Iraqi National Journal of Earth Science

For the purpose of assessment pollution in surface, groundwater and some springs in Haditha town - Anbar province during dry season (July, 2022) in term of heavy metal to guarantee their suitability for agricultural and human consumption purposes, the elements Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni and Cu were analyzed in twenty-six samples. The average concentrations of these metals were (0.017, 0.154, 0.074, 0.002, 0.001, 0.102, 0.052) ppm in surface water, (0.047, 0.046, 0.014, 0.002, 0.0001, 0.318, 0.012) ppm in groundwater and (0.010, 0.0009, 0.058, 0.1, 0.026, 0.046, 0.002) ppm in springs respectively. Moreover, the concentrations of most elements indicated that they were within the acceptable limits of IQS (2009) and WHO (2017) standards, but the concentrations of (Mn, Ni) in most surface water and some wells, (Pb, Cd) in springs were exceeded the permissible limits. Some high level of the heavy metals could be attributed to the pollution of the water resources with discharge water enhanced with chemical fertilizers, industrial and domestic effluents. (HPI) and (MI) indices were applied to determine the water resources pollution in Haditha. The values of HPI in the water samples referred to unpolluted water except (R1, R2, S1, S2, S3, W2, W4 and W12 samples) were polluted. While the MI values show that all the samples unpolluted except (R1, R2, S1, S2, S3, W2, W3, W4, W5, W9 and W12 samples) were from strongly to seriously affected.

The Sand Dust Storms (SDS) phenomenon has become one of the climate variability phenomena that has an essential impact on human life in various sectors. Studying these phenomena has become of a special priority for many countries that suffer from climate change impacts. In this study, a long-term spatiotemporal analysis is conducted on SDS events in Iraq, which is known as one of the Middle Eastern countries suffering from these environmental phenomena. Middle East Dust Index (MEDI) values retrieved from forty MODIS-satellite data and climatological datasets for twelve synoptic stations from 2005 to 2019 are used to determine the main relationships controlling Iraq. Three factors are found to affect increasing SDSs: wind speed, temperature, and precipitation. The interpreted relationships between these factors show positively correlated relationships of wind speed, temperature, and MEDI (+ 0.68, + 0.81, +0.7) respectively with Sand Dust Storm Frequency (SDSF), while precipitation has shown negatively correlated relationship of SDSF equals (- 0.23). The findings of this study have proven that some parts of Iraq were exposed to massive SDS impacts, especially in the western and southern regions as a result of the proposed long-term spatiotemporal analysis.

In Northern Iraq, the Khurmala Formation sections at Sundor in Duhok City and the Shiraswar section in Erbil City have been studied from a sedimentary point of view. The formation's thickness is 53 meters in the Sundor section and roughly 13.5 meters in the Shiraswar section. Petrographic analysis of 48 thin sections of the Khurmala Formation shows that the majority of skeletal grains are of shallow marine environment and consist of fossils as benthonic foraminifera, pelecypod, bryozoan, red algae, coral, and non-skeletal granules including peloids, oolite and lithoclasts (intraclasts and extraclast). Three main microfacies and five lithofacies are identified based on field observations and petrographic analysis of the formation. These include lime mudstone, lime wackestone, lime packstone microfacies, and red algae bindstone lithofacies, coral framestone lithofacies, algal lime bindstone lithofacies, cross bedding bearing carbonate sand lithofacies and intraformational conglomerate lithofacies. The results of the current study indicate that the carbonate succession have been deposited in a spectrum of sedimentary environments, as most of the facies are located between the tidal flats environment to the upper parts of the slope environment, and it should be noted that the facies diagnosed in the carbonate succession exposed in the Shiraswar section differ in most of them from those diagnosed in the Sundor section, and they reflect the deposition of the reef environment, which calls for changing the name of these carbonate succession exposed in the Shiraswar section from the Khurmala Formation to the Sinjar Formation.

This research aims to study the classification and engineering properties of soil at a selected location in the Al-Medina district, north of Basrah Governorate. Two boreholes are drilled to depths of 15 and 30m. The samples are taken to the laboratory to conduct the classification tests. The particle size analysis indicates that the percentages of clay range from 3-56%, silt range from 4-60%, and sand range from 2-92%. According to the USCS, 10 samples are lean clay, 6 samples are lean clay with sand, 4 samples are silty sand, and 3 samples are sandy lean clay. The plasticity index ranges from 10 to 23%, while the liquid limit is from 30 to 49%. According to the plasticity chart, 13 samples are inorganic of low-plasticity clay, and 6 samples are inorganic of low-plasticity silt. Soils have medium plasticity, except two samples with high plasticity. 8 samples are highly compressible, and 11 are very highly compressible. 17 samples have high swelling potential, and two have very high swelling potential. Based on their bearing capacity, the N-values are utilized to divide the study area's soil into nine layers. In the research region, the groundwater level is 1.2 meters.

