes the origin of trace to the evolutionary mimicry by which the previous dispute about the origin of the paleodictyon will be improved or ended.
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The geomorphological feature of the valley's asymmetry is described in the Western Zagros in Iraqi Kurdistan; in terms of facing of the valley sides relative to the position of the sun. The asymmetry is represented by steeper... more
The geomorphological feature of the valley's asymmetry is described in the Western Zagros in Iraqi Kurdistan; in terms of facing of the valley sides relative to the position of the sun. The asymmetry is represented by steeper northwest facing valley sides; as compared to the southeast facing sides. This feature shows clear valley's asymmetry in cross section is a new geomorphological characteristic for the Western Zagros Mountain Belt. The asymmetry of valleys, in the present study, is proved to exist in different rock types and areas, which is developed by more chemical weathering of one facing sides relative to the other side. The weathering is attributed to the remaining of the moisture for longer time than the southeastern sides, which are stroke by sun radiation for longer time and are dried more rapidly. A simple method was established for indicating the steeper side of the valleys. The method consists of drawing two parallel lines across the photo of the valley, then ...
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The present study focuses on the field, petrography and stratigraphic analyses of a thick and sparsely fossiliferous dolomitic limestone succession in the west, north, and northwest of Darbandikhan town from Sulaimaniah governorate. The... more
The present study focuses on the field, petrography and stratigraphic analyses of a thick and sparsely fossiliferous dolomitic limestone succession in the west, north, and northwest of Darbandikhan town from Sulaimaniah governorate. The succession thins toward northwest and east and located in the stratigraphic position of and Khurmala (or Sinjar) Formation (Late Paleocene – Early Eocene) between Kolosh and Gercus formations at the base and top respectively. The Khurmala Formation is a lagoonal crystallized limestone, dolomite with interbeds of different clastic rocks. It also contains an occasional occurrence of gypsum and rare gastropods, miliolids, and algae in some beds. Previous studies found the formation and described in Duhok, Kirkuk and Erbil Governorates while in Sulaimani area it not proved until now. The present article studied four different sections of succession (previously and indicated as Sinjar Formation) and correlated them stratigraphically with each other and wi...
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It is mentioned previously that the intermontane basins, in northeastern Iraq, are developed in the Early Paleocene. In present study, the timing, geographic location and geological setting of these intermontane basins are studiedfrom... more
It is mentioned previously that the intermontane basins, in northeastern Iraq, are developed in the Early Paleocene. In present study, the timing, geographic location and geological setting of these intermontane basins are studiedfrom Iraqi Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt during Tertiary. The study achieved in view of literature and recent sedimentological studies. The terrigenous clastic cutoff and facies comparison with their distribution is used as evidence for spatial and temporal development of intermontane basin. The study concluded that the first intermontane basin is developed during the Middle Eocene.� ��� It is observed that the present position of Thrust and Imbricated Zones of Iraq was area of subsidence and generation of the intermontane basin during Middle Eocene. Concurrently with this subsidence and directly to the southwest of the latter zone a narrow paleohigh is developed which separated subsidence from the main basin. The present position of the paleohigh coincides with ...
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A part of the Govanda Formation is studied in five outcrops from northeastern Iraq near the Iraqi-Iranian borders. It consists of polygenic conglomerates, detrital limestones (conglomeratic limestone), and highly fossiliferous limestones... more
A part of the Govanda Formation is studied in five outcrops from northeastern Iraq near the Iraqi-Iranian borders. It consists of polygenic conglomerates, detrital limestones (conglomeratic limestone), and highly fossiliferous limestones of reeffore-reef facies with occasional interbedding of terrigenous sediments. Tectonically, the formation is important for its location in the very active Sanandij-Sirjan (Suture) Zone and for its deposition in Middle Miocene, which was assigned previously as an age of continental-continental colliding of Zagros Fold-Thrust belt. Additionally, it is overlaying different rocks units of pre-Miocene, especially resting on the Qulqula Radiolarian Formation in an angular unconformity relationship. The high-energy and tectonically active shallow and normalmarine environment is inferred from many facies such as coral framestone, pelecypod floatstone facies, coral and lithoclast rudstone, coral bufflestone, stromatolite bindstone, foraminifera and red alga...
