Variable behaviour of Abu Jir fault zone, western Iraq

Abstract

This study sheds light on the dynamic nature of the Abu Jir fault zone, uncovering intriguing contrasts along its path. It was conducted to know the variation through the zone, western Iraq, that starts at Razzazah Lake’s west and continues to Anah city. It is divided into two parts, southern and northern, utilized seismic sections for the southern part whereas fieldwork for the northern part. Seismic sections indicate that the southern part of the fault zone is negative flower structure which develops depressions, while field studies reveal that the northern part is positive behaviour forms some structures such as ridges, relay ramps and controlled the distribution of valleys within its zone. The Abu Jir fault zone not continuous fault but consists of many segments that subject to differential forces of strike-slip movements during Early-middle Miocene. The variation of behaviours is attributed to the difference of the direction between the northern and southern parts of the fault with sense of movement.