Western Desert Of Iraq Research Articles

Disentangling late quaternary fluvial and climatic drivers of palaeohydrological change in the Najaf Sea basin, Western Iraq

AbstractThe water resource provided by lake basins in the western desert of Iraq is important for human occupation of areas outside the Tigris‐Euphrates floodplain, both in the past and into the future. This paper presents the first geomorphological and geochronological study of the date of formation of the Najaf Sea and the only such study of any lake basin to the west of Mesopotamia. Geomorphological shoreline features and a palaeochannel linking to the Euphrates were studied and dated using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and radiocarbon dating. Provenance was determined using heavy mineral analysis. Past environments in the Najaf Sea were reconstructed by molluscan analysis. The earliest OSL ages date from c. 30 000 and 22 000 years ago and seem to predate lake formation. Younger OSL ages date the highest lake level at c. 19 m asl to between 1620–1760 AD (base) to 1906–1974 AD (near surface). The radiocarbon ages are affected by a freshwater reservoir effect, but the maximum ages recorded for either of the c. 15 m and c. 17 m asl shorelines are c. 800 cal. BC. This predates the first archaeological sites in the Najaf basin and is similar to maximum ages of c. 850 and c. 1100 cal. BC from the associated palaeochannel. This timing does not seem to be linked to a humid climate event. We therefore conclude that the establishment of the Najaf Sea in the Najaf basin occurred as a result of an avulsion event within the Euphrates system that diverted flow to the basin. The trigger for this avulsion event likely related to rapid sediment accumulation and may have been either autogenic or driven by human activity. This study therefore suggests that Najaf Sea formation facilitated human expansion beyond the Tigris‐ Euphrates floodplain and occurred due to avulsion of the Euphrates.

Geodiversity in the Iraqi Western Desert. A Critical Discussion

The Iraqi Western Desert (IWD) is characterized by enormous geodiversity types in different geological aspects; including geomorphology, lithology, structural geology, mineral deposits, karst forms, and geological hazards. Within each of the mentioned aspects, different forms of different shapes, sizes, and origins can be seen in different parts of the IWD, which we divided into 4 parts, among them 11 main types and 25 sub-types. We have studied geological maps of different scales (1:100000 and 1:250000), interpreted satellite images, and reviewed tens of published articles, books, and scientific reports, besides field visits which lasted for tens of years to conduct the current research. Tens of examples are presented, which confirm geological Geodiversity in the IWD including many field photos and satellite images, as best available. We also presented a satellite image of the IWD and marked 54 locations of different types of geodiversity including ex-situ and in-situ. Locally, detailed explanations are given for some significant forms and/ or features to present their types, origins, and modes of development.

Multi-Elevations Upward Continuation Method to Depth Detection of the Main Crustal Layers in Western Desert of Iraq

The upward continuation technique was applied to the gravity and RTP magnetic data to obtain the residual anomalies maps in the western part of Iraq. Twelve upward elevation residual gravity maps and another twelve upward elevation residual RTP magnetic were determined using the same twelve upward continuation elevations. The applied upward elevations range from 1000 to 55000 m. The total range of the residual anomalies maps (Color Bar range) of gravity and RTP magnetic were plotted against the upward elevations. Five segments and four intersection points were obtained for the gravity and magnetic data. The trace of these intersection points on the upward elevation axis approximately indicate the following values 4.4-5, 12.8-13.5, 27-24, and 39-39.6 km. These values may indicate the depth of the following layer boundaries, the Burj Formation ( Mid-Cambrian), basement, mid layer in the basement rocks, and the Moho depth. The authors believe it is possible to apply the upward continuation to find the main layers which show abrupt change in the physical properties

Potential Impacts of Climate Change on the Al Abila Dam in the Western Desert of Iraq

