Publications

Microfacies and depositional environment of the Upper Oligocene and Lower Miocene successions from Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Ameen. F A. , Fatah A. I, and QADER PO.

ACCEPTED IN KWAIT JOURNAL OF SCENIC TO BE PUBLISHED IN OCTOBER 2020

Abstract

Upper Oligocene and Lower Miocene successions in the High/Low Folded Thrust Zones boundary from the Sulaimani District, Kurdistan region, northeast Iraq, are manifested and represented by Bajwan, Anah and Jeribe formations, which are consists mainly of carbonates. Studied sections mostly underlain by unconformity, above the Eocene carbonates (Pila Spi Formation) and overlain unconformably by the Middle Miocene deposits of Fath-a (Lower Fars) Formation. Three studied sections (Basara, Xamsha and Wazyara) have been analyzed for their microfacies and depositional environments. Accordingly, thirteen microfacies are identified and analyzed. Main depositional environments are represented by the middle ramp setting that is changed to reef depositional environment during the Upper Oligocene (Bajwan Formation), while inner ramp setting that is changed to semi-closed as lagoonal environment during the Lower Miocene(Anah and/ or Jeribe formations).

Keywords: Upper Oligocene, Lower Miocene, Microfacies, Depositional environment, Kurdistan.

Late Campanian–Maastrichtian sequence stratigraphy from Kurdistan foreland basin, NE/Iraq

Fadhil Ahmed Ameen Lawa

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology, ISSN 2190-0558,J Petrol Explor Prod Technol DOI 10.1007/s13202-017-0424-1

Abstract T

he Kurdistan foreland basin (NE Iraq) was formed as a result of the ophiolite–radiolarites obduction of the Iranian plate on the Arabian Plate. Extensive fieldwork for the determination of nine facies associations has been integrated with the planktonic and large foraminifera and other macrofossils biostratigraphic data in order to identify the sequence stratigraphic framework of the studied (late Campanian–Maastrichtian) successions comprising the Shiranish, Tanjero and Aqra formations. The studied successions are identified sensu Vial et al. (Payton CE (ed) Seismic stratigraphy application to hydrocarbon exploration memoir of the American association of the petroleum geologists, Tulsa, vol 26, pp 49–62, 1977) concepts, as three third-order depositional systems, within one major second-order depositional system, which is bounded by a sequence boundary of type one at its base and top. The Late Campanian–Early Maastrichtian third order is bounded by a middle Campanian gap as a sequence of boundary type one. The rapid drowning starts with planktonic foraminiferal-rich mudstone which indicates pre-flysch facies associations within starved foreland basin conditions and maximum flooding surface (MFS175). The sea level fell by the Early Maastrichtian, as characterized by a sequence boundary of type SBT2. The distal, medial and proximal turbidites flysch facies of the Tanjero formations manifest the second third-order depositional system. This may indicate a progressive shallowing upwards and characterized by MFS 180, which is placed at the top of the last planktonic-rich shale parasequences. The last third order is represented by rudist (Hippurites)-dominated carbonate parasequences (Late Maastrichtian-Aqra formation). The aggradational stacking pattern of the rudist lithosomes indicates the last MFS 190 during the Maastrichtian greenhouse. The sequence boundary is of type one which separates the Palaeocene molasses of Swais Group from the Maastrichtian sequence in the imbricated zone, while in the high folded zone it is replaced by Kolosh siliciclastic (Palaeocene) due to migrations of the Kurdistan foreland basin depocentre towards south-west. The reactivation of the deep-seated transversal faults is in addition to the sea level changes with south-westwards migration of the Zagros deformations front controlling the late Campanian–Maastrichtian supersequences framework. Keywords Kurdistan foreland basin · Northern Iraq · Late Campanian–Maastrichtian · Sequence stratigraphy

Sequence stratigraphy of the Oligocene and Miocene successions from selected wells in Garmian district, Kurdistan Region/Iraq

Fadhil Ahmed Ameen¹

¹Department of Geology, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, IRAQ

Fadhil.ameen@univsul.edu.iq

Abstract.

