Research & Supervision

Supervision:

• Sedimentary Structure and paleocurent analysis of Former Qulqula conglomerate Formation at Qulqula area, Sulaimani City, 2009 (Done by: Aras Mohammad Abdul Majeed & Rebaz Ali Ahmad)
• Paleocurent analysis of Qulqula conglomerate Formation at Basine area, Sulaimani City, 2010 (Done by: Roshna Ali & Soma Burhan).
• Petrographic study of Sandstone beds of Lower Part of Tanjero Formation at Chaqchaq Valley, NW of Sulaimani City, 2011 (Done by: Suzan M. Talib & Shirin H. Muhamad).
• Microfacies of Limestone succession of Sinjar Formation at Southwestern limb of Baranan Mountain, SW of Sulaimani City, 2012 (Done by: Darun Shirwan Majed).
• Microfacies of Limestone succession of Qulqula Formation at northeast of chwarta town, NE.Sulaimani city, 2013 (Done by: Nahen Kamal Saeed and Zhyan Qadir Nadir).
• Sedimentary Facies Of Radiolarian Chert Unit Of Qulqula Radiolarite In Saharbazher Area, Sulaimani Governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan Region, 2014 (Done by: Bahast Fyridoon Muhamad and Khuncha Jamal Abdulrahman).
• Facies analysis of Neritic Succession Limestone Unit in Qulqula Radiolarite in Sharbazher area,Sulaimani Governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan Region, 2015 (Done by: Avan Abdullah Mahmood and Srwsht Salih Muhamad).
• Sedimentary Facies Of Grayish-Green Sheared Shale Unit In Qulqula Group In Saharbazher Area, Sulaimani Governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan Region, 2015 (Done by: Shabaz Yadgar M.Ali and Daner Omer Hama).

My Researches:

A new concept for the origin of accumulated Conglomerates, previously known as

Mushir Mustafa Qadir Baziany and Kamal Haji Karim

Abstract

The present study aims to re-study the Qulqula Conglomerate Formation that is mentioned in the previous studies to be about 500 m thick in Halabja – Avroman area. Those studies considered the Qulqula Conglomerate Formation as a part of Qulqula Group which overlies Qulqula Radiolarian Formation and claimed Albian – Cenomanian age and deposited due to the Hercynian Orogeny. They also mentioned that it is deposited in a deep basin of high tectonic activity in which the flysch is deposited and represented by thick succession of conglomerate and shale. In the present study, all the previously mentioned characteristics concerning tectonic, age and facies of the formation in the Avroman – Halabja area are not observed. More than that, the occurrence of the conglomerate that can be called “Qulqula Conglomerate Formation” is doubtful, in this area. The authors have found a thick accumulation of conglomerate but it does not belong to Qulqula Conglomerate Formation. This is achieved according to following four facts: The first fact is that the observed conglomerate beds have dip angles nearly the same as that of the slope of the southwestern side of Avroman and Suren mountains. The second fact is that they are not covered by any strata, except soil. The third fact is that almost all clasts are derived from Avroman Limestone, which is located at higher elevation. The fourth fact is that the conglomerates overlie Qulqula Radiolarian Formation in an angular unconformity. From these four facts it was inferred that the conglomerate has the origin of proximal alluvial fan (fanglomerates), talus and slide blocks and debris that are deposited during Quaternary. It was also ascertained the absence of so called wildflysch in previous studies.

Mushir M. Baziany and Kamal Haji Karim (2007), A New Concept for the origin of accumulated Conglomerates, previously known as Qulqula Conglomerate Formation at Avroman – Halabja area, NE-Iraq, Iraqi Bulletin of Geology and mining, Vol.3, No.2, p.33−41.

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Geology of Bedded Gypsum in the Gercus Formation (Early-Middle Eocene)