The potential impacts resulting from climate change will cause significant global problems, particularly in underdeveloped nations where the effects are felt the most. Techniques for harvesting water such as small dams provide an alternative supply of water and are adaptive solutions to deal with water scarcity in the context of future climate change. However, it is difficult to determine how rainwater harvesting (dams) may be impacted by climate change since general circulation models (GCMs), widely utilized for predicting potential future climate change scenarios, work on an extremely large scale. The primary aim of this research was to quantify the effect of climate change on water availability at the catchment scale by statistically downscaling temperature and rainfall from the GCMs. Then, using a water harvesting model, the performance of the Abila Dam in Iraq’s western desert was evaluated in both the current climate (1990–2020) and various future climate change scenarios (2020–2100). Precipitation generally decreases as the annual temperature increases. To simulate future water availability, these changes in meteorological factors were incorporated into the water harvesting model. In total, 15% or less of net storage might fulfil the whole storage capacity during the baseline period, whereas it is 10% in RCP 2.6 in 2011–2040 for future scenarios. In contrast, RCP 8.5 will be able to meet water needs at a pace of 6% in 2011–2040. The findings of this study proved that the Al Abila dam will be unable to supply the necessary water for the area surrounding the Al Abila dam in the future scenarios.

Incorporating a GIS-Based Approach and SWAT Model to Estimate Sediment in the Western Desert of Iraq

Incorporating a GIS-Based Approach and SWAT Model to Estimate Sediment in the Western Desert of Iraq

Middle Eocene Succession of Dammam Formation, Biostratigraphy and Microfacies Study, North Karbala Area, Western Iraq

Stratigraphic and sedimentary study to Dammam Formation (Eocene age) at well Kr-1, Karbala Government, Western Desert of Iraq. Lithologically, Dammam Formation consists of Nummulitic limestone and dolomitic limestone. The contact between the upper and lower of Dammam Formation is unconformable, the lower contact is represented by Umm Er-Radhuma Formation by the unconformable surface in the Upper Paleocene age, while the upper is an unconformable surface with Euphrates Formation in the Early Miocene age. The rock section of the well Kr-1 is divided into several beds depending on Petrographical and paleontological contents, the results of the identified foraminifera are indicated to several groups and genera which are: Nummulites, Lindrina, Lockhartia, Rotaliid, Miliolid, also other groups of fossils like Ostracoda, Echinoderms, Bryozoa, Gastropod, Pelecypod, and different fragments. Based on the petrographic study and type of microfacies, the formation was divided into three main and secondary microfacies which are: Nummulitic packstone, Dolomitic and Bioclastic Packstone, and Floatstone. One main biozone was recognized in the studied section which is Nummulites gizehensis- Nummulites planulatus - Nummulites discorbinus Assemblage Zone with age Middle Eocene (Lutetian), this biozone is divided into two secondary biozones: Nummulites millecaput Rang zone Middle Eocene (Middle-Upper Lutetian) age and Nummulites elevate Rang zone Middle Eocene (Late Upper Lutetian) age. After collecting all the sedimentary and planetology data for the studied section, the Dammam Formation was deposited in shallow warm marine, tropical water, as well as, the absence of planktonic foraminifera crowds is another evidence that the environment is a shallow basin close to the coast. The basin is located at the Interior Platform represented by the evaporites basin, the restricted, and then the open sea environments.

Evaluation of Bentonite, attapulgite, and kaolinite as eco-friendly adsorbents in the treatment of real radioactive wastewater containing Cs-137

In this study, batch adsorption experiments were investigated to remove the radioactive isotope Cs-137 from the real radioactive wastewater resulting from the 1990 Gulf War. The natural clay minerals (i.e., bentonite, attapulgite, and kaolinite) that had been deposited in the Western Desert of Iraq were adopted as an adsorbent to reduce the risks of radioactive pollution. The three clay minerals were characterized using chemical compositions analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The adsorption equilibrium could be reached after 2 h with a Cs-137 removal efficiency of 98, 97, and 75% for bentonite, attapulgite, and kaolinite, respectively. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model produced an excellent fit with the experimental kinetic data for bentonite. Accordingly, bentonite was recognized as the best media to be adsorbent. The three chosen adsorbents were shown to be promising materials for the removal of the radioactive isotope Cs-137 because they are low cost, available, and effective adsorbent materials.