New hydrocarbon discoveries in Kurdistan region from Oligocene and early Miocene reservoirs considered as new pay zones in the middle east map. Therefore the establishment of new chrono-stratigraphic framework essentially based on the integrations of well log data and biostratigraphic data of high priority in Garmian area Kurdistan region /N. Iraq. The biozonations, using planktonic and large benthonic foraminifera have been integrated with different microfacies associations. Also we took in consideration gamma, density, sonic and Neutron logs that led to the reconstruction of the chronostratigraphic framework. The litho, bio and chronostratigraphic setting of each well (Ja-46, Ja-49, Qumar-1, Pulkhan -7 and Taza-2) has been identified and correlated with each other. The sequence boundaries of Type one and Two (SBT.1 or 2, Maximum flooding surfaces (MFS) of the studied interval were interlinked between the five wells. The identified sequence boundaries nature, types, causes in addition to the maximum flooding surfaces, were correlated with regional data sets from the Arabian platform. The studied lithostratigraphic successions encompass Kirkuk group, Basal Anhydrite, Serikagni, Euphrates, Dhiban and Jeribe formations. The Oligocene reefal super sequence (Back reef-reef –fore reef and open marine) differs from Miocene Lagoonal super sequence mainly on facies associations, paleogeographic setting and hydrocarbon reservoir point of view.

2ND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE ARABIAN JOURNAL OF GEOSCIENCE . SUESSA TUNSIA

Keywords: Kurdistan, Iraq, Oligocene–Miocene, sequence stratigraphy, chronostratigraphy.

1 Introduction

Quantitative data on the genus Loftusia from the Zagros Mts., northern Iraq

MUHITTIN GÖRMÜŞ1, QAHTAN A.M. AL NUAIMY2 and FADHIL A. AMEEN (LAWA)3

Sulaimani University Geology Department, Iraq

. Acta Geologica Polonica, 68 (2), 207–218. Warszawa.

ABSTRACT:

The Maastrichtian sediments of northern Iraq are rich in larger benthic foraminifera. Among them, the genus Loftusia is well-known one because of its significant palaeogeographic distribution across the Mediterranean and Middle East. In this study, observations of abnormal test shapes, species recognition criteria and endoskeleton

characteristics of Loftusia are discussed, based on the new material from north-eastern Iraq. The followingspecies of Loftusia are described: Loftusia elongata Cox, L. persica Brady, Loftusia morgani Douvillé, L. anatolica Meriç, L. matsumarui Meriç and Görmüs, L. minor B Cox, L. ketini B Meriç and L. kahtaensis Meriç,Loftusia minor A Cox, L. oktayi Meriç and L. baykali Meriç. The predominant species are Loftusia elongata,L. morgani and L. baykali. Skewed abnormal individuals and epidermal parts of the endoskeleton structure are

also interesting aspects to note. Quantitative data obtained for Loftusia allow us to better understand and interpret

species identification criteria, abnormal occurrences and the endoskeleton structure.

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Stratigraphic Correlation between Subsurface Maastrichtian Digma Formation and Safra Unit

from Outcrop Sections, Western Desert of Iraq

Ibrahim Q. Mohammed1, Fadhil A. Lawa2

1Geochemistry of Sedimentary Rock (Almufeed Co), Baghdad, Iraq

2Department of Geology, College Of Science, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Iraq

Abstract

In this work we try to clarify, and correlate between two Maastrichtian aged units, namely Digma and Safra Units from selected sections in western desert of

Iraq. Taking in consideration the stratigraphic code of NASCENT (2005), and the results of previous studies, nine criteria have been used for the correlation,

as follow: 1- From lithostratigraphic point of view, Digma Formation (Fm.) mostly composed of dark grey to blackish gray, uniform Carbonates-dominated

