Abstract
Ten samples were collected from Injana and Mukdadiya Formations, representing 5 samples of fine grain sandstone (F) and 5 samples of very fine grain sandstone (VF). The heavy metals study showed that the opaque mineral recorded the highest percentage in comparison with other heavy metals. While, transparent minerals, including unstable minerals (Amphibole including Hornblend and Glaucophane) and (pyroxene including Orthopyroxene and Clinopyroxene), Metastable minerals including (Epidote, staurolite, Garnet, Kyanite) indicated metamorphic source, Ultrastable minerals (Zircon, Rutile, Tourmaline), Mica group (chlorite, biotite and muscovite). These accumulations indicate that the heavy minerals are derived from mafic igneous and metamorphic rocks mostly, as well as acidic igneous and reworked sediments. Ternary diagram of heavy metals stability showed that they are moderately stable due to the effect of the opaque mineral that have highest attention. Both sandstones for the Injana and Mukdadiya formations are derived from active continental margins. This source rocks may be represented by Taurus and Zagros Mountains.
Highlights
The clastic Neogene succession in the Bekhme area consists of Injana and Mukdadiya Formations
Plotting of the studied samples of Injana and Mukdadiya Formation on the ternary diagram showed that all the samples fall within the field of active continental margins (Figure -4), which are characterized by a relatively high percentage of minerals derived from basic rocks. Both sandstones are derived from active continental margins
The results of heavy minerals analysis for the studied samples indicated that the source rocks are essentially, basic, ultra-basic and metamorphic rocks, in addition to reworked sedimentary and acidic igneous rocks
Summary
The clastic Neogene succession in the Bekhme area consists of Injana and Mukdadiya Formations (previously called Upper Fars and Lower Bakhtiari Formations, respectively). They are of the Upper Miocene-Pliocene age and are widely exposed throughout Iraq. The Mukdadyia Formation consists of a fining-upward succession of gravelly sandstone, sandstone and mudstone. It is deposited in a fluvial environment in a quickly subsiding foredeep basin [3]. The terms of the Upper Fars and Lower Bakhtiari Formations, respectively, were replaced by Injana and Mukdadiya Formations [4]. Injana and Mukdadiya are widely studied because of their extension and good exposure. The aim of this study is interpret the provenance and tectonic setting of the provenance area using heavy metals data
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