The heavy minerals analysis of the Gercus Formation at the Darbandi Basara anticline in Sulaymaniyah City, Northern Iraq was conducted in this study. Twelve samples were collected from different beds within the Gercus Formation. These samples were divided into two groups: fine-grain sandstone (6 samples) and very fine-grain sandstone (6 samples). The heavy metals identified in the selected sandstone samples from the Gercus Formation were categorized into five main groups: opaque, unstable, metastable, ultrastable minerals, and flaky minerals. These minerals point to presence of metamorphic, mafic igneous rocks, and acidic igneous, as well as reworked sedimentary rocks in the feeding region. The stability of the heavy minerals was evaluated using a ternary scheme, and the results showed that the heavy minerals in the Gercus Formation are relatively stable. This stability can be attributed to the presence of an opaque mineral group, which has a significant influence on the overall stability of the heavy minerals. Based on the findings, it can be inferred that the sandstones in the Gercus Formation originated from active continental edges. This suggests that the sedimentary rocks were deposited in a tectonically active environment.

The main supply of drinking water in the Qaladze-Sangaser in the Iraqi Kurdistan region is groundwater. More water is needed as an increase in the number of populations for home, industrial, environmental, recreational, and agricultural uses. The importance of a hydrochemistry study is highlighted by the fact that the chemistry of groundwater can be strongly related to the climate, geology, and water source of the area. Two periods are selected to collect 72 groundwater samples as a total at maximum and minimum recharge periods for analyzing the physicochemical parameters including pH, EC, total dissolved solids (TDS), major cations and anions to evaluate the groundwater quality and potential ions source in the groundwater. The groundwater is of type calcium-magnesium bicarbonate. With the exception of one groundwater sample, all water samples are fit for human consumption, and suitable for industry, livestock, poultry, and agriculture purposes. The samples exhibit low RSC (< 1.5 meq/l) and low sodium hazard (SAR < 9) which is of good quality and suitable for using in irrigation purposes. The permeability index of all groundwater samples is rated as excellent to good, indicating good water quality for irrigation. According to RSC results, there is no risk from sodium since it is less than 1.5 meq/l, which is within the permissible limit.

The research investigates the units and reservoir characterization of the Zubair Formation in the Tuba oil field, Basra Governorate, southern Iraq, Gamma ray log, compensated neutron log, compensated formation density log, self-potential log, and resistivity logs are utilized, analyzed the data to determine average porosity, water saturation, hydrocarbon saturation and specific yield to shale volume. Ten reservoir units are identified based on these parameters. Porosity, permeability, and fluid types are calculated for each unit. Additionally, it is concluded that the best unit containing hydrocarbon is the unit (Zu-8). Then (Zu-4) and some units give high water saturation, such as unit (Zu-6). Unit (Zu-7) contains the highest porosity rate at the TU-Z well, but the volume of hydrocarbons is not necessarily the best. A reservoir model for these units is constructed and compared with other models. The study of the area's rocks exhibits characteristics favorable for high oil yield, including high porosity, permeability, hydrocarbon saturation, and minimal shale volume. This facilitates easy oil extraction without requiring costly additional treatments.

In this study, 32 soil samples were taken from a depth of (0-20) distributed over different areas (Kirkuk City, Riyadh City, Hawija City, and Al-Abbasi City). They were sent to Canada to conduct chemical analyzes in Acme Lab laboratories.) using an ICP-MS device. The research aims to study the geochemical distribution of arsenic in the soil of the study areas, as well as to study the relationships between arsenic and some major oxides, as well as the degree of acidity (pH) and organic matter (OM), by calculating the correlation coefficient and factor analysis. analysis). It was found that the arsenic element is associated with a positive significant relationship with magnesium oxide (MgO), a negative significant relationship with sodium oxide (Na2O) with a value of (-0.454), a positive significant relationship with potassium oxide with a value of (0.47), and a strong positive relationship with the element cobalt (Co) with a value of (0.454). 0.474). According to the results, the average concentration of arsenic in the soil of the study area (Kirkuk, Riyadh, Hawija, and Abbasid) in the fine clay part reached (9.23 ppm), which is higher than its concentration in the coarse parts represented by silt and sand, with a value amounting to (5.83 ppm and 5.72ppm) respectively. The highest concentration of arsenic as in the soil of (MK12), which represents the site of Hay Al-Nasr Hospital, was (8.2 ppm), which is higher than the concentration of the element according to the reference value. When comparing the concentration of arsenic in the soil of the study areas with the international standards (WHO, 2021) and (EPA, 2017), it was found that it was lower than in those areas.