facies, while Safra unit is characterized by light yellowish brown mixed hosphatic- siliceous-siliciclastics and carbonates facies. 2- Digma Fm. is characterized by Benthonic foraminifera assemblages (Bulimmina sp., Siphogerinoides sp. & Bolivinoides sp. ), while Safra phosphatic unit is flourished by macrofossils assemblages and vertebrates (Oyster, fish teeth’s and bones). 3- The upper andlower boundaries of the Digma Fm. are conformable, and vice versa for Safra Unit. 4- Illite/Semctite mixed layers-Illite clays assemblage and Glauconitic are predominates in Digma Fm., while Sepiolite-palygorskite-Montmorillonite, are common in Safra Unit, without any Glauconitic mineralization. 5- Digma Fm.slightly influenced by neomorphism and micritization. On other hand, Safra facies extremely influenced by phosphatization, silicification, dolomitization, and neomorphism and carbonate-silica replacement of the original evaporate minerals.6- The predominated foraminiferal wackestone and mudstone microfacies,within Digma facies associations, mostly indicate deep trough marine condition(Anah Graben). The mixed phosphatic-carbonates (Oyster coquina band)and siliciclastics facies, (occasionally cross laminated), mostly deposited in shallowerwater depth, on the Arabian platform and distal steepened ramp towardsRutba flanks. 7- Sequence boundary of type one and three is bounded the SafraUnit respectively from upper and lower parts. 8- Continuously deposited Sequencewas detected from the parasequences of the Safra facies, and across

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Palynological and Stratigraphical Evidences on the Age of the Outcropped Khabour Formation near Chalki Nasara Village, KurdistanRegion, Northern Iraq

Dler H. Baban and Fadhil A. Lawa

University of Sulaimani /School of Science/Department of Geology

ABSTRACT

The siliciclastic predominate sequence of the Khabour Quartzite-Shale Formation crops out in Kurdistan Region within a narrow strip which runs semi-parallel to Iraq/Turkeyborder line, within the Imbricated and Thrusted Ora Zone, in front of the Bitlis Suture Zone which resulted from the collision of the Arabian and Anatolian plate. The studied samples from Chalki Nasara section appeared to be deposited within shallow marine environment and considered as a part of the Tectono- megasequence Ap.2. The identified palynomorphs within the prepared palynological slides were all acritarchs with no observation of other known Lower Paleozoic palynomorphs like chitinozoa, scolecodonts, and graptolites. The identified acritarch species are among those which well documented in Cambrian and Ordovician periods Acanthodiacrodium angustum,Dactylofusa squama, Cristallinium cambriense, Saharidia fragilis, Acanthodiacrodium ubuii,Polygonium gracile, Acanthodiacrodium achrasii, Gonisphaeridium tener, Actinotodissus formosus, Polygonium pungens, Actinotodissus spinutisus, Cymatiogalea membranispina, Polygonium symbolum, Actinotodissus crassus. Accordingly and depending on the three distinguished acritarch assemblage palynozones the age of the lower unit of Khabour

Formation in the studied area determined as Late Cambrian-Tremadocian. The dark brown and black colors of the identified palynomorphs within the formation indicated to thermally post mature condition of the organic matters. On the other hand, kerogen type I appeared to be the dominated quality of the existed organic matters and that based on the ratio between the different organic matter components.

Key words: Kurdistan, Khabour, Paleozoic, Acritarchs

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Suraqalatia brasieri n.gen., n.sp. (larger foraminifera) from the Maastrichtian of Sulaimani area in northern Iraq

M. Görmüş1 & F. A. Ameen Lawa2 & Q.A.M. Al Nuaimy3

ABSTRACT

Suraqalatia brasieri n.gen., n.sp. from the family Dicyclinidae Loeblich and Tappan 1964 occurs on the Maastrichtian carbonate platform of northern Iraq. The new genus is recognizable by its large very compressed conical test, up to 55–70 mm in diameter, to 0.3–1.6 mm in thickness, planspiral cooling having very small proloculus in the initial part and later circular chambers including numerous chamberlets with an agglutinated wall. Suraqalatia brasieri n.gen., n.sp. is associated with textulariids, miliolids and rotaliids as Loftusia elongata Cox, L. morgani Douvillé,Orbitoides medius d’Archiac, O. megaloformis Papp & Kupper, O. gruenbachensis Papp, O. apiculatus Schlumberger, Omphalocyclus macroporus (Lamarck),Siderolites calcitrapoides Lamarck, Sirtina orbitoidiformis Brönnimann & Wirz. The associated macrofauna comprises large and rich giant rudists (Preradiolites sp.), other bivalves (Gryphaea sp. and Glycymeris sp.), gastropods (Acteonella sp.), echinoderms and corals. The fauna indicates shallow marine carbonate platform conditions within the Maastrichtian green house. It is also worth mentioning that the new genus has only been recorded from the Maastrichtian age.

