Northeast Iraq Research Articles

Future Prospects for Macro Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) Technique in North East Iraq

Countries in Middle East and North Africa (MENA region) are considered as arid and semi-arid areas that are suffering from water scarcity. They are expected to have more water shortages problem due to climatic change. Iraq is located in the Middle East covering an area of 433,970 square kilometers populated by 31 million inhabitants. One of the solutions suggested to overcome water scarcity is Rainwater Harvesting (RWH). In this study Macro rainwater harvesting technique had been tested for future rainfall data that were predicted by two emission scenarios of climatic change (A2 and B2) for the period 2020-2099 at Sulaimaniyah Governorate north east of Iraq. Future volumes of total runoff that might be harvested for different conditions of maximum, average, and minimum future rainfall seasons under both scenarios (A2 and B2) were calculated. The results indicate that the volumes of average harvested runoff will be reduced when average rainfall seasons are considered due to the effect of climatic change on future rainfall. The reduction reached 10.82 % and 43.0% when scenarios A2 and B2 are considered respectively.

A refined foraminiferal biostratigraphy for the Late Campanian–Early Maastrichtian succession of northeast Iraq

ABSTRACTSpecies of the benthonic foraminiferal genus Bolivinoides provide a refined biostratigraphic biozonation for the Late Campanian to Early Maastrichtian (Late Cretaceous) Shiranish Formation in NE Iraq. Three biozones and two subzones are identified: the Bolivinoides decoratus Biozone (Late Campanian) subdivided into a lower B. decoratus Subzone and upper B. laevigatus Subzone; the B. miliaris Biozone (Earliest Maastrichtian); and the B. draco Biozone (late Early Maastrichtian). These zones can be related to the biostratigraphical interval of the Globotruncana aegyptiaca (Late Campanian), Gansserina gansseri (latest Campanian–Early Maastrichtian) and Contusotruncana contusa (late Early Maastrichtian) planktonic foraminiferal biozones. Combined, the benthonic and planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy enables the informal recognition of lower and upper intervals within both the Globotruncana aegyptiaca and Gansserina gansseri biozones that may be important for more refined inter-regional correlation in the Middle East and North Africa. The new Bolivinoides biozonation precisely locates the Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary in NE Iraq. The foraminiferal assemblages also constrain the timing of a shallowing marine trend in the Shiranish Formation beginning from the latest Campanian that is consistent with shallowing facies noted globally at this time.

Geochemistry and geodynamics of the Mawat mafic complex in the Zagros Suture zone, northeast Iraq

Abstract The Iraqi Zagros Orogenic Belt includes two separate ophiolite belts, which extend along a northwest-southeast trend near the Iranian border. The outer belt shows ophiolite sequences and originated in the oceanic ridge or supra-subduction zone. The inner belt includes the Mawat complex, which is parallel to the outer belt and is separated by the Biston Avoraman block. The Mawat complex with zoning structures includes sedimentary rocks with mafic interbedded lava and tuff, and thick mafic and ultramafic rocks. This complex does not show a typical ophiolite sequences such as those in Penjween and Bulfat. The Mawat complex shows evidence of dynamic deformation during the Late Cretaceous. Geochemical data suggest that basic rocks have high MgO and are significantly depleted in LREE relative to HREE. In addition they show positive ɛ Nd values (+5 to+8) and low 87Sr/86Sr ratios. The occurrence of some OIB type rocks, high Mg basaltic rocks and some intermediate compositions between these two indicate the evolution of the Mawat complex from primary and depleted source mantle. The absence of a typical ophiolite sequence and the presence of good compatibility of the source magma with magma extracted from the mantle plume suggests that a mantle plume from the D″ layer is more consistent as the source of this complex than the oceanic ridge or supra-subduction zone settings. Based on our proposed model the Mawat basin represents an extensional basin formed during the Late Paleozoic to younger along the Arabian passive margin oriented parallel to the Neo-Tethys oceanic ridge or spreading center. The Mawat extensional basin formed without creation of new oceanic basement. During the extension, huge volumes of mafic lava were intruded into this basin. This basin was squeezed between the Arabian Plate and Biston Avoraman block during the Late Cretaceous.