Flash flooding is among natural calamities that cause a great deal of harm, including major economic losses, social unrest, and considerable infrastructure destruction worldwide and in Iraq specifically. Erbil basin is among the most susceptible areas in Iraq to torrents hazards, and although identifying and mapping flash flood-prone areas is a critical task for locals and those who make decisions to lower and manage the risk of flash floods, the aim of this research is to locate and map areas in Erbil, northern Iraq, that were vulnerable to flash floods by combining a GIS with an MCDM approach and (AHP). Flash flood-control factors such as elevation, slope, flow accumulation, rainfall, distance to rivers, drainage density, net runoff, land use land cover, groundwater depth, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and soil types are combined, layered, and weighted to fulfill the study's purpose. According to the results, 23.36% of the basin has low to very low flooding susceptibility, and roughly 76.64% of basin has moderate to very high flooding susceptibility. It is discovered that the southwest and south of the research region, which is distinguished by low slope and elevation, high drainage density, flow accumulation, and land cover and land use, are more vulnerable to flood dangers. Final map of flood susceptibility, which is produced as a result of model's coherence with the recorded historical flood occurrences in study basin, demonstrated effectiveness of method used in the research to identify and map places vulnerable to flooding.

Geographic Information System (GIS)-based studies have gained substantial importance. This is due to their remarkable efficiency in processing spatial information, thereby providing direct information about the resource is necessary that can be utilized for investment optimization. The issue of the study is stemmed from a fundamental question: "Does spatial modeling using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a role in identifying potential areas for groundwater replenishment?". In light of this, the study has formulated the hypothesis that spatial modeling using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) supported by Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques, plays a significant role in identifying potential areas for groundwater replenishment. The study aims to identify these potential areas and elucidate how Geographic Information Systems technology can be leveraged in this context. The use of this technology opens up a new avenue in the study of water resources, enabling the production of maps that depict potential groundwater replenishment areas. To achieve the study's objectives and test the hypothesis, a set of factors influencing the probability of groundwater replenishment is modeled using data from various sources. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique is employed to generate weights for these factors, and a specialized tool for modeling the probability of groundwater replenishment, named "Groundwater Potential Existence," is developed. This tool automates map generation based on the weights derived from hierarchical analysis. The modeled map using the mentioned technique reveals that the probability of groundwater replenishment decreases in the southern and southwestern regions of Nineveh Province and gradually increases in a northerly and northeasterly direction within the province. Despite its elevated and rugged terrain, the gradual increase in rainfall rates towards the north, the proximity to water bodies, as well as higher vegetation cover and lower evaporation rates in these areas, had the most significant impact on elevating the likelihood of groundwater replenishment in these regions. The study further progresses to conduct a sensitivity analysis of the groundwater replenishment probability model to identify which factors had the most significant influence on the model, using Pearson correlation coefficients. Subsequently, the most sensitive factors are incorporated into a multiple regression analysis to derive an optimized predictive model in case the values of these five factors changed. A second Pearson correlation is performed to validate the optimized model revealing a strong correlation of (0.8) between the optimization model and the groundwater probability model indicating a robust connection and making it suitable for predictive purposes.

Local biostratigraphic scheme based on calcareous nannofossil assemblages has been suggested in this work for upper Cretaceous and Paleocene oil shale successions. A total of 148 smear slides are studied from three oil shale boreholes throughout Jordan for their content of calcareous nannofossils. Six calcareous nannofossil biozones for Maastrichtian and nine zones for Paleocene are recognized from well OS-28. Cretaceous/Paleocene (K/P) and Paleocene/Eocene boundaries are detected either by calcareous nannofossil extinction or gamma ray. The K/P boundary appears to be missed. Although the short hiatus at K/P boundary is present, a distinctive gamma ray excursion remarked this boundary. Calcareous nannofossil assemblages were recovered gradually in the Danian, Complete biostratigraphic zones from Early Paleocene to Late Paleocene are recognized without any sedimentation break or hiatus in the central Jordan. Whereas uplift is proposed during Early to Late Paleocene to mark the hiatus in the northern and southern Jordan. Maastrichtian and Paleocene oil shales were deposited in the deep pelagic ramp, and the absence of allochthonous calcareous nannofossils provides strong evidence for that the sub-basins have not been exposed to winnowing and erosion process.