The present study aims to re-study the Qulqula Conglomerate Formation that is mentioned in the previous studies to be about 500m thick in Halabja Avroman area. Those studies considered the Qulqula Conglomerate Formation as a part of... more
The present study aims to re-study the Qulqula Conglomerate Formation that is mentioned in the previous studies to be about 500m thick in Halabja Avroman area. Those studies considered the Qulqula Conglomerate Formation as a part of Qulqula Group, which overlies Qulqula Radiolarian Formation and claimed Albian-Cenomanian age and deposited due to Subhercynian orogeny. They also mentioned that it is deposited in a deep basin of high tectonic activity in which the flysch is deposited and represented by thick succession of conglomerate and shale. In the present study, all the previously mentioned characteristics concerning tectonic, age and facies of the formation in the Avroman-Halabja area are not observed. More than that, the occurrence of the conglomerate that can be called Qulqula Conglomerate Formation is doubtful in this area. The authors have found a thick accumulation of conglomerate but it does not belong to Qulqula Conglomerate Formation. This is achieved according to follo...
The contact between Bekhme and Shiranish Formations is studied paleontologically in Bekhme gorge and Rawanduz area. The nannofossils are used to prove that the age of the base of the Shiranish Formation is lower late Campanian and middle... more
The contact between Bekhme and Shiranish Formations is studied paleontologically in Bekhme gorge and Rawanduz area. The nannofossils are used to prove that the age of the base of the Shiranish Formation is lower late Campanian and middle Campanian in Bekhme gorge and Rawanduz area respectively. The older age of the Rawanduz area is attributed to early drowning (flexing downward) of the forebulge of the Arabian platform due to southwest propagation of tectonic load of the Zagros Orogen during early stage of collision of Afro-Arabian and Iranian plates
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Stratigraphic studies of Maastrichtian Tanjero and Aqra formations and compression of microtectonic faults in Khewata – Dolbeshk valley constrains new geological setting of the Mawat area northeast Iraq. During Middle – Late Maastrichtian... more
Stratigraphic studies of Maastrichtian Tanjero and Aqra formations and compression of microtectonic faults in Khewata – Dolbeshk valley constrains new geological setting of the Mawat area northeast Iraq. During Middle – Late Maastrichtian a carbonate-siliciclastic succession deposited in front of the subducted ophiolite and accretionary prism. These successions are well developed in the area. This study concentrates on the overthrust sequence and identifies the geometry of the thrust fault. The reefal limestone/ shallow clays succession are thrusted over reefal limestone/ marl-sandstone succession. This thrust fault illustrates (1) these two successions were initially deposited laterally beside each other during the Maastrichtian and (2) the limestone/ clay sequences belong to the Tanjero/ Aqra formations and not to the Red bed Suwais. The fault initiated during the last stages of collision, formed duplexes-imbricated thrusting fault and it brought the shallow facies over the deeper...
The Hamrin hills (Hemrin mountains) are located between Kirkuk and Baquba towns at the south of the Kirkuk Oil Fields inside the Mesopotamian plain. On these hills, Basi (1973), Basi and Jassim (1974), Abdulrahman (2016) and Kettanah et... more
The Hamrin hills (Hemrin mountains) are located between Kirkuk and Baquba towns at the south of the Kirkuk Oil Fields inside the Mesopotamian plain. On these hills, Basi (1973), Basi and Jassim (1974), Abdulrahman (2016) and Kettanah et al. (2021) found Basalt-like bodies. The first two articles called them “burnt hills” while the others defined them as a basaltic intrusion into the continental crust of the Arabian Plate during Pleistocene and extruded on its surface and named it “Hemrin Basalt” or Hamrin Basalt). Among these four articles, the last one is more detailed and focused on the petrography, mineralogy, and geochemistry of the claimed basalt of the Quaternary age. Based on these studies Kettanah et al. (2021), changed dramatically the geologic setting of the Hamrin area (Diala area) to a continental arc and zone of magmatic intrusion and extrusion. This new setting extremely complicated the geology of Iraq and the paper became a dilemma for Iraqi Geologists. The present author tries to resolve this rapidly rising dilemma and thinks that Kettanah et al. (2021) have underestimated the origin of these basaltic-like rocks and invoked circumstance pieces of evidence for proving their magmatic origin. The present author is sure 100% about the sedimentary origin of these rocks and considers them deposits of volcanic detritus (as a type of greywackes) which are transported from a remote distance. Additionally, the diagenetic processes modified the textures, structures, and mineralogy of these sediments. Therefore, this study tries to remove this complication by arguing many issues of the latter article.