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sequences stratigraphy of the Middle Paleocene-Middle Eocene from Kurdistan region.Iraq

Abstract.

The Paleocene-Eocene sequence of great importance, as oil reservoirs in Kurdistan region (North Iraq).The studied seven sections have been selected at the boundary between high and low folded zagros zones. The recognized successions are represented by mixed siliciclastics -carbonates of the Kolosh and Sinjar formations, overlain by red clastics of the Gercus .Three facies associations were identified from Paleocene age strata, in additions to three planktonic zones (P3, P4 &P.5) and Shallow benthic zone SBZ.5&7, while Shallow Benthic Zone 9 & 10 are identified from three facies associations from Eocene aged strata. The Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) proved by the disappearance of the deep benthic foraminifera and decrease of the planktonics, such turnover associated with notable increase of large foraminifera. The sequence stratigraphic analysis points to one 2nd order cycle , six 3rd order cycles and ten 4th order cycles, that is bounded by Sequence Boundary of Type one. Overall, the facies associations and biostratigraphic data point to a shallowing upwards sequence from relatively deep marine flysch (Kolosh Formation) to ramp carbonates ( Sinjar Formation) and then to red molasses of Gercus Formation or evaporites of Sagerma unit, passing through six stages of foreland evolutions, during Middle Paleocene to Middle Eocene .

Keywords: Paleocene, Eocene, flysch, Nummulites, Sequence boundary

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Stratigraphic Correlation between Subsurface Maastrichtian Digma Formation and Safra Unit from Outcrop Sections, Western Desert of Iraq

ABSTRACT

In this work we try to clarify, and correlate between two Maastrichtian aged units, namely Digma and Safra Units from selected sections in western desert of Iraq. Taking in consideration the stratigraphic code of NASCENT (2005), and the results of previous studies, nine criteria have been used for the correlation, as follow: 1- From lithostratigraphic point of view, Digma Formation (Fm.) mostly composed of dark grey to blackish gray, uniform Carbonates-dominated facies, while Safra unit is characterized by light yellowish brown mixed phosphatic-siliceous-siliciclastics and carbonates facies. 2- Digma Fm. is characterized by Benthonic foraminifera assemblages (Bulimmina sp., Siphogerinoides sp. & Bolivinoides sp.), while Safra phosphatic unit is flourished by macrofossils assemblages and vertebrates (Oyster, fish teeth’s and bones). 3- The upper and lower boundaries of the Digma Fm. are conformable, and vice versa for Safra Unit. 4- Illite/Semctite mixed layers-Illite clays assemblage and Glauconitic are predominates in Digma Fm., while Sepiolite-palygorskite-Montmorillonite, are common in Safra Unit, without any Glauconitic mineralization. 5- Digma Fm. slightly influenced by neomorphism and micritization. On other hand, Safra facies extremely influenced by phosphatization, silicification, dolomitization, and neomorphism and carbonate-silica replacement of the original evaporate minerals. 6- The predominated foraminiferal wackestone and mudstone microfacies, within Digma facies associations, mostly indicate deep trough marine condition (Anah Graben). The mixed phosphatic-carbonates (Oyster coquina band) and siliciclastics facies, (occasionally cross laminated), mostly deposited in shallower water depth, on the Arabian platform and distal steepened ramp towards Rutba flanks. 7- Sequence boundary of type one and three is bounded the Safra Unit respectively from upper and lower parts. 8- Continuously deposited Sequence was detected from the parasequences of the Safra facies, and acrossMaastrichtian/Danian boundary (Trafawi Unit). 9- The paleo-configuration of the basin almost influenced by the reactivity of the Anah basement faults started in the Late Campanian, and combined by shallowing upwards sequences. The conclusion is that, Digma facies can be considered as local facial changes of the Shiranish Formation, while Safra unit can be considered as a lower Member of (L. Maastrichtian-Danian) Jeed Formation, which is coincides with the whole stratigraphic frame work of the Mediterranean segments of the Tethyan phosphatic realm. Keywords Maastrichtian, Digma Formation, Safra Unit, Western Iraq