Hf–Nd isotope constraints on the origin of Dehshir Ophiolite, Central Iran

AbstractThe peri‐Arabian ophiolite belt, from Cyprus in the west, eastward through Northwest Syria, Southeast Turkey, Northeast Iraq, Southwest Iran, and into Oman, marks a 3000 km‐long convergent margin that formed during a Late Cretaceous (ca 100 Ma) episode of subduction initiation on the north side of Neotethys. The Zagros ophiolites of Iran are part of this belt and are divided into Outer (OB) and Inner (IB) Ophiolitic Belts. We here report the first Nd–Hf isotopic study of this ophiolite belt, focusing on the Dehshir ophiolite (a part of IB). Our results confirm the Indian mid‐oceanic ridge basalt (MORB) mantle domain origin for the Dehshir mafic and felsic igneous rocks. All lavas have similar Hf isotopic compositions, but felsic dikes have significantly less‐radiogenic Nd isotopic compositions compared to mafic lavas. Elevated Th/Nb and Th/Yb in felsic samples accompany nonradiogenic Nd, suggesting the involvement of sediments or continental crust.

Quantitative structural analysis using remote sensing data: Kurdistan, northeast Iraq

The use of remote sensing data increases the efficiency of field mapping, especially in areas with difficult access or where geologic fieldwork is expensive or hazardous. This study presents a newly developed software tool for interactively mapping and measuring the spatial orientation (i.e., dip angle and dip direction) of finite planar geologic structure from digital elevation models (DEMs). The orientations of planar data (e.g., sedimentary bedding or fault planes) are derived by approximating a virtual plane to the intersection of the planar feature with the DEM topography. To increase the informative value of the DEM, satellite images can be draped onto the topographic data set. The software tool was tested in the Zagros fold and thrust belt, northeast of Erbil (Kurdistan, northeast Iraq), where the stratigraphy has been deformed into subcylindrical fold trains. Computed orientations have been compared with actual dip angles and directions measured in the field. Under favorable conditions (moderately dipping planes, strong competence contrast between stratigraphic boundaries, intersection with a rugged topography, low vegetation), statistical comparison of computed data with the field measurements demonstrates that the spatial data set can be reproduced from the DEM within an average error of approximately 10. The strength of the method is demonstrated by integrating field data with computed values from inaccessible areas, resulting in a reasonably well-constrained balanced geologic cross section.

Foregoing Limited Force: The George W. Bush Administration's Decision Not to Attack Ansar Al-Islam

After September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush's administration presented a national security agenda that held two key goals: the denial of safe havens to terrorist groups with international reach, and the prevention of terrorist groups from acquiring Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). In 2002, a terrorist group, Ansar al-Islam, operating out of a camp in Khurmal, northeast Iraq, was reportedly developing cyanide gas, toxic poisons, and ricin for potential use against Europe and the United States. The Joint Chiefs of Staff unanimously supported, and formally presented to the White House, a military operation to destroy the Ansar camp. This article, based on research and interviews with senior military and civilian officials, assesses four plausible explanations for why President Bush deferred attacking the only place in Iraq that was producing WMD, albeit in small quantities, before the 2003 war. It argues that President Bush made the mistake of bypassing the Khurmal operation, because of concerns that it could have disrupted plans to remove Saddam Hussein from power. In addition, the article assesses what lessons learned from the decision not to attack Khurmal could be applied to other non-uses of limited force.

Stratigraphy and Lithology of the Avroman Formation (Triassic), North East Iraq

Stratigraphy and Lithology of the Avroman Formation (Triassic), North East Iraq

Oxygen and hydrogen isotope study of serpentinized peridotite rocks, thrust zone, north east iraq

oxygen and hydrogen isotope study of serpentinized peridotite rocks, thrust zone, north east iraq