Mushir Mustafa Qadir Baziany

Abstract

The Gercus Formation (Early Middle Eocene) crops out in north and northeastern Iraq within High Folded Zone. In the field, it is exposed as red siliciclastics successions of claystone and sandstone with occasional conglomerate, carbonate and evaporites lenses or tongues. In the studied area two main type of evaporites rocks are found. The first one is chemically deposited gypsum (or anhydrire) which has the granular alabasterine and fibrous satinspar texture, while the second type consists of fragmented and reworked gypsum (detrital gypsum), which is called as gypsarenite (gypsum sand-sized grains). The latter one is formed as an intraformational reworking of the previous deposited chemical gypsum by intense weathering in the cold and dry climate. The gypsarenite contain also angular detrital lignite (black bituminous). In this area, the gypsum beds occur as centimeter thick nodular or laminated beds that interbedded with either red claystone or marl. These beds are arranged in three and nine parasequences in the upper and middle part of the formation in Dohuk dam and Bakrman village respectively. The cyclicity of lithologic signals of the gypsum beds are discussed in the view of the sea level change and systems tract subdivision. The field study showed that the position of each lithology on the sea level curve was unexpected result as concerned to the previous studies which, indicated the evaporites, carbonates (or marl) and clastics as low, transgressive and highstand system tract respectively. In contrary to this, the present study showed that the position of these lithologies (on the sea level curve) in a highstand, transgressive and lowstand systems tract respectively. Accordingly, cycles begin with red claystone and gypsarenite as minor lowstand systems tract (or minor regression of sea level) and ends with evaporite as highstand systems tract (or transgression of sea level). These positions of the lithologies in the depositional system are based on the boundary conditions between the lithologies (beds). The regression and transgression (sea level fluctuations) are argued in term of relation with Milankovitch band of astronomical climate change which consists of eccentricity and precision of earth orbits around the sun and itself. During high eccentricity and precession orbits the sea level rises and the earth climate became warmer and both influx of seawater to the semi-coastal lake and evaporation increased, consequently evaporites are deposited in the peripheral lakes. But during combination of the low orbits the sea level fall occurred which accompanied with decrease of sea water influx and evaporation. This associated with dilution of the lake by fresh water from source areas, which deposited red claystone or gypsarenite. The construction and destruction interference of these orbital cycles generated many complete (ideal) and incomplete sedimentary cycles in the outcrop section of the basin periphery.

Mushir M. Baziany (2009), Geology of bedded Gypsum in the Gercus Formation (Early-Middle Eocene) in Dohuk area, Kurdistan Region, Northern Iraq. The Proceedings of third International Conferences on Geo-Resources of the Middle East and North Africa (GRMENA-III), Egypt, Cairo University, Vol.1.

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Relationship between Qulqula Conglomerate Formation and Red Bed Series,

at Qulqula Area, NE-Iraq

Kamal Haji Karim and Mushir Mustafa Baziany

Abstract

Previous studies considered Qulqula Conglomerate Formation and Qulqula Radiolarian Formation as two units that comprise Qulqula Group. They mentioned that the former formation overlies the later gradationally. The type sections of both formations occur at Kulkula Gorge, about 25km to the northeast of Ranyia Town. These studies indicated the age Qulqula Conglomerate Formation as Albian-Cenomanian and referred to deposition in deep basin of high tectonic activity. This tectonic is punctuated by deposition of the wildflysch which is deposited which represented by 1200m of conglomerate, sandstone and shale. However during restudy of the lithology, stratigraphy and facies of Qulqula Conglomerate Formation at type section, any of the above characteristics are not observed. Conversely, many new data are recorded for the first time that revised lithology; stratigraphic position and age of the formation as concerned to previous ones. As it is shown the lithology of the formation is similar to the lithology of unit three of the Red Bed Series. This is proved by the following lined of evidence: Lateral tracing of the formation to the type locality of the Red Bed Series (Suwais village). Indicating of their mergence with each other in a depositional condition near the village. Several species of Alveolina and Nummulite large forams are found in the gravels and boulders of the formation at the type locality. The age of these forams are Eocene; therefore the age of Qulqula Conglomerate Formation is changed to Paleocene- Eocene. The wildflysch facies as cited before is nothing except the molasse of Red Bed Series as it contains same alternation of lensoidal conglomerate and sandstone with some shale and claystone. This study suggests modification stratigraphical position of the formation in the type area so that it must be included in the Red Bed Series and Qulqulq Conglomerate Formation must be abandoned.

Kamal H. Karim and Mushir M. Baziany (2007), Relationship between Qulqula Conglomerate Formation and Red Bed Series, at Qulqula area, NE. Iraq, Iraqi Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol.7, No.1, pp.1-12.