Selection of Dam Sites for Rainwater Harvesting in Western Desert of Iraq: A Case Study in Wadi Al-Mohammadi Basin

The biggest problem that people face in their lives is the water crisis, especially in developing countries. It is considered an obstacle to people's survival and the continuation of agriculture, livestock, and so on. The establishment of lakes behind the suggested dams is one of the possible solutions to deal with this problem and remediate it. Wadi Al-Mohammadi is one of the main valleys that flow in Western Desert and flow into Euphrates River. It is considered an important area, because of its many characteristics, including its relatively large area, and the amount of water drained through. Using ArcGIS to process all the data used with Spatial Analyst Supplemental tools to estimate the storage capacity for each reservoir. Six factors are considered when determining the location of the barrier or dam. The site of Dam 1 is the best-selected site with a suitable index of 97.5. It is followed in the second degree by the site of Dam 5 and then the site of Dam 2 with a suitable index of 95 and 90, respectively. Hence it falls under the category of highly suitable. Dam 3 site falls within the modestly suitable category. Finally, the sites of Dam 4 could not be established, because they had a suitability index of less than 70. The analysis shows that the suggested lakes in Wadi Al-Mohammadi basin have good storage capacity with the possibility of utilizing them to prevent the risk of floods, storing water in drought seasons, irrigation capabilities, and take advantage of them as tourist areas.

Geochemistry of Clay Minerals Associated with Phosphates in Akashat Formation (middle Paleocene), Iraqi Western Desert

ترتبط كثير من العناصر الأثرية في الفوسفورايت بوجود المعادن الطينية المصاحبة للمعادن الفوسفاتية (الفرانكولايت). وعلى الرغم من وجودها بتراكيز قليلة إلا إنها تفسر بشكل واضح توزيع العناصر الأثرية في السحنات الفوسفاتية لتكوين عكاشات في الصحراء الغربية العراقية. ويعتقد على الأغلب إن هذه المعادن هي الباليكورسكايت والسيبيولايت والمونتموريللونايت التي ترافق تكوين الفرانكولايت في البيئات البحرية الضحلة في الجرف القاري. تترافق المعادن الطينية مع الفوسفات أما بشكل حبيبات منفصلة أو ضمن الحبيبات الفوسفاتية المختلفة في التكسرات الموجودة في هذه الحبيبات وحول أغلفة الحبيبات الغلافية مثل الحبيبات السرئية واللحائية. وتلعب المادة العضوية والشحنة على الدقائق الغروية الطينية دورا في تثبيت الدقائق الطينية على الحبيبات الفوسفاتية خلال مراحل التكوين أو العمليات التحويرية المبكرة. ويتحكم وجود المعادن الطينية (على الرغم من نسبتها المنخفضة) في توزيع بعض العناصر الأثرية التي تمتز اغلبها على المعادن الطينية مثل عناصر الخارصين (Zn) والنيكل (Ni) والنحاس (Cu) والكوبلت (Co)، بينما تحل بعضها محل العناصر الرئيسة مثل الربديوم (Rb) محل البوتاسيوم (K) والكاليوم (Ga) محل الألمنيوم (Al)، وتتوزع عناصر أخرى بين الأمتزاز على الفرانكولايت والمعادن الطينية مثل الفناديوم (V) والكروميوم (Cr) والمنغنيز (Mn).