The study deals with industrial assessment of deposits in Zurbatiyah area of eastern Iraq. The deposits are represented by limestone, marly limestone, gypsum and clay which belong to the Ibrahim, Serikagni, Dhiban, Jerbie, Fat'ha, Injana and Mukdadiya formations. These deposits are characterized by well extensions and thickness. These deposits were assessed for the cement, clay bricks and gypsum board industries; limestone wea fairly pure composed of calcite and trace amounts of quartz and dolomite. The chemical analyses of limestone showed its suitability for use in the OPC industry, it became more suitable when corrected materials containing alumina were added to be in agreement with the requirements of IQS, No. 5, 1984 for the cement industry. Gypsum has 45% SO3 and 31% CaO, moreover, gypsum is nearly pure with low impurities. It is considered a good raw material for preparation of panel gypsum boards. the flextural strength of prepared gypsum panels is compatible with the requirements of ASTM C473-2016. Clay deposits are composed of kaolinite (30% - 35%) followed by palygorskite (20% - 28%) a minor amount of iIllite and a mixed layer montmorillonite –chlorite. Clay deposits have significant percentages of SiO2, Al2O3, Na2O, K2O and moderate percent of CaO and Fe2O3 which qualifies them to be used in making clay building bricks of classes A and B according to the Iraqi standard specification No. 25, 1993 and British standard No.3921, 1985.

The late Campanian-Maastrichtian cycle in TK.1 and TK.2 wells within Tikrit Oilfield in central Iraq is represented by basinal facies of the Shiranish Formation. The lithology consists of marly limestone in the lower part referred as unit (A) followed by unit (B) in the middle part, which is composed of shaly limestone with bands of shale and marl with detrital particles and dolomite rock fragments. The upper part unit (C) comprises marly limestone with less shale and carbonate rock fragments. Two biostratigraphic zones are distinguished; Globotrun-canita calcarata Total Range Zone referred to Middle-Late Campanian, and Globotruncana aegyptiaca Interval Zone referred to Early Maastrichtian. The Bioclasts Foraminiferal Wackestone Microfacies (Sh1), Foraminiferal Wackestone Microfacies (Sh2), Foraminiferal Wackestone-Packstone Microfacies (Sh3) and Mudstone Microfacies (Sh4) characterize the dominant microfacies. Those were affected by different diagenesis processes. In accordance to microfacies analysis and the biological components, the succession was deposited in basinal to toe of slope environments. The deeper part is located in the well TK.1 at the eastern side of Tikrit Oilfield, where it was responsible for depositional microfacies association of (Sh1) and (Sh4). The repetition of (Sh1, Sh2, Sh3 and Sh4) microfacies associations toward the west of the field within TK.2 well indicates that the shallowest part of depositional basin is located at the western side of the field due to the occurrence of quartz particles, rock fragments and benthonic foraminifera within unit (B) in this well. Those may be provided from the higher parts of the Rutba-Khleisia basin, which is not covered by the sea or partially covered.

The current study aims to evaluate the foundation rocks of the proposed Al-Baghdadi dam site, which is located in Al-Anbar Governorate, Al-Baghdadi area. The study includes field, laboratory and office works for six stations along the dam axis in western Iraqi province of Al-Anbar Governorate. Six stations are selected in the study area along the axis of the dam. Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Dam Mass Rating. (DMR), and Geological Strength Index (GSI) are the three rock mass classification systems that have been chosen to use in assessment. The range of dam's stability-related DMR values is (60.201 - 67.009). The numbers show that the foundation rocks at the planned dam site are stable. The values of RMRBD89 fall between (60.3 - 67.1). In addition, to being desirable (moderate to good), the foundation rocks could be excavated for fill dams and rock dams. The Geological Strength Index (GSI) values varied from (44.5 to 60.5) and these values are considered moderate according to this classification. The mechanical characteristics of every rock unit from during Hook-Brown failure criterion are ascertained using RocLab program and their values ranged: Cohesion strength (0.795 - 1.303) MPa, Angle of internal friction (24.09 - 29.76), Tensile strength (-0.106 - -0.025) MPa, Compressive strength (0.613 - 2.033) MPa, Global force (2.484 - 3.198) MPa, and deformation coefficient (2451.45 - 7516.72) MPa. From the results mentioned above, it is found that the proposed dam location is safe and stable for constructing the fill dam.

To determine the provenance, paleoclimate and palaeoweathering of the Upper Miocene sandstones of the Injana Formation, 12 sandstone samples from two sites (Mirawa and Degala) in Erbil Governorate, northern Iraq are investigated. Major, trace, and rare earth elements are measured using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The elemental concentrations and ratios of the studied sandstones indicate their sources from intermediate to mafic igneous rocks. All the chondrite-normalized REEs samples are similar and exhibit a minor enrichment of light rare-earth elements (LREE) in comparison to the heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with a negligible negative europium (Eu) anomaly. The low to moderate values of the plagioclase index of alteration (PIA), chemical index of alteration (CIA), high values of index of compositional variability (ICV > 1), and the A-CN-K plot, all indicate a low to moderate chemically weathered source area. Palaeoclimatic information can be provided using the plot of the SiO2 versus (Al2O3+Na2O + K2O) indicating that the deposition of Injana sandstones has occurred under fluctuated climate between arid to semi-arid.