Mid-Turonian–early Campanian sequence stratigraphy of northeast Iraq

ABSTRACT A sequence stratigraphic and tectonic model for the mid-Turonian-early Campanian carbonate sequence in North Iraq was constructed based on subsurface lithologic, thin-section and well-log analyses of ten boreholes. The studied sequence is represented by the Gulneri, Kometan and Mushorah formations in the eastern sector (seven wells) and their correlative Khasib, Tanuma, Sa’adi and lower part of the Hartha formations in the western sector of the study area (three wells). Three second-order sequences (from oldest to youngest A, B and C) were identified. Sequence A consists of two third-order sequences (A1 and A2) and is represented by the mid-Turonian Gulneri Formation. Sequence B consists of three third-order sequences: B1 corresponds to the late Turonian-early Coniacian Khasib Formation and correlative lower part of Kometan Formation. Sequences B2 and B3 are exclusive to the late Coniacian-early Santonian Tanuma Formation and correlative middle part of the Kometan Formation. Sequence C is comprised of three third-order sequences of which C1 and C2 encompass the late Santonian Sa’adi Formation and correlative upper part of the Kometan Formation, while C3 corresponds to the early Campanian Mushorah Formation and correlative lower part of the Hartha Formation. Each of the third-order sequences is comprised of transgressive and highstand systems tracts, while the lowstand systems tract is restricted to sequences B2, B3, C1 and C2. These systems tracts are, in turn, comprised of vertically stacked parasequences of shallowing upward packages. The tectono-depositional model that was deduced from the sequence analysis is characterised by two flat-topped ramps that formed as a consequence of extensional tectonism. Three NW-trending normal faults are interpreted to separate the ramps whose inclined apex was continuously being eroded. The eroded detritus from the apex consists of shallow-marine carbonates that were deposited in basinal sites. Within this structural framework, the ten boreholes are placed within their appropriate depositional sites within the ramp system. Facies analysis demonstrated an array of facies associations, which generally accumulate in basins that are fed by an influx of eroded shallow-water derivatives. The depositional architecture developed in an open-marine, low-energy, middle- to outer-ramp setting in the case of Gulneri and Kometan formations. A middle–inner ramp setting is attributed to the Khasib, Tanuma and the lower part of the Hartha formations. A transition to a slope setting is suggested during the deposition of the Mushorah Formation; whereas slope-apron facies are common to all formations in the well Quwair-2. Diagenetic modification overprinted the carbonates and its effect on reservoir properties is considered. Recognition of third-order cycles demonstrates the utility of using genetic units and sequence stratigraphy to discern the depositional architecture of these formations. Local tectonic influences, which control sedimentation patterns, eustasy and sedimentation rates are additional determinants for the final stratigraphic framework.

Stratigraphy, microfacies, and petroleum potential of the Mauddud Formation (Albian–Cenomanian) in the Arabian Gulf basin

The Albian–Cenomanian Mauddud Formation extends over most parts of the Arabian basin including north Iraq. The formation consists mainly of Orbitolina-bearing limestone with local basin margin rudist buildups in the offshore North field of Qatar and northeast Iraq. Extensive dolomitization, with wide variations in both extent and texture, has been reported from both outcrops and wells. The Jurassic–Cretaceous pelagic strata are probably the possible source for the Mauddud Formation oil in northern Iraq, whereas indigenous sources in the Mauddud strata and Nahr Umr shales, as well as the Upper Jurassic rocks, are probably the source rocks in the southern parts in the basin. Porosity of 10–35% and permeability of 10–110 md have been reported from different fields of the basin. This porosity is attributed to a combination of dolomitization, fracturing, and dissolution. There are two main oil provinces where the Mauddud Formation is a major oil-producing reservoir. The northern province includes Iraq's oil fields such as Ain Zalah, Bai Hassan, and Jambur. The southern province includes the Ratawi field in southern Iraq, Raudhatain, Sabriya, and Bahra fields in Kuwait, Bahrain (Awali) field in Bahrain, and Fahud and Natih fields in Oman. The formation has high oil potential in the southern and southeastern fields of Iraq and the offshore areas of Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Petrography and Diagenesis of the Dokan Formation in Selected Wells at Jambur Oil Field, Northeast Iraq.

Petrography and Diagenesis of the Dokan Formation in Selected Wells at Jambur Oil Field, Northeast Iraq.