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Age determination and origin of crenulated limestone in the eastern part of

Imad Mohamood Ghafor, Kamal Haji Karim, and Mushir Mustafa Baziany

Abstract

Many outcrops of crenulated limestones are observed in eastern of Sulaimaniyah city. These limestones are deformed into tight or open mesoscopic folds, which are superimposed on large-scale synclines or anticlines. The outcrops are discussed and biostratigraphically analyzed. The identified planktoin foraminifera indicated that these limestones belong to Kometan Formation and its age extends from Turonian to late Campanian. The age determination depends on the index planktononic foraminifera; such as Marginotruncana sigali, and Dicarinata imbricate indicate Turonian, Dicarinata primitivae indicate Coniacian, Dicarinata asymmetrica which indicates Santonian and Radotruncana calcarata indicates Early Upper Campanian.

Imad M. Ghafor, Kamal Haji Karim, and Mushir M. Baziany (2012), Age determination and origin of crenulated limestone in the eastern part of Sulaimaiyah governorate, Kurdistan region, NE-Iraq. Iraqi Journal of Geology and Mining, Vol. 8, No.2.

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Larger Foraminifera (Alveolinidae, Soritidae and Nummulitidae) from the Former

Imad Mohamood Ghafor and Mushir Mustafa Baziany

Abstract

The most recent studies reformed the occurrence of Qulqula Conglomerate Formation where they combined with Red Bed Series. The present palaeontological study, in the type locality, aids the recognition of the formation. Twenty species from the three families of Alveolinidae, Soritidae and Nummulitidae are described and figured from the former Qulqula Conglomerate Formation (present Red Bed Series) in Kurdistan Region, Northeastern Iraq. These assemblages indicate the age of the source area as Late Paleocene–Middle Eocene age. The vertical and lateral distributions of the assemblages are discussed. The pebbles and boulders that bearing the recognized assemblages are derived by erosion from the source area (affiliated to Walash−Naoperdan Group) and deposited during later ages (younger ages) that more likely they deposited during Late Eocene age.

Imad M. Ghafor and Mushir M. Baziany (2009), Larger foraminifera (Alveolinidae, Soritidae and Nummulitidae) from the Former Qulqula Conglomerate Formation, Kurdistan Region, Northeastern Iraq, Iraqi Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol.9, No.1, p.35−54.

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Significance of angular unconformities between Cretaceous and Tertiary strata in the northwestern

Kamal H. Karim, Hemin Koyi, Mushir M. Baziany & Khaled Hessami

Abstract

In this study, two angular unconformities are found and analyzed for the first time in the Mesozoic–Cenozoic succession in the northwestern segment of the Zagros fold–thrust belt (ZFTB) in the Kurdistan Region. The first unconformity exists between Lower Cretaceous and Paleocene–Eocene rocks and the second between the Campanian Shiranish Formation and the Maastrichtian Tanjero Formation. Each of these unconformities is found in two different localities in the Zagros Imbricate Zone (i.e. the highly deformed zone immediately SW of the Zagros Suture) of the ZFTB of the Kurdistan Region near the border with Iran. The study uses recent geological mapping, structural and stratigraphic analyses in addition to using previous biozonation of the stratigraphic units that bound the two unconformities. The first unconformity was initiated with obduction of the ophiolite and Lower Cretaceous radiolarite onto the passive margin of the Arabian plate. This unconformity formed during an early phase of the Zagros orogeny, which is associated with the developing of a foreland basin, and resulted in the folding of the radiolarites and their uplift to form high-relief land. The erosion of this high-relief land resulted in the formation of the Paleocene–Eocene Red Bed Series and their deposition on the folded radiolarite. The timing of the deformation that caused this unconformity is hard to determine; however, its stratigraphic position may suggest that it possibly is related to post-Cenomanian movements. The second unconformity is between the tilted Campanian Shiranish Formation (hemipelagite) and Tanjero Formation (500 m of conglomerate in the more proximal area). These unconformities indicate that deformation and uplift of the sedimentary units was variable during ophiolite obduction in this part of the ZFTB.We argue that deformation, ophiolite obduction and collision are likely to have varied in space and time along the c. 2000 km long ZFTB.

Kamal H. Karim, Hemin Koyi, Mushir M. Baziany and Khaled Hessami (2011), Significance of angular unconformities between Cretaceous and Tertiary strata in the northwestern segment of the Zagros fold–thrust belt, Kurdistan Region, NE Iraq. GeologicalMagazine, Vol.148 (Issue 5–6), 2011, pp. 925–939. Cambridge University.