In this paper, the landforms of Al-Jazeera Eastern Region at Misan Governorate, southeastern Iraq, are classified. An approach for regional geomorphological analysis is conducted using geospatial modeling and spatial analysis tools in a GIS environment. The reliance is mainly on SRTM digital elevation model data, LANDSAT and SASPLANET satellite images, as well as map data from the Iraqi Survey Authority. The landforms are investigated and classified according to the geomorphological classification system of the Dutch Geosciences Institute (ITC). The results indicate that the study area includes a large number of fluvial landforms (erosional and depositional) formed by the geomorphological activity of the river drainage basins that originated from Iranian territory. All landforms in the study area are a legacy of previous geomorphological conditions, most likely dating back to the Pleistocene era, which developed within six main geomorphological regions (Alluvial fans, Alluvial plains, Flood plains, Bad Lands, Pediments, and Hills). The importance of this study lies in the fact that it sheds light on the topographic features of Al-Jazeera Eastern Region at Misan Governorate, as it is one of the important regions in terms of natural resources in southern Iraq.

The Bajwan Formation is one of the most significant formations of the Oligocene cycle and the oil resource in the Kirkuk region. The present study is based on samples taken from two wells; the first is (K-A), where the Bajwan Formation about (30 m thick), while the second is (K-B), about (26 m thick). The formation is composed of creamy-colored limestone and dolomitic limestone with a various hardness. Some sections are soft. The formation is made up of four microfacies; Non-Fossiliferous Lime Mudstone, Milioldal-bioclasts Lime Wacke-stone/Packstone, Rotalids Wackestone, and Miliolidal Lime Wacke-stone/Packstone. These microfacies show that the formation was formed at inner ramp carbonate tidal flat platform environment. The Gama Ray log is used to compute the volume of shale (V-Shale) of the Bajwan Formation after the shale influence is removed owing to porosity equation adjustment. Based on the results of the porosity values for both wells, the Bajwan Formation successions are categorized into two zones in the well K-B, good and very excellent porosity zones, and three zones in the well K-A, poor, good, and very good porosity zones.

The hydrogeochemical study (major ions, heavy elements and water quality) is carried out for a section of the Euphrates River water extending between the Hindiya Barrage and Nasiriya City for a distance of 383 km. This is done by choosing eight sites for water samples (in dry and wet periods). Chemical analysis for water samples is conducted for major ions and heavy elements. To analyze the results, a hierarchical statistical analysis is used. It is found that the water samples are distributed into two main groups and three sub-groups, which indicates that there has been mixing of river water with water from another sources (drainage water and salty groundwater). Stiff diagram indicates the predominance of sodium and chlorine ions at the last site (S8). Piper plot shows a state of chemical mixing and that the water types are confined to (Ca-Cl), (Na-Cl), and (Ca-Mg-Cl) classes. Durov diagram indicates that there are chemical mixing processes for types of water as well as ion exchange processes. Through Gibbs diagram, it is found that water samples are distributed in the rock dominance and they tend to the dissolution field than to precipitation dominance. By calculating the heavy metal pollution index of some heavy metals (Pb, Co, Cu, Fe, Cd and Mn), it is found that the water is highly polluted with these heavy metals. From the Welcox and Riverside diagrams, it is found that the river's water quality is deteriorating at sites S6, S7, and S8, and that use of this water is harmful for irrigation.

The first Geological Strength Index (GSI) Chart was invented to classify rock mass properties. The GSI Chart developer assumes that qualified and skilled geologists or engineering geologists would evaluate and record the rock mass properties. Without a robust geological background and field experience, many researchers misuse the GSI charts. Due to the abnormal increase in GSI charts used in the recent decade, the update was necessary to eliminate visualization and assumption problems in GSI charts. The correlation between the quantified GSI charts was fair to reduce the uncertainty in estimating the rock strength properties. Many GSI charts were developed or updated to be quantified rather than visualized charts, which have become more specific and universal. The GSI Chart was modified by including additional parameters such as joint condition, rock quality designation RQD, volumetric joint count (Jv), and block volume (Vb). The modified GSI charts facilitate more practical use and reduce error. However, field observation and visualization are still essential for rock strength property estimation, particularly in the geomechanical classification of the rock mass. Some modifications add too much complexity to the original chart by adding a specific parameter or modifying it, making the decision-making based on the GSI Chart more difficult to find rock strength parameters. In some cases, a rock sample gets a significantly different GSI value for the same outcrop rock. Mixing 3D numerical modeling tools such as synthetic rock mass (SRM) or three-dimensional numerical modeling (3DEC) with GSI values is the most convenient method for estimating joints' strength and assisting engineering geologists in overcoming these obstacles.

