Provenance of sandstone layered in Injana Formation from Zawita and Dekala areas Northern of Iraq

Abstract

To interpret the provenance 0f Injana Formation, 20 sandstone samples of Injana Formation were collected from Zawita and Dekala areas north Iraq (10 for each sections ), then thin section have been done sildes. The petrographic study showed that the sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rock fragments, quartz (mono&polycrystalline) and feldspars (microcline, orthoclase and plagioclase) make up the main grain components of the sandstone. Carbonate cement is more common cementing minerals, and the matrix is subordinate. The percentage of mono-quartz and sedimentary, igneous rock fragments are greater than the amounts of feldspar and poly-quartzand metamorphic fragments. A diagenetic processes were represented by the carbonate, iron oxides and evaporite cements, as well as compaction, cementation, and dissolution. The majority of the rocks of Injana Formation’s provenances are sedimentary and igneous, with minor amounts of subordinate metamorphic rocks. These sandstones are considered to be immature and classified as immature Litharenites type. The tectonic provenances that are extrapolated from petrographical results are transitional and lithic with effect of uplifting of Alpaine oroging recycled origin which are derived from the order rocks during the Miocene age.