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Origin of Fossiliferous Limestone Beds inside the Upper Part of Tanjero Formation at the Northwest

of Sulaimani Area, Kurdistan Region, NE –Iraq

Kamal Haji. Karim, Khalid Mahmood Ismail & Mushir Mustafa Baziany

Abstract

The present study is focused on origin of fossiliferous limestone beds that are exposed in the Chaqchaq Valley at 10 kms to northwest of Sulaimani city. These beds are exposed inside upper part of the Tanjero Formation (Upper part of Gurpi Formation in Iran) and, in this study, they are call Chaqchaq limestone. The petrograph and age determination proved that they aged Late Maastrichtian and belongs to Aqra Formation (Seymare or Tarbur Formation in Iran). These beds represent the extreme distal facies of the formation. The fossil contents of these beds include large foraminiferas (Omphalocyclus, Orbitoids and Loftusia), fragments of Rudists in addition to solitary corals, echinoderm and gastropods. These fossils are all allochthous and reworked by submarine mass wasting from their original life position in Chwatra–Mawat area. As the discovered outcrops are located, stratigraphically, near the boundary of Cretaceous and Tertiary ages, it has important contribution on changing paleo-geography and tectonism of northeastern Iraq during Maastrichtian and Paleocene. The paleogeography of the area was consisted of large foreland basin that was covered all north eastern Iraq without any compartmentation. Previously Aqra Formation is recorded in the Imbricated and Thrust Zones while the present study records it in the High Folded Zone for the first time in the Northeastern Iraq. This record will remove the uncertainty that associated with the relations of the stratigraphic units in the Imbricated and Thrust Zones with those of High Folded Zones. In these zones, Tanjero Form (with Aqra Formation) and Red Bed Series are deposited during Maastrichtian Paleocene. The occurrence of these beds inside hemiplelagite (upper part of Tanjero Formation), make the age determination of the beds and their equivalent (Aqra Formation) in the Chwarta Mawat area are possible by planktonic forms. The planktonic foraminiferas show that the age of these beds (Chachaq Limestone) is late Maastrichtian.

Kamal H. Karim, Khalid M. Ismail, and Mushir M. Baziany (2015), Origin of Fossiliferous Limestone Beds inside the Upper Part of Tanjero Formation at the Northwest of Sulaimani Area, Kurdistan Region, NE-Iraq. Journal of Zankoi Sulaimani, Vol. 17, No.1 (Part-A).

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Indication of calcareous tempestite inside the Qulqula Group in the Zagros Suture Zone, KRI.

Mushir Mustafa Baziany

Abstract

This sedimentological study focuses on carbonate storm deposits (calcareous tempestites) have been recognized for Qulqula platform in the Zagros Suture Zone outcropping at Sharbazher area in the northeastern Sulaimani City. These deposits are recorded between the oolitic limestone and calcareous turbidities in the Qulqula Group for the first time. These offer the first indication of event sedimentation in the Qulqula domain. Calcareous tempestites deposited on subsided eastern Arabian continental margin at the initial stage of continental rifting, most possibly during Early Late Triassic to Early Jurassic. It mostly encompasses calcarenite beds and indicating by some storm generated criteria such as hummocky cross-stratification, parallel lamination, symmetrical wave-ripples, normally graded flat pebble conglomerate, and sole mark (flute caste, load cast, groove mark). Moreover, found Cruziana and Skolithos trace fossils with these calcarenite beds. Finally, for paleogeographic configuration of Qulqula carbonate platform, facies-depth connections on carbonate ramp model build up as shallowing-upward cycles from calcareous turbidities which deposited in distal part of outer ramp and carbonate distally steepened ramp to calcareous tempestites in mid ramp to oolitic limestone were formed in high-energy inner carbonate ramp.

Mushir M. Baziany (2016), Indication of calcareous tempestite inside the Qulqula Group in the Zagros Suture Zone, KRI. Journal of Zankoi Sulaimani, Vol. 18, No.3,p.129−144 (Part-A).