The research aims to evaluate the geotechnical properties of the Quaternary deposits, for the establishment of some engineering facilities in addition to studying the effect of groundwater level fluctuation and predicting the possible subsidence resulting from groundwater withdrawal and impact of this oscillation on the engineering properties of the soil in the Baiji / North Salah al-Din Governorate for the site of Baiji gas power station power station and the path of the strategic line, and the soil moisture changes, the moisture content ratios of the samples ranged between (4.41-5.84%) Specific gravity values ranged between) 2.65-2.69) and from the results of the Grain size analysis of soil, the percentage of clay and silt was found to be the highest, and based on the plasticity chart, it was found that the type of soil CL- ML, ML, the direct shear test showed that the angle of internal friction ranged between (21°-22°) cohesion strength between (39-49 kPa) and the results of the Consolidation Test showed that the soil is over Consolidation O.C.R. From the results of chemical analyses gypsum content was a high percentage, neutral alkaline soil with a high organic content and a high percentage of sulfates, chlorides, and bicarbonates, and the percentage of dissolved salts exceeds (0.5%), which is considered high, The depths to the groundwater of 11 wells were measured and distributed over the study area and samples were taken from them Chemical analyses, and the results of these analyses showed that the classification of water according to the value of (pH) neutral alkalinity and Brakish Water type, and according to the classification of water depending on the values of the total hardness, it was found that it is of the Very Hard type, as well as the stresses were calculated. Total, neutral, and effective for calculating the possible ground subsidence resulting from groundwater withdrawal, the percentage of subsidence of the soil ranged between (0.200 - 0.275 cm), and the above properties indicate engineering problems in the soil of the study area so they must be addressed before the establishment of any engineering facility.

The study area is located in Ramadi City, western Iraq. Two methods are employed to evaluate the groundwater quality; first is Water Quality Index (WQI), and second is 2D resistivity method. A total of 20 groundwater samples are collected from wells in various locations from Ramadi City to evaluate its suitability for human consumption. Various physiochemical parameters are analyzed including pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, hardness, calcium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, sulfate, bicarbonate, and nitrate. The results are then compared with the standard limits for drinking water set by the Iraqi standard (ICOSQC, 2009). The results show that the values of the samples are within the acceptable limits for pH and NO3-, while most of the samples exceed the limits of the Iraqi standards. Groundwater quality is classified as poor to unsuitable for human drinking purposes based on WQI with a value range from 73.12 to 117.7. Three 2D resistivity profiles are utilized to delineate the groundwater contamination zone. The RES2DINV software employs a robust inversion method for processing and interpretation of 2D resistivity data. The 2D resistivity models indicate that the groundwater contamination zone exhibits a low resistivity value extending to a depth of 10 m. Both methods have identified sewage water and human activity as the primary contributors to groundwater contamination. Therefore, the treatment, management, and monitoring of the groundwater in Ramadi City are crucial to mitigate the environmental impacts on the health of society.

A regional seismic section extending about 530 km is constructed using data from fourteen local seismic lines obtained from various surveys conducted between 1978 and 1990. This section traverses central Iraq from west to east. Generally, the seismic data quality is poor in the western part and improves in the central and eastern parts of the regional seismic section. Seven reflectors are identified along the regional seismic section, corresponding to geological ages ranging from the Lower Triassic to the Mid Miocene. These reflectors are represented by Mirga Mir (Lower Triassic), Geli Khana (Middle Triassic), Kurra Chine (Upper Triassic), Najmah (Upper Jurassic), Mauddad (Middle - Cretaceous), Shiranish (Upper Cretaceous), and Fatha (Lower Fars) (Mid-Miocene) formations. This study shows the existence of two sedimentary basins, one in western Iraq associated with the Paleocene formation and the other in the Miocene-Pliocene formations towards the east. These two basins are separated by an uplifted area in the central part of the regional seismic section, a finding that is supported by anomalies in gravity and magnetic data. Many faults are identified along the regional seismic section, most of them, extend predominantly from deeper to shallower formations.