Transform of Kaolinite in Iraqi Kaolin Clay to Halloysite by Intercalation Reaction

The kaolinite of the Duikhala Deposite in the Iraqi Western Desert underwent intercalation with potassium acetate (KAc) and was subsequently washing with water several times. More than 70% of intercalation was achieved and checked using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique by observing a decrease in the peak intensity 7.2 Å and the appearance of the peak intensity at 14 Å after two days of intercalation. The surface area and cation exchange capacity were increased in the treated sample compared to the untreated one. Transmission electron microscopy images of the treated sample of kaolinite, after 35 cycles of repeated intercalation and washing, showed that the kaolinite lamellar were wrapped along the main crystal directions and transformed into the nanotube shape halloysite mineral.

Taxonomic Characteristics and Phytochemicals of Centaurea bruguieriana (DC.) Hand-Mazz (Asreraceae) From Western Desert of Iraq

In the present study, morphological, anatomical, and palynological characteristics of Centaurea bruguieriana (DC.) Hand.-Mazz. (Asteraceae) from the western desert of Iraq were investigated. The Phytochemicals of this species were also studied. Morphological features of different plant parts ( stem, leaf, inflorescence, florets, bracts fruit, and pollen ) were reported. Anatomical properties of stem and leaf (including frequency of stomata, glandular and non-glandular hairs) were studied, based on cross-sections and stripped off the epidermi. Active contents (or phytochemicals) of the studied species, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and tannins were determined.

Rainwater Catchment System Reliability Analysis for Al Abila Dam in Iraq’s Western Desert

Rainwater Catchment System Reliability (RCSR) is the chance that a system will deliver the required water for an interval of time. Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) is gaining popularity as a potential alternative water source for household or agricultural use. The reliability of the Al Abila dam in the western desert of Iraq was analyzed using a water budget simulation model and two explanations of reliability, time-based reliability, and volumetric reliability. To evaluate rainwater harvesting system performance, comprehensive software utilizing a method for everyday water balance using data from 20 years of daily rainfall. According to the findings, volumetric reliability, and for the three climate scenarios (wet, average, and dry year), increased as the storage volume increased until a threshold accrued on the storage capacity of 11.7 × 105 m3. While time-based reliability shows an increase up to a storage volume of 10.2 × 105 m3. Volumetric reliability of roughly 34–75% may be achieved, while only 14–28% time-based reliability may be achieved. Water saving efficiency decreases with increasing demand fraction, while the runoff coefficient has no significant influence on water effectiveness. While growing storage fraction value increases the effectiveness of water conservation and the value of the runoff coefficient influences the water saving efficiency. For both cases, water saving efficiency for the dam does not reach 50%. Using daily rainfall data, the technique given in this paper might be applied to predict water savings and the RWH systems’ reliability in different arid and semi-arid areas.

Ground Water Recharge Mapping in Iraqi Western Desert

Local climate change and water shortage led it essential to assess the amounts and locations of groundwater recharge. To keep the Iraqi Western Desert's groundwater system sustainable. A model was developed to estimate soil moisture using artificial neural networks (ANN), geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing (RS). The soil needed approximately 26.54% of the total amount of rainfall to saturate voids before groundwater was recharged during the study years. The amount of recharge of groundwater was estimated depending on the water balancing method. The results showed that approximately 455,306,884 m3 of rainwater during the study years was infiltrated for groundwater recharge, nearly half of the total amount of rainfall. Sandy loam soils were most leached to recharge groundwater, while loam soils were of medium rates for groundwater recharge, and silty loam soils were the lowest rates in groundwater recharge rates.

Using Geospatial Techniques to Study The Temporal Variability of Some Drought Indicators in The Sakran Region-Western Iraq

The study aimed to follow up the drought situation and the effectiveness of geospatial technologies in monitoring this phenomenon. The indexes and indicators of SPI, NDVI, VCI, TCI, VHI and WSVI were used to monitor the drought situation starting from 1999-2019 for soils within the western desert of Iraq in the Sakran region. The climatic drought index SPI showed that the region was affected by the drought condition with recurrence at intervals ranging every 5 years, while the WSVI hydrological index indicated that the region was affected by the drought condition and its variation from year to year with the predominance of moderate and severe drought. The results of the agricultural drought indices NDVI, VCI, TCI and VHI agreed with other evidence in terms of the region's affected by the state of drought, which was classified into five types whose areas of impact varied with the selected years of study with the predominance of severe dry cases.