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New Ideas and Critical review of Middle Eocene Gercus Formation, Kurdistan Region, NE-Iraq

Kamal Haji Karim, Mushir M. Baziany and Polla A. Khanaq

Abstract

In Iraq, Gercus Formation (Middle Eocene) crops out now near boundary between Low and High Folded Zone and generally consisted of red claystone and sandstone with occasional beds of conglomerate. Lithologically, it changes toward the southwest to carbonate-siliclastics of either Khurmala or Aliji Formations inside the Low Folded Zone. All previous studies have concluded that the environment of the formation was fluvial and deltaic of continental mollasse facies with possible some shallow marine sediments at its lower part. Conversely, the most recent two studies have assigned two different, opposite environments of the formation, which are deep marine (turbidite facies), and desert environments. The aim of the present study is critical and objective analysis of the previous studies in addition to introduction of new ideas that are opposite to deep marine and aeolian environments. The study gives many evidences and features for justification of the introduced new ideas, which are revealing the actual environment of the formation. This reveal is depended on the field and regional correlation in areas of boundary between High and Low Folded Zone (area of exposure of Gercus Formation) and area of Imbricated and Thrust Zone where its equivalent in age and facies (unit five of Red Bed Series) is exposed. The present study supports neither the deep marine turbidite nor the desert erg system of the previous studies. The present study proves that the Gercus Formation consists of the distal alluvial fan and its proximal part is unit five of Red Bed.

Kamal Haji Karim, Mushir M. Baziany and Polla A Khanaq (2018), New Ideas and Critical review of Middle Eocene Gercus Formation, Kurdistan Region, NE-Iraq. Journal of Zankoi Sulaimani, (Part-A). Vol. 20, No.2, pp. 81-94

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Mesozoic Tethyan Radiolarite Age Determination, Zagros Suture Zone, Kurdistan, NE Iraq

Basim A. Al-Qayim, Mushir M. Baziany and Bakhtyar M. Ameen

Abstract

A regional belt of Mesozoic Tethyan radiolarites extends along the northeastern Arabian plate's margin. Outcrops of this radiolarite were documented from Hawasina series in Oman, and northeastwards to Pichakun Series of southern Iran, to Kermanshah of northwest Iran passing onto the Qulqula Group of northeast Iraq up until the Kocali Series of Turkey. The age of most of these radiolarite suites was already constrained. It is the purpose of this work to investigate the age of the radiolarite Suites in northeast Iraq using Radiolarian microfossils chronostratigraphy. Patches of the Mesozoic radiolarite suites are exposed at the Zagros suture zone in Kurdistan Region of northeast Iraq and known as the Qulqula Group. It consists of complexly deformed and thick slices of pelagic radiolarian chert and siliceous limestone, radiolarian red claystone and siliceous mudstone, and reddish-green mudstone and limestone. These units were sampled from three areas (Naurabab, Penjween, and Hawraman) located to the south and east of Sulaimani city in Kurdistan, for radiolarian micropaleontological analysis. Radiolaria microfossils identification and age determination is done at specialized laboratories. Results of the radiolarian age constraint show that these sediments range from Bajocian to the end of the Cenomanian.

Basim Al-Qayim, Mushir M. Baziany and Bakhtyar M. Ameen (2017), Mesozoic Tethyan Radiolarite Age Determination, Zagros Suture Zone, Kurdistan, NE Iraq. Iraqi Geological Journal , Vol.51, No.1, pp.17-33.

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Stratigraphy and Facies Analysis of the Govanda Formation from Western Zagros, Kurdistan Region, Northeastern Iraq

Kamal H. Karim, Irfan M. Yara, Soran O. Kharajiany, Polla A. Khanaqa, Khalid M. Sharbazheri, Mushir M. Baziany, Yousif O. Mohammad and Sherzad T. Mohammed

ABSTRACT

A part of the Govanda Formation is studied in five outcrops from northeastern Iraq near the Iraqi-Iranian borders. It consists of polygenic conglomerates, detrital limestones (conglomeratic limestone), and highly fossiliferous limestones of reeffore-reef facies with occasional interbedding of terrigenous sediments. Tectonically, the formation is important for its location in the very active Sanandij-Sirjan (Suture) Zone and for its deposition in Middle Miocene, which was assigned previously as an age of continental-continental colliding of Zagros Fold-Thrust belt. Additionally, it is overlaying different rocks units of pre-Miocene, especially resting on the Qulqula Radiolarian Formation in an angular unconformity relationship. The high-energy and tectonically active shallow and normal- marine environment is inferred from many facies such as coral framestone, pelecypod floatstone facies, coral and lithoclast rudstone, coral bufflestone, stromatolite bindstone, foraminifera and red algal bioclastic packstone–wackstone, reworked foraminiferal-lithoclast grainstone-packstone, lithoclast grainstone and terrigenous lime sandstone. The environment of the formation was high energy, shallow and normal- marine sea, which consists of fore-reef, reef and back-reef. The tectonic and paleogeographic relations of the formation are discussed in terms of facies and boundary condition. It is confirmed that the Sanandij-Sirjan Zone was subjected to an extension not compression (continentalcontinental colliding), as cited in some studies. The richness of the basin and fauna indicates that it was connected to Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

Kamal H. Karim, Irfan M. Yara, Soran O. Kharajiany, Polla A. Khanaqa, Khalid M. Sharbazheri, Mushir M. Baziany, Yousif O. Mohammad and Sherzad T. Mohammed. (2018). Stratigraphy and Facies analysis of the Govanda Formation from western Zagros, Kurdistan Region, Northeastern Iraq. Iraqi National Journal of Earth Sciences Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 69 -98.

