Iraqi National Journal of Earth Science

The study is conducted at one point in Siba City, Basrah to describe its fauna content and texture. The current study attempts to reveal the transitional stage between marine and fluvial environments. Variation in sediment texture provides an index of environmental transformation in the Recent (Holocene Epoch). From grain size analysis, we notice an increase in the percentage of silt and a decrease in the percentage of sand in meters (1-3), a gradual increase in the percentage of sand and a gradual decrease in the percentage of silt in meters (4-6), and in meter 7 there is a high increase in sand and a high decrease in silt, and a gradual decrease in clay from meter 1 to meter 7, a decrease in the percentage of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) is also noted. Recent fauna reinforces sedimentary evidence that marine regression began at depths 5 and 7 m, marine species decrease significantly, and one of the most important marine groups is the Miliolina (Suborder) from foraminifera, where Triloculina, Quinqueloculina, and Spiroloculina are found; on the other hand, describe other groups; Nodosariina, Rotaliida, Textulariina, Polymorphinina and Nodosariina in addition to Ostracoda.

The research aims to study some geotechnical properties of the Quaternary deposits in wadi- Al- Jafer south of Sharqat district, Salah- Al- Din Governorate to indicate their validity for some engineering purposes like foundation for earth fill dam.The geotechnical tests are carried out for seven representative samples of the sediments. The geotechnical tests show that the sediments contain varying sizes. Therefore, they are heterogeneous soil. classified through the plasticity chart as a clayey soil with low plasticity (CL) in some samples, while in most samples, the soil is silty soil with low plasticity (ML). The specific gravity and water content values range between (2.64 and 2.73) (1.10 and 8.33) % respectively. The chemical analyses show that the values of gypsum ratio, total dissolved salts (TDS), organic material ratio and sulphate ratio range between (7.31and 38.21) %, (11.84 and 41.16) %, (0.03and 0.35) % and (1.38 and 6.18) respectively. The pH values range between (7.91 and 7.98). These high percentages affect the engineering properties of soil. Through mechanical tests, it is found that the cohesion values range between (1.7 and 13.3) kg/ cm2. Cohesion values increase as the percentage of fine materials increases and decrease as the moisture content and coarse materials increase. The values of the internal friction angle range between (21° and 40°) and affected by values of plasticity index and the increase in the percentage of coarse materials. Compression index (Cc) values range between (0.12 and 0.81), these differences in values reflect that the samples deposits have different compressibility. The values of the swelling index range between (0.014 and 0.097). This difference in values reflects that the sample deposits have different swelling ratio. Thus, we conclude that the deposits of the study area in general can be used for some engineering purposes after being treated as foundation for earth fill dams.

The study aims to conduct a geotechnical evaluation of the soil of four suggested sites for expansion in the North Refineries Company, northern Salah Al-Din Governorate. The study area is located on the southwestern limb of Makhul anticline within the Quaternary sediments to determine their suitability for the establishment of some engineering facilities, and to assess the quality of the groundwater through chemical analyses and developing a model that simulates the effect of groundwater fluctuation when establishment as new projects.
Physical and engineering tests are carried out as well as chemical analyses. The moisture content ratios range between (6.39 -13.40%), specific gravity range between )2.67- 2.74). From the results of the grain size analysis of soil, the percentages of clay and silt are found to be the highest and based on Atterberg limits and according to the plasticity scheme, it is found that the types of soil are CL and ML classification the soil is into (medium plasticity, slightly plastic). The results of the engineering properties from the direct shear test show that the internal friction angle ranges between (21°-33°), cohesion strength between (56-81 kPa), and the results of the consolidation test show that the soil is over consolidation O.C.R. The chemical analyses indicate that the gypsum content is low to medium, and a neutral alkaline soil with an organic content range from low to high, and contains a high percentage of sulfates, fluorides and bicarbonates. The percentage of dissolved salts exceeds (0.5%) and is considered high. The electrical conductivity (EC) will also be high. The groundwater depths are measured by a groundwater depth detector for wells distributed in the study area and samples are taken from several water wells located near the facilities. The results of chemical analyses show that the classification of water according to (pH) is from moderate to weak alkalinity. When comparing the concentration of total dissolved salts of groundwater in the study area, it is found that the water of the study area is brackish water; and according to the classification of water depending on the values of total hardness, it is found that the water of the study area is of high hardness.

Some geotechnical properties of the soil at depths between (0.5-6 meters). of a proposed site for the construction of residential complexes, northwest of the city of Tikrit are evaluated for three stations represented by six models. The moisture content is (0.41% - 3.39%), the specific gravity values are (2.39% - 2.61%). The particle size analysis show that the soil of the region has particle sizes of the coarse type (gravel, sand) and fine type (silt, clay). The percentage of gravel is (0%-74.09%), sand (21.58%-67.88%), silt (3.59%-32.03%), clay (0.14%-23.84%). The plasticity test shows that most of the stations in the study area lack the presence of clay, with the exception of model (C) for station (3), which has a fluidity limit of (22), a plasticity limit of (19). The plasticity index values for the model reached (3), and the compression index values for models (C, A2) respectively are (0.95-0.45), and the swelling index ratio (Cr) for the two models ranges between (0.31 and 0.083) meaning that the soil has a low swelling ratio due to the lack of clay minerals that can swell in the soil. The maximum dry density values are (1.80 - 2.5 gm/cm3) and the ideal moisture content values are (6.1% - 12.1%). Chemical analyses show a high percentage of gypsum in the soil ranging between (1.06% and 46.25%). The percentage of soluble salts is (3.01%-50.07%). The percentage of organic materials (0.017%-0.062%). The pH is (7.82% - 8.11%), and the chlorides (0.21% - 1.82%). We conclude from this study that the studied soil is not suitable for engineering projects in its current condition