journal of Geosciences, 2017, 8, 1192-1209 http://www.scirp.org/journal/ijg ISSN Online: 2156-8367 ISSN Print: 2156-8359 DOI: 10.4236/ijg.2017.89068 Sep. 29, 2017 1192 International Journal of Geosciences

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Palaeoenvironmental signature of the Late Campanian-Early Maastrichtian benthonic foraminiferal assemblages of Kurdistan, Northeast Iraq

Rawand B.N. Jaffa, Fadhil A. Lawa b,∗

a Dept. of General Sciences, College of Education and Languages, Charmo University, Iraq

b Dept. of Geology, University of Sulaimani, Iraq

Journal of African Earth Sciences 151 (2019) 255–273

A B S T R A C T

The Late Campanian to Early Maastrichtian benthic foraminiferal assemblages in the Shiranish Formation of Kurdistan region (NE- Iraq) are placed into three temporally distinct assemblages that are interpreted to reflect environmental changes, principally involving factors associated with paleodepth. In stratigraphic succession the assemblages are: the Lenticulina macrodiscus-Lenticulina pseudosecans Assemblage (Late Campanian), occupying a succession of strata that are equivalent to the lower and upper parts of the Bolivinoides decoratus subzone within the Bolivinoides decoratus benthic foraminiferal biozone; the Gavelinella monterelensis-Gavelinella stephensoni Assemblage (Late to Latest Campanian), occupying a succession of strata that are equivalent to the uppermost part of the Bolivinoides decoratus and B. laevigatus subzones within the Bolivinoides decoratus benthic foraminiferal biozone; and the Coryphostoma incrassata gigantea-Praebulimina carseyae-Loxostomum eleyi Assemblage (Early Maastrichtian), occupying a succession of strata that are equivalent to the Bolivinoides miliaris and B. draco benthic foraminiferal biozones. The foraminiferal assemblages are interpreted as representing outer shelf to middle slope environments, between ca 200m to at least 600m water depth, with maximum water depths in the Late Campanian, followed by shallowing into the Early Maastrichtian. The most likely control mechanism for shallowing sea level was the beginning of southern Neo-Tethys Ocean closure at this time. Almost manifesting the turnover from pre-flysch facies to the overlying flysch facies within Kurdistan foreland basin. Such variation in the benthic foraminiferal assemblages controlled essentially by the interactions between the palaeo basin configuration and sea level changes from the Late Campanian to Early Maastrichtian.

1. Sequence stratigraphy of the prolific Late eocene -Oligocene and early Miocene sequences from kurdistan region.FadhilLawa and Ala Ghafur., AJS vol.8.2015
2. Tectonostratigraphic and structural imprints across Zagros fold thrust belt.Abdull Amer, Fadhil Lawa and Salim Sulaiman, AJS. vol 8 2015
3. Biostratigraphy and palaeoceanography of the early Turonian–early Maastrichtian planktonic foraminifera of NE Iraq RAWAND B. N. Jaff1, 3*, IAN P. Wilkinson1, 2, SARAH Lee1, JAN Zalasiewicz1, FADHIL Lawa3 & MARK Williams1 1Department of Geology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK 2British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK 3Department of Geology, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Kurdistan, Iraq.Journal of Micropalaeontology. http://dx.doi.org/10.1144/jmpaleo2014-020
4. Palynological and Stratigraphical Evidences on the Age of the Outcropped Khabour Formation near Chalki Nasara Village, Kurdistan Region, Northern Iraq Dler H. Baban¹ & Fadhil A. Lawa¹

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• you may get more about my publications my resesarchgate Count under the name of Fadhil A.Lawa , as well as in google scholar under the name of Fadhil Ahmed Ameen.