Paleoinvironmental Reconstruction by Calcareous Algae at Paleocene – Early Eocene in North-East Iraq

The Paleocene — E. Eocene is typically rich in algae, consisting of wide selection of genera and species such as. Dasycladacean, Codiaceanc, Ethilia Parachaetes and, Archiolithotharninium, of back reef reef and fore reef.
 This carbonate sequence comprising the Sinjar, Khurmala, Walash Naupurdan Lst, Underlained by the flysch facies of kolosh, lower volcanic unit of and shally group Naupurdan. Tectonic events resulting in this facies inversion from deep environment to shallow algal carbonate over the large part of unstable shelf basin in Iraq. 
 The contact between these two different facies is the border between two different tectonic stage, the _first one was the meogeosynclinal trough of Kolosh basin followed bay the second facies of epeiric shelf or ramp which Is the beginning of Molasse or post orogeny facies.

Les importations d'obsidienne sur les sites des IXe-VIIe millénaires B.P. du Djebel Sinjar

The problem of the origin of the obsidian found in Neolithic sites of North-East Iraq, in the Sinjar region, is addressed in four papers. These village sites have been excavated by a team of Russian archaeologists (R. Munchaev, N. Merpert and N. Bader). Obsidian artefacts were found, in great number in the first times of occupation, then in decreasing number during the 6th and 5th millennia. Obsidian, however, is not found near the sites. The nearest sources are located to the North-West, in the Anatolian Taurus mountains, at a distance of more than 400 km. Some technological and typological criteria (pressure debitage. so-called "Çayönü" tools), original in the Sinjar, are found with the same characteristics in older or contemporaneous sites in the Taurus. Following a sampling of obsidian sources of south-eastern Turkey, already analysed and, published in this journal, chemical analyses using different methods were undertaken in order to establish the source of the raw material used in the Sinjar. The results of these analyses raise the problem of the differentiation of two sources which could have been used by the Neolithic people (C. Chataigner). X-ray fluorescence analyses were made in Rome (V. Francaviglia) and neutronic activation analyses at Orléans (В. Gratuze). The study of an archaeological problem, i.e. the diffusion of obsidian in the Neolithic Near East and the intersite relations which it implies, leads to another problem, of a geochemical and. geological nature, that is the characterization of obsidian sources. Key-words : Iraq, Sinjar, obsidian sources. X-ray fluorescence, neutronic activation.

Recent applications of PIXE spectrometry in archaeology part II Observations on early glassmaking in the Near East

The study of glass offers some special challenges for PIXE spectrometry, because of the complex trace element patterns which will result from the mixing of several ingredients to produce certain colors. This paper addresses such issues, to the extent that they influence characterization of ancient glass and related frits. Emphasis is placed upon the role of selective filtering in the sensitive measurement of Co, Mn, Ag, Sn, Sb and Pb, all of which seem to be important in the processes of glass coloration in antiquity. Application of these ideas focuses upon innovations of glassmaking that emerged in the Near East early in the 2nd millennium B.C., at settlements such as Dinkha Tepe and Geoy Tepe (Azerbaijan) and Nuzi (northeast Iraq).

The distribution of Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr and Co between the acid-soluble and Fe-oxides and -hydroxides and matrix fractions of the Gercus red-beds of northeast Iraq

Twenty samples of the Gercus (middle Eocene) red marl and carbonate of northeast Iraq have been analysed for their Mn, Cr, Ni, Co and Fe content in the HCl-soluble and free Fe-oxide and -hydroxide phases. The greater bulk of HCl-soluble Mn is associated with carbonate minerals. Only trace amounts (up to 120 ppm) of Mn are associated with free Fe-oxides and -hydroxides. HCl-soluble Cr, Ni and Co varies between 12 and 67, 68 and 529, and 14 and 41 ppm, respectively. These constitute 4.5%, 26% and 36.9%, respectively, of their total content in the samples. Good positive correlation was found between free Fe-oxides and -hydroxides and the associated Cr, Ni, Co and Mn content. Cr, Ni and Co was found to be enriched in the free Fe-oxides and -hydroxides relative to their total content in the main matrix. Enrichment factors are in the order Co (5.0) > Ni (3.5) > Cr (2.4). This, together with the similar partition order of these elements in the HCl-soluble phase, is in agreement with the relative mobility of these elements during the weathering, transportation and deposition regime of the sediments.