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Depositional and erosional features of Oligocene paleokarsts in the Kirkuk Group, Kurdistan Region, Northeast Iraq

Kamal Haji Karim, Polla Azad Khanaqa, Soran Osman Kharajiani, Zardasht Ahmad Taha, Mushir Mustafa Baziany

Abstract

Paleokarst features are rarely preserved in geologic history due to terrestrial erosion and later burial diagenetic changes. In rare cases, where karstification was intense it can be preserved by burial in areas where erosion was slow. In Iraq, one of the ages that preserved clear features of the paleokarsts is the Oligocene. During this age, a thick succession of shallow (platform) carbonates were deposited and assigned stratigraphically as Kirkuk Group. During the late Oligocene, the inner shelf of the platform exposed for long time and an unconformity was developed and associated with well-developed epi- and endokarst features. The present study focused on the documentation of the erosional and depositional features of paleokarstification during the latter age for the first time in Iraq and Zagros Orogenic Belt. In the northeast Iraq, many Oligocene paleokarst features are discovered in the medium beds of Anah and Bajwan Formations (as two units of the Kirkuk Group) in the Sulaimani and Erbil Governorates. These features are such as vertical and inclined shafts filled with brown pebbly sandstone, horizontal cavities, large planoconcave cavities filled with conglomerates, solution breccias, underground solution networks, travertine, and palaeosoil. All these features are discussed to prove their attribution to the Oligocene by highlighting many field and petrographic evidences. The documented paleokarst can indicate accurately depositional extent, paleogeography, and paleoshoreline of Oligocene succession in Iraq and part of Western Zagros. Therefore, this study is significant for paleo-mapping of the northwestern margin of the Arabian plate and applicable for paleoenvironment concerns and oil explorations in the studied area.

KH Karim, PA Khanaqa, SO Kharajiani, ZA Taha, MM Baziany. (2020). Depositional and erosional features of Oligocene paleokarsts in the Kirkuk Group, Kurdistan Region, Northeast Iraq. Arabian Journal of Geosciences Vol. 13, No. 6, pp. 1-12

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My MSc. Thesis:

Stratigraphy and Sedimentology of the Former Qulqula Conglomerate Formation, Kurdistan Region, NE. Iraq.

