Biostratigraphy and Microfacies of the Mauddud Formation (Late Albian – Early Cenomanian) in Musaiyib Well No.1, Central Iraq

Abstract

Upper Albian and Lower Cenomanian biostratigraphy and microfacies types of the Mauddud Formation from Musaiyib well No.1, Central Iraq are described and examined, which consists of thick to medium bedded limestone, marly limestone rich in argillaceous material, green shale, and dolomitic limestone beds. Thirty-six species from twenty-two genera of benthic foraminifera in addition to calcareous algae, coral, bivalves, gastropods, rudist fragments, brachiopods, bryozoan, and echinoid fragments are recognized from the Mauddud Formation of the studied well. On the basis of the recognized benthic foraminifera three biozones were determined: Mesorbitolina texana - Orbitolina qatarica Concurrent Range zone- Orbitolina sefini-Total R. Zone and Orbtolina concava Total R. Zone. Both suggest the Late Albian – Early Cenomanian age. The results of this study are compared with the work of others inside and outside Iraq. Based on the petrographical analyses, four major microfacies (Mudstone, wackestone, wackestone to packstone, and packstone), and nine sub-microfacies were identified. The Mauddud Formation was formed in a marine environment that was composed of the following three sub-environments: the inner ramp and the middle to the outer ramp.