The selected area is located in the southern part of Iraq near the Kuwait and Saudi Arabia borders, specifically within Muthanna Governorate. One oil well had been drilled to 3393 m depth within the Najmah Formation. The current study aims to study the sequence stratigraphy of the Late Tithonian-Valanginian succession, which consists mainly of Yamama Formation, and determines the reservoir properties and their lateral extensions representing generally stratigraphic traps in the study area. This study tried to prove the results with low available data, like there is only one well to study, as well as the lack of core analysis and thin sections. Based on the available data, especially for the neighboring area close to the field, the area has an economic importance in petroleum reserves, especially the sequences of the Cretaceous period. The depositional processes that took place on the Yamama platform are described as a periodic transition regression multistory of the sedimentary units. These units are represented by granular economic units, which progress towards the relatively deeper parts of the basin during the high-stand conditions separated by shale rocks that acted as a cap rock between the reservoir units. Depending on the stratigraphic point of view, the Yamama Formation platform is a ramp setting as the depth of the Yamama Formation increases towards the northeast of well (X-1); and therefore, the reservoir units (YS1 and YS2) consisting of oolite are probably located completely in the aforementioned direction.

The primary objective of this paper is to categorize the quality of the rock mass in the Gattar-V uranium occurrence, which is a part of Gabal Gattar. This has been done by utilizing the Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Rock Mass Quality (Q), and Geological Strength Index (GSI). The results obtained from this classification are used to determine the most accurate estimates for current and future excavation and support systems. The results of the correlations between rock mass classification systems (RMR, Q, and GSI) indicate the followings: First, the support system recommended by the Q system is more effective in ensuring the stability of rock units in future tunnels. Second, the excavation of tunnels suggested by the RMR system is more efficient in ensuring the stability of rock units in future tunnels. Third, the current tunnel is stable and doesn’t need supporting with a maximum unsupported tunnel span of 6.2 meters requiring no rock bolts or fiber-reinforced shotcrete. Fourth, for future tunnels with a span greater than 6.2 meters, the excavation and support system recommendations should be based on these rock mass classification results.

The Hartha Formation is a crucial oil production reservoir in southern and central Iraq; known for its diverse carbonate sediments. The Hartha Formation at Balad oil field is divided into upper and lower parts. Based on the petrophysical characteristics (resistivity, porosity, and saturation), the lower parts of the Hartha Formation that contain the hydrocarbons are divided into two units: Har.UA and Har. UB. Analysis using the M-N cross-plot showed that calcite is the predominant mineral in the Hartha Formation, with dolomite and shale occurring to a lesser extent. Additionally, the neutron vs. density cross-plot analysis reveals that the Hartha Formation is primarily composed of limestone with dolomite as a secondary component. Based on the ComputerProcessing Interpretation (CPI) analysis of five wells studied at the Balad oil field, the wells in the northeastern block (Ba-5, Ba-6, and Ba-7) exhibit favorable reservoir quality. These wells are characterized by higher porosity fractions (0.228, 0.215, and 0.224), lower water saturation fractions (0.093, 0.099, and 0.092), and higher hydrocarbon saturation fractions (0.906, 0.9004, 0.907). Based on the separation of neutron and density records, these wells contain oil and gas phases, especially wells (Ba-6 and Ba-7). On the other hand, the wells located in the graben area (Ba-1 and Ba-8) demonstrate lower reservoir quality with porosity fractions of (0.13 and 0.20), water saturation fractions of (0.347 and 0.257), and hydrocarbon saturation fractions of (0.652 and 0.708), show only a single phase, specifically an oil zone.

This study included estimating the accumulated sediments in the Duhok Dam reservoir since its inception until now. These sediments, in turn, affect the volume of water storage in the reservoir over time. The study aims to propose appropriate solutions to address these sediments with the goal of extending the operational lifespan of the dam. To achieve this, the accumulated and transported sediments were estimated in selected sections of the dam reservoir. The bathymetric survey was conducted using the (ADCP) device, and these sections were drawn by comparing the bottom of the reservoir taken from the geometric survey before the dam construction with the current reservoir bottom taken from the bathymetric survey. This aimed to determine the thickness of the sediments and their spatial distribution in the reservoir, And the erosion occurring on its banks, The findings indicate that sediment increases proportionally with water flow from the upper part of the reservoir towards the dam body. Sediment thickness starts at (3 m) at the upper part of the reservoir and gradually increases, reaching its peak at the dam body with a thickness of (19 m). Erosion from the reservoir banks varies but generally inversely correlates with sediment deposition. It is higher at the upper part of the reservoir and decreases near the dam body. The volume of accumulated sediment in the reservoir reached at the levels (599.76 m), (600.46 m), it is (3,117,032 m3). As for the volume of erosion from the reservoir's banks at the same levels, it is (2,488,153 m3).