Palynostratigraphy of unit 1 of the Cretaceous Suwais Red Beds, Choarta, North East Iraq

Palynological studies of rock unit 1 of the Suwais Red Beds in Choarta, NE Iraq, documented well preserved dinoflagellates, spores and pollen that form the basis for assigning these beds to the Santonian stage.

Origin and chemistry of palygorskite-bearing rocks (middle Eocene) from northeast Iraq

Mineralogical examination and chemistry of Cr, Ni and Co in four palygorskite-bearing rocks and one clay residue sample, separated from carbonate rock, show that palygorskite is formed by alteration of serpentine minerals. Palygorskite is probably unstable in the aqueous environment of the middle Eocene Gercus red bed formation of northeast Iraq. It alters to montmorillonite. Alteration is slow and probably inhibited by high pH, high carbonate content and high salinity of the depositional environment. The samples contain high concentrations of Cr (> 2700 ppm), Ni (> 220 ppm) and Co (> 39 ppm). Large fractions of the Cr and Ni (26–54%) contents and of the Co (43–95%) content are extractable with dilute HCl. Soluble Cr is probably present as chromate ions. The compositions of palygorskites are calculated and compared with published compositions.

The geochemistry of the Gercus red bed formation of northeast Iraq

The major-, minor- and trace-element (Sr, Cr, Zn, Ni and Co) contents in 28 rock samples of red marl and carbonate representing the middle Eocene Gercus red bed formation of northeast Iraq are presented. The chemical data show a unique composition of both the red marl and carbonate, which reflects the unusual mineralogy of these rocks. Examination of the averaged marl and carbonate and interelement correlation coefficients shows that four factors have largely contributed to the chemistry and distribution of elements in the rocks. These factors are: dolomite; Fe-oxide and -hydroxide, non-dolomite minerals and source rock. P and Sr are largely contained in dolomite. Mn is almost equally partitioned between dolomite and other detrital minerals. Na is present as independent phase and associated with clay minerals. Zn seems to be totally associated with clay minerals. The Fe-oxides and -hydroxides of the marl red pigment contains 26% and 22% of the total Ni and Co content, respectively. Cr and Ti are found to be relatively enriched in the red marl. The ultrabasic nature of the non-dolomite source rock is established. The behaviour of Ni and Co in the strongly oxidising environment associated with red bed deposition is discussed.

Seismotectonics and seismology in the Arab region: A brief summary and future plans

Abstract The Arab region extending from Morocco to Iraq has experienced some of the worst earthquake disasters of recent times, yet much is still not understood of its tectonic environment, and its seismological recording network needs much expansion and improvement. The region contains such diverse tectonic regimes as: the continental collision along the Zagros fold and thrust belt in northeast Iraq and along the Rif and Atlas mountain belts of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia; the active sea-floor spreading in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden; and the remarkable structure of the Dead Sea transform fault system. We present a brief summary of the seismotectonics of these areas and their relation to earthquake occurrence. The seismological recording networks in the different Arab countries are also extremely diverse in quality and distribution of instruments. In some countries, such as Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, and Morocco, seismology is already well established. In others, such as Jordan or Saudi Arabia, there are either isolated stations or plans for a network, while in Libya, Sudan, and Syria there is as yet no seismological recording. We discuss plans for the future development of seismological recording throughout the Arab region.

A Kurdish Village of North-East Iraq

Kurdistan is A physical rather than a political term, for the Kurdish people, although grouped mainly in one area, are yet divided by interna ional f ontiers. The areas of predominantly Kurdish populations are in south-east Turkey, north? west Persia and north-east Iraq, and this account concerns a small village in the remote north-east corner of Iraq, not far from the Persian and Turkish frontiers. To reach this spot, the four members of our expedition travelled north-east from the oil field at Kirkuk, to the ancient city of Arbil and from there along the famous Ruwandiz road on to the first ranges of the Zagros mountains and to the town of Ruwandiz. There is a small village called Galala about twenty-five miles east of Ruwandiz, and it was at this point that the party took to its feet. A two-hour climb up a steep mule track brought us