Abstract

The studied area is located within Sulaimani city in northeastern Iraq. It is elongated as a narrow belt from Halabja town, it's southeast, to Qandil mountain toe near the Kulkula village at the northwest. This area located between latitudes (36^o 21^- 23⁼ and 35^o 25^- 48⁼) to the north and longitudes (45^o 10^- 04⁼ and 46^o 02^- 41⁼) to the east. For studding of this unit, five sections are selected in studied area near the Iraq-Iran border. These sections are, from northwest to southeast, Kulkula, Basine, Sueralla, Penjwin, Halabja-Avroman sections. Previous studies considered the Qulqula Conglomerate Formation as a part of the Qulqula Group which overlies the Qulqula Radiolarian Formation. Those studies indicated their age as Cenomanian-Santonian which is deposited as a result of Subhercynian orogeny that occurred in the eugeosyncline. They mentioned that it deposited in deep basin of high tectonic activity. Due to this tectonic the wildflysch is deposited which represented by thick succession of the conglomerate. But in the present study all the above mentioned ideas that concerning stratigraphy, tectonic, age and facies are ascertained neither in the field nor in the lab. Conversely, the below five facts are proved accurately about conglomerate: The first fact is the absence of what is called wildflysch in the conglomerate. Intense field and lab work showed that the conglomerate has no characterized that represents a wildflysch. Therefore, the Qulqula Conglomerate Formation is normal molasse facies and the previous wildflysch facies is not seen. The second fact is the most important one which manifested by discovering of numerous well-preserved large forams of nummulite and alveolina of several species. These fossils are found in pebbles and boulders of the Qulqula Conglomerate Formation in the type section which can be seen by eye and under normal or polarized microscope. This important discovering forced us to think about changing the age and stratigraphy of the formation from Cenomanian-Santonian to younger than Eocene. The third fact is the merging and combining of both Qulqula Conglomerate Formation and Red Bed Series with each other when laterally traced or followed. It is proved that the Qulqula Conglomerate Formation is nothing except Red Bed Series, at least, at type section and Norabab peneplain (Basine section). The fourth fact is the angular relation that exists between the two units. This angularity appears as the arrangement of strata of Qulqula Radiolarian Formation at an angle about 17 and 21 degrees to the bedding of Qulqula Conglomerate Formation (originally Red Bed Series). This angular unconformity is the first one that recorded in Iraq between the two units. This relation is clarified by photos and cross sections in addition to field description. The surprising thing is that previous authors mentioned the existence of conformable contact between so-called “Qulqula Conglomerate Formation” and Qulqula Radiolarian Formation which is not observed in the present study. The fifth fact is that the so-called Qulqula Conglomerate Formation has different origins, ages and stratigraphic position in different areas. As mentioned above, in type section and Norabab peneplain belong to Red Bed Series (Paleocene-Eocene). In the area of east of Chuarta (near Sueralla village) the Qulqula Conglomerate Formation is referred genetically to the conglomerate of the lower part of Tanjero Formation (Lower Maastrichtian). In the Avroman-Halabja areas, the conglomerate is nothing except calcareous and lithified Quaternary (Recent or Pleistocene) sediments. The conglomerate beds have dip angles that nearly the same as the slope of the southwestern side of Avroman and Suren mountains (or anticlines). The conglomerate, at these localities, consists of limestone breccia which has the origin of the proximal alluvial fan, slide debris and possibly fault breccias. As a result of the above new facts, we suggest removing the Qulqula Conglomerate Formation from the stratigraphic record of the Iraq in addition to modifying the tectonic and depositional history of the Cretaceous. The re-casting of the tectonic and depositional history will simplify the geology of Iraq. This removal will eliminate the complicated orogeny and tectonic setting of the Lower and Upper Cretaceous.

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My PhD Thesis:

Depositional Systems and Sedimentary Basin Analysis of the Qulqula Radiolarian Formation of the Zagros Suture Zone, Sulaimani Area, Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Abstract