Water as one of the natural resources plays a key role in shaping most components of the life; it’s required more attention as an important resource in most countries in the world. Iraq’s rivers have affected by the construction of dams and climate change, and this impaction may be expected to increase cumulatively. Therefore, the aim of this research is identifying and evaluation to essential aspects that caused the water scarcity crisis in Iraq, specialty Euphrates River basin as one of the vital rivers in Iraq. The area is selected to study is situated around main stream of Euphrates River start from Al Hindiyah Barrage until Al kifil town which considered as one of the most important regions that Euphrates River passes through. The monthly climatologically data was collected from GCMSM. A statistical analysis is used for analyzing the homogeneity of hydro-climate data and test the significant change- points to evaluate trends over time period. The evaluation is based on two sections; the first one deals with how climatic change as a natural property can affect water flow. Secondly; identify the impact of hydrological factor on fluctuation water intake through statistical analysis of data such as used Mann-Whitney with hypothesis testing the Null Hypothesis H0 and the Alternative Hypothesis H1 for the period before construction and after construction dams to recent year .The results are indicated that the arid continental climate of Iraq was conferred a fluctuation in rivers’ discharges and the occurrence of consecutive dry years have allow for more fluctuation in some hydrological characteristics to the river regime. The climate change has caused a continuous rise in temperature with rate of 1-10 C ° annually and the effect of this rise has appeared since 1999.The amount of rainfall has also decreased sharply and at a noticeable way with peak decline in year 2000 in a time the rain occupies a first place in amount of recharge in Iraqi rivers at ratio of 42-49 % from total other recharge sources. Also from results, a direct correlation is appeared between rainfall and water consumption, as well as an inverse correlation with the temperature. The river’s sources countries can increase the risk of this change and the impact of climate change will be clear in future years due to its cumulative effect.

Today, in the context of climate change and intensive over-exploitation by humans, Morocco's water resources have become very fragile. The water resources of the Ouaoumana catchment area, which forms our study area and is considered a tributary of the Oum Er-Rabia catchment area, play several important roles in the area. The aim of this study is to assess these water resources using a qualitative hydrological method based on flow measurements over the period (November 2021-May 2022) at 7 measurement points in order to produce hydrological profiles. The main results obtained show that the longitudinal evolution of the flow of the Ouaoumana river is characterized by a large variation on a spatial and temporal scale, as the population uses a large quantity of water from the river for irrigation (drawing water from motor-driven pumps), this consequently leads to a reduction in surface and groundwater.

This study aims to find out the level of pollution in some agricultural land soils of areas located in central and southern Iraq (Dujail, Abu Ghraib, Hilla, Nasiriyah, Diwaniyah, Kut, Amara, and Qurna). Eight soil sample are collected for the years 2022-2023 to evaluate the degree of copper (Cu) contamination. Soil pollution is evaluated by choosing three indicators; first, is the geochemical accumulation index (Igeo); second, is the enrichment factor (EF); and third, is the contamination factor (CF). The results show that the heavily textured soil contains percentages of clay, silt, and sand ranging between (245-550), (321-500), and (90-299) g kg-1 respectively. pH is alkaline, pHS (7.6-7.9), electrical conductivity, ECe (4-56) dS m-1, carbonate minerals (212-375) g kg-1, and low soil organic matter, (SOM) (4-11) g kg-1, and the total copper content ranges from (32.08-45.50) mg kg-1. The contamination factor (CF) ranges between (1.07 and 1.52), and the enrichment factor (EF) ranges from (0.46-0.65) with an average of (0.54). The results of our soil models show a decrease in enrichment factors (EF) and soil pollution. While the values of the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) ranges from (-0.36) to (-0.51). So, it is clear from these results that the soils of the study areas are moderately to highly polluted. Therefore, the diversity of geological and human sources of copper contamination in the soil of the study area is reflected by these factors.

Dhahrat Al-Qurain structure is formed after a restraining bend along the active Jordan Valley sinistral strike-slip fault, which is a part of the Dead Sea Transform Fault separating the Arabian plate from the Sinai subplate. The present study aims to understand the volcano-tectonic relationship in the structure. Detailed measurements of the structural elements are done to compare them with modern sandbox models. Also, this study attempts to deduce the mechanisms that led to the formation of the Dhahrat Al-Qurain structure and basalt eruption. The Pleistocene age of Ghor El-Katar Formation in the structure squeezed and experienced upward movement above the stepover, confined by a sinistral, oblique system with an arcuate shape. Later, left-lateral inclined fault planes formed within the main Jordan Valley Fault, connecting through increased displacement to form the principal displacement zones. The uplift evolved into a rhomboidal shape, marked by outer and internal reverse faults. Increasing displacement led to increased amplitude and deformation. A complex system of dextral and sinistral strike-slip faults fractured the rhomboidal pressure ridge structure. The raised blocks exhibited block rotation, synthetic and antithetic movements. Basalt is strongly pushed upward and uplifted Ghor El-Katar Formation causing its tilt at steep to vertical angles.