Structural Analysis and Morphotectonic Interpretation of Ain Sifni Anticline, Northern Iraq

Alaa N Hamdoon

doi:10.46717/igj.54.2a.4ms-2021-07-25

Abstract

Ain Sifni anticline is located in northern Iraq within High Folded Zone. It contains some tectonic deformations that need to study to determine the source and mechanism of these deformations concerning the geological setting of the study area. This study includes structural and morphotectonic interpretations for the Ain Sifni anticline, such as the visual & digital interpretation of satellite images and the Digital Elevation Model interpretation. These parameters are used to identify the morphogenic criteria and subsequently, to conclude a morphotectonic aspect of the deformations in the Ain Sifni anticline. Because of the regional tectonic evolution in this area, the structural and morphotectonic analysis of this anticline shows much evidence of morphological changes at the southeastern plunge area of the anticline within the Injana and Mukdadiya formations in comparison to the northwestern plunge area of the anticline. In addition, two recent water gaps have been recognized at the southeastern plunge area, one is confirmed and the other is proposed, and then a wind gap has been recognized in the middle of the anticline. A relation has been established between these morphotectonic features with the lateral propagation of the anticline towards the southeast, due to the regional tectonic deformation. A significant main fault has also been detected as a dextral strike-slip fault perpendicular to the fold axis of the anticline. This fault caused a difference in the vergency of the anticline and deformed the outcrops of formations in the study region.

Highlights

Ain Sifni anticline is one of the geological structures in northern Iraq, bounded from the north by Al-Shaikhan anticline and from the west by Dahqan anticline and from the south by Mahad anticline
The Ain Sifni anticline has been profoundly affected by a major fault transversal to the fold trend
As a result of the displacement and deformation of the rock units due to the fault, it has been defined as a left bent dextral strike-slip fault, Ain Sifni anticline may be considered as a transpressional fold structure (Fig. 13)

Summary

Introduction

Ain Sifni anticline is one of the geological structures in northern Iraq, bounded from the north by Al-Shaikhan anticline and from the west by Dahqan anticline and from the south by Mahad anticline. The axis of this anticline extends northwest-southeast (Fig. 1). The study area is located near the town of Al-Shaikhan, about 45 km north of Mosul City and about 35 km southeast of Duhok City, between the latitudes 36° 45‵ 20‵‵– 36° 38‵ 50‵‵ and longitude 43° 14‵ 10‵‵–43° 30‵ 00‵‵. To conduct a structural interpretation based on distinguishing the structural features

Objectives

Results

Conclusion