The Qulqula Radiolarian Formation (Qulqula Radiolarite) is studied in details from outcrops at Sulaimani Governorate of Iraqi Kurdistan region for determining the sedimentary development, sedimentary environment and distribution of sedimentary facies in the sedimentary basin to illustrating the tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Qulqula Radiolarite. It represents part of the northwestern segment of the Zagros Suture Zone of the Kurdistan Region near the border with Iran. Outcrops extend from Halabja town, at the southeast, to Gimo mountain near the Basine town at the northwest with the length of about 100 kms. This area is placed at (45^o 35^- 00⁼ and 46^o 12^- 59⁼ ) North and (35^o 55^- 18⁼ and 35^o 06^- 35⁼ ) East. The studied area is divided into three subareas (Sharbazher, Nalparez and Hawraman subareas). In each subarea one master traverse (Nurabab-Surkew traverse, Kawlos-Kani Manga traverse and Halabja-Avroman traverse) with several reconnaissance traverses are selected. Multidisciplinary methods have been used for different objectives in this thesis. The Qulqula Radiolarite consists of thick thrusted sequences of intensively deformed neritic limestone, debrites and turbidites, hemiturbidite, hemipelagite, radiolarite and pelagic limestone, red claystone and basaltic volcanic extrusions, which they were tectonically emplaced over the northeastern Arabian continental margin. This study is the first detailed, systematic and biochronological examination of Qulqula Radiolarite in Iraq. Six lithostratigraphic units have been identified as a new division based on detailed sedimentological analysis supported by petrographic studies and radiolaria paleontologic dating. These lithostratigraphic units (from old to young) are: Neritic Succession Limestone Unit (NSLU), Grayish-Green Sheared Shale Unit (GSSU), Radiolarian Chert and Siliceous Limestone Unit (RChSLU), Red Radiolarian Claystone Unit (RRCU), Red Siliceous Mudstone Unit (RSMU) and Reddish-Green Mudstone and Limestone Unit (RGMLU). The NSLU is consists of about 60 to 80 meters of several thick successions of predominantly dark gray, coarse- to fine-grained limestone which is characterized by the oolitic-peloids grainstone microfacies with bioclasts distribution and little rudstone and floatstone facies. It was mainly deposited, most possibly during the Late Triassic to Early-Jurassic time, in carbonate ramp that developed during the young stage of continental rifting and seafloor spreading. The GSSU is dominated by dark gray-grayish-green sheared shale (about 50 to 80 meters thick) which is represented by microbreccia, packstones to grainstones to rudstone, debrites, slumps and pebbly sand to silty mud turbidites facies. It was deposited, most possibly during the Late Triassic to Middle-Jurassic time, in carbonate distally steepened ramp (shallow subsided basin) along the slope and inner basin that developed during the intermediate stage of continental rifting and seafloor spreading. The RChSLU is characterized by true pelagic and radiolarite facies (about 50 to 75 meters thick) of radiolarian wackestone-packstone microfacies, radiolaria-rich ribbon chert, chert-shale couplets, siliceous limestone, and radiolarian calcareous chert. It was deposited, during the Bajocian-Early Aptian time, in mid-abyssal plain basins (deep subsided basin) that developed during the mature stage of continental rifting and seafloor spreading. The RRCU is consists of about 80 to 150 meters of more than %85 of thin laminated red claystone (abyssal clay) which contains moderately to well preserved little radiolarian tests that was deposited, during the Berriasian-Middle Aptian time, in distal (outer) abyssal plain basins that developed during the supermature stage of continental rifting and seafloor spreading. The RSMU is defined by pelagic and hemipelagic facies (upto 50 meters thick) of radiolarian wackestone-packstone microfacies of shale or mudstone at lower and middle members and with siliceous limestone interlayer shale or marl at the upper member. It was deposited, during the Berriasian-Berrmean and Middle Aptian-Late Cenomanian time, in proximal (inner) abyssal plain basins that developed during the supermature stage of continental rifting and seafloor spreading. The RGMLU is upto 20 meters thick and characterized by bipartite beds of hemiturbidite facies (intermediate facies between silty mud turbidites and thin interbedded pelagic and hemipelagic intervals) of wackestone to packstone, fine peloids, bioclasts, planktonic foraminifera and calcispheres and radiolarian wackestone-packstone Microfacies. It was deposited, during the Middle Albian- Late Cenomanian time, in pelagic environmental systems along the base of distally steepened ramp that developed during stationary of supermature stage of continental rifting and seafloor spreading. In the study area, two basins for the deposition of Qulqula Radiolarite were recognized based on the occurrences of igneous bodies, red claystone, sedimentary mélange and Avroman Limestone. These basins are Radiolarite basin, which is located in Sharbazher area, and Hawraman basin, which is located in Hawraman area. For the first time, the Sargat Conglomerate is named as normal molasse facies that rested on top of the Qulqula Radiolarite and well exposed at the east of the Sargat village in the Hawraman basin. It is about 20 meters thick and is definited by true bedding and their normal textural (sorting) and structural (grading, pebble imbrication and cross bedding). Tectonic and depositional history, which are inferred from the sequence arrangement, sedimentological characterisics, microfacies analysis and facies interpretation show that the deposition of the Qulqula Radiolarite units had occurred within the Neo-Tethys Ocean close to the NE of the Arabian continental margin. Finally, new tectonostratigraphic scenario for depositional and thrusting evolution of the Qulqula Radiolarite were given as follow: 1) during the Late Triassic to the Late Cenomanian age, the neritic and pelagic sediments of Qulqula Radiolarite deposited in the Zagros Neo-Tethys Ocean through the continuous basinal floor spreading, 2) during Late Cenomanian to Late Turonian, rapidly inverted seafloor spreading to a compressional phase by intra-oceanic subduction-obduction of the Arabian oceanic crust down the oceanic crust of the Sanandaj-Sirjan block (or Iranian plate), 3) during Coniacian to Masstrichtian, the Qulqula Radiolarite-Ophiolite and Qulqula Radiolarite-Avroman Limestone-Ophiolite thrusted and emplaced on the Arabian continental crust from the Radiolarite basin and Hawraman basin, respectively and development of the Cretaceous Zagros Foreland Basin and 4) during the Late Middle Eocene, the Arabian Plate and the Sanandaj-Sirjan Block collied and forming the Tertiary Zagros Foreland Basin and the Zagros collision zone by replacing the Neo-Tethys Ocean between Arabia and Eurasia.