Biostratigraphyand Paleoenvironments of Benthic Foraminifera From Lower Part of the Damlouk Member, Western Desert, Iraq

Age and paleoenvironment of part of the Damlouk Member, Ratga Formation from a surface section in the Iraqi Western Desert are investigated. Twenty-nine species of Larger Benthic Foraminifera (LBF) belonging to 13 genera are recognized from the studied section. The LBF assemblage is dominated by the following groups, Nummulites, Alveolina, Rotalia, and Lockhartia. Two species of corals with fragments of bryozoan, red algae and mollusca had also been identified. The palaeontological investigation aimed at identification of LBF assemblages to evaluate their abundance and distribution with respect to sedimentary environment and to determine its age. Based on the recognized Larger Benthic Foraminifera of the studied part of the Damlouk Member, it is subdivided into two biozones: Nummulites gizhensis -Nummulites moculatus Assemblage Zone and Assilina spira- Lokharatia hunti Concurrent Range Zone. Both biozones suggest a Middle - Late Lutetian to Early Bartonian age. The LBF are concentrated around shallow marine carbonate bank-controlled limestone unit and the associated ramp facies. Two basic environmentally significant assemblages were recognized based on the vertical distribution and the relative abundance of the LBF. The Nummulite bank assemblage is characterized by lensoidal and robust Nummulites of different species. The other group is the fore-bank assemblage which shows relatively higher diversity, including flat LBF such as: Nummulite, Assilina, Lockhartia, Heterostigina and Operculina. The third back-bank assemblage is not well presented in the studied section, shows the limited distribution, and is considered part of the back-bank lagoon facies. This group is characterized by the occurrence of Alveolina and other imperforated forams. The recognized assemblages represent the transition from inner to middle ramp facies with a water depth not exceeding 50m in relatively low energy conditions.

Discussion of a paper by Tamar Agha et al. (2016) entitled “A comparative study between the depositional environments and provenance of the Hussainiyat (Lower Jurassic) and the Rutbah (Upper Cretaceous) Formations, Western Desert of Iraq” (Arabian Journal of Geosciences v.9, Article No. 444)

Discussion of a paper by Tamar Agha et al. (2016) entitled “A comparative study between the depositional environments and provenance of the Hussainiyat (Lower Jurassic) and the Rutbah (Upper Cretaceous) Formations, Western Desert of Iraq” (Arabian Journal of Geosciences v.9, Article No. 444)

Towards the Generation of a Spatial Hydrological Soil Group Map Based on the Radial Basis Network Model and Spectral Reflectance Band Recognition

Hydrological soil group is essential to soil information for several fields of modeling and applications. This information can affect suitable environmental, agricultural, and hydrological development. Laboratory analysis for soil sampling cannot efficiently provide the needed information because these analyses are commonly costly, time-consuming, and limited in retrieving the temporal and spatial variability. In this context, remote sensing is now solid to offer meaningful spatial data for studying soil characteristics on various spatial scales utilizing the different spectral reflectance. For this study, the integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) remote sensing data and survey data with the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) were used to generate a hydrological soil group map and to infer spatial patterns of soils across complete area converges for Alghadaf Wadi in the Western Desert of Iraq. The generated soil information was tested based on the sand, silt, and clay content. The testing result indicated that the differences between actual and predicted values to determine soil classes are agreed well. Therefore, this method is vital for mapping and monitoring soil texture by providing timely, fast repetitive data and relatively cheap.

Integrated Hydrogeological Approach for an Aquifer System and Groundwater Flow, Nukhaib-Km160 Area, Western Iraq

The hydraulic characteristics and the hydrogeological conditions of the hydrogeological system at Nukhaib-Km160 were studied within the water-bearing horizons, highlighting the flow system and its effects on the groundwater velocities and its balance (hydraulic gradients and permeability) taking into account the regional situations of structural. Several hydrogeological areas have been selected for future exploitation and development. 3D models and maps of spatial distribution are utilized for interpretation, it is supported by points of hydrogeological controls such as transmissivity and storage coefficients, depth of groundwater, lateral extensions, aquifers thickness, specific capacity, and well productivity. Prediction applications on specific capacities and transmissivity of aquifer and Kimball’s statistical method were used to calculate the ratio of groundwater mixing and recharge from aquifers of Umm Er Dhuma and/or Tayarat Fn. to production wells. The hydrogeological system of the Nukhaib- Km160 region has been categorized into eight major aquifers which include the Mulussa, Mulussa-Ubaid, Muhaywir-Ubaid, Hartha, Muhaywir-Najma, Umm Er Dhuma, Tayarat, and Tayarat- Umm Er Dhuma aquifers. Changes in hydraulic parameters for all aquifers have been examined in order to determine the spatial-hydrologic facts of aquifers, where the traditional TDS distribution, in addition to the hydraulic interpretation, shows the same phenomenon of interconnection and the source of groundwater. According to facts of the hydrogeological, the aquifers of Umm Er Dhuma and Tayrat are important and preferred for the plan of the future of water supply in the Western Desert of Iraq, especially for the increased demand for water resources and the sustainability of the assessment.

Detection of Haqlaniyah cave within carbonate stratigraphic sequence rocks using 2D resistivity imaging technique, Haditha, western Iraq

The western desert of Iraq is characterized by a widespread karst phenomenon and caves. The study area is a site for the establishment of a primary school inAl- Haqlanighah village Haditha area, during leveling the land with a bulldozer, the ground collapsed, causing a hole with a diameter of up to two meters. Two-dimensional resistivity imaging has been applied to detect the depth and extent of the subsurface cave within carbonate rocks and along two cross-image lines in the array of Dipole-dipole and an electrode distance of 5 meters, each length of 105m. 2D Dipole-dipole imaging technique is obtained the inverse models which shows the resistivity variation between the anomalous of background resistivity of rocks and part of cavity is about 750:100 Ω.m. These models showed that the depth 11m at the cavity operator to the roof of cavity. While the actual depth at same location of this cavity measured of 11.35m approximately. The results of this study showed that the extension of the cave along the first track is 52 meters in a direction of west-east, 11 meters depth to the ceiling of the cave, 31-35 meters to the bottom of the cave. While the extension of this cave along the second track is 20 meters in a direction south-north, and the depth to the ceiling of the cave is 12 meters and 32-34 meters to the bottom of the cave. The stratigraphic succession of the study area, starting from bottom withAnah Formation, overlain by unconformity brecciated bed, ranging from 6 to 30m meters in thickness, followed by Euphrates Formation in the top. The unconformity layer is less cohesive than the rocks beneath and above it. So it was the best area for the caves to be formed as a result of dissolving its rocks by leaking rain water and groundwater. Therefore, it must be a pre-engineering preparation before starting any urban construction of the population in the study area or adjacent areas to avoid risks.

Seismicity of Iraqi western desert and surroundings: As an example of continental intraplate seismicity

Seismicity of Iraqi western desert and surroundings was investigated using a complete and unified magnitude earthquake catalog covering the interval from 1900 to 2017. A marked rise in number of the events in the study area was observed after the year 2000 compared to the previous years. The magnitude of majority of the recorded events ranged from 2 to 3.5 Mw. The value of b-constant in frequency-magnitude relation is 0.7. The epicentral distribution shows that the western desert is aseismic to very low seismicity area compared to the surrounding regions. The epicenters were clustered in five seismogenic zones. The focal depths division of the events exhibits that majority of the earthquakes occur in the upper crust. A causal relation may be between the study area seismicity and the zones of weakness and /or stress condensation at the fault intersections.