X-ray diffraction technology (XRD) is one of the fundamental and vital pillars in the study of the properties of crystalline materials. The applications of )XRD( are widely extended in geological studies and cement research, especially the investigation of the presence of minerals in rocks and sediments. Crystal size is one of the factors affecting physical properties. The (XRD) device was used to analyze samples of ordinary cement and sulfate-resistant cement, the mineral phases were determined and the Crystal volume was analyzed using the scherrer L= (K*λ)/β*Cosθ, equation, this equation allows calculating the Crystal volume with high accuracy using (XRD) data, which allows a deeper understanding of the internal composition of materials, the study shows that the size of the crystals of resistant cement is significantly larger than the size of the crystals of ordinary cement, this is due to slow cooling that leads to the formation of coarse crystals due to the transformation of Tri-calcium silicate (C3S) into bicalcium silicate (C2S), poor storage or the formation of free lime, which affects various heat treatments, the volume can be processed Crystallization by controlling the lime saturation coefficient (LSF), raw material quality and furnace temperature control. This study is a crucial step towards improving the quality of cement by controlling the manufacturing conditions and strictly controlling the crystal size, which achieves a balance between strength and thermal stability. The results confirm the importance of using the Scherrer equation as an indispensable tool in the analysis of the Crystal volume of solids, especially in the cement industry.

This research studies the effect of adding polypropylene fibers and nano-calcium carbonate to compressed earth blocks. The soil used is taken from the Laylan area, north of Kirkuk City, Iraq. Chemical and physical tests are performed to determine soil properties. Different percentages of fibers (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4 %) and nano calcium carbonate (0.05%, 0.15%, and 0.25%) are added to dry weight of soil in different water percentages. Two sets of blocks are produced in both small-scale and large-scale; the blocks are compressed using a manual pressing machine with a pressure of 15 MPa. Compressive, flexural, and durability tests are performed for the block specimens to determine the effect of the added materials on the compressed earth block. The results show the best improvement by fiber and nano calcium carbonate observed at 28 days of curing period for blocks with 0.2% fiber-0.25% nano calcium carbonate treatment, and the highest compressive reaches 17.9 MPa for the small-scale blocks and 7.7 MPa for the large-scale blocks; and the highest flexural strength is 1.67 MPa. Furthermore, the results show that the durability index increases with increasing percentages of fibers and nano-calcium carbonate, which indicates mass loss percentages decrease with increasing percentages of additive improvers for the compressed earth blocks.

A Fatha Formation (Middle Miocene) exposure section was studied in the Mushak area, Baiji, Northern Iraq. A section 35m thick consists of sequences of limestones, green marls, red claystone, and gypsum. These sequences are repeated within the section and have a thickness of 35 m. As for the stratigraphic boundaries, the lower contact is unconformity with the Pila Spi Formation, while the upper boundary is conformity with the Injana Formation. The Paleontological study of limestone rocks was carried out by examining thin sections of 15 samples. Three microfacies appear: Bioclastic Lime Packstone, Peloidal Lime Wackestone, and Lime Mudstone Microfacies, which are subtidal to restricted lagoon and open marine. The recorded calcareous nannofossil assemblages include one biozone, which is from the lower to the upper part of the section: Sphenolithus heteromorphus Interval Biozone (CN4). Following the standard biozonation, this biozone concludes the age of the Middle Miocene (Langhian).

Limestone deposits from the Fatha formation were assessed for the preparation of ordinary Portland cement. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed that calcite is the most abundant mineral in limestone, followed by quartz, and a trace amount of dolomite. Chemical analyses by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) showed that the major oxides (CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, Na2O, K2O, TiO2, SO3, and P2O5) are within the acceptable limits required for the cement industry. Based on the chemical parameters of cement (LSF, SR, and AR), the mixture was made from limestone of the Fatha Formation and the claystone from the Injana Formation. Based on the chemical parameters of cement (LSF, SR, and AR), another mixture was prepared using limestone and claystone as in the first mixture, with the addition of sand and bauxite as corrective materials, to enhance the quality of the product. The mixture was burned at 1450°C by using a special program, and the produced clinker was assessed mineralogically and chemically to detect the major and minor phases of clinker. Bogue's equations indicated the percentage of (Alite, Billet, Aluminate, and Ferrite) within internationally accepted limits. Moreover, the Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test indicates clear crystalline shapes of the clinker phases. The produced clinker has good quality and meets the required standard of ordinary Portland cement.

The study area is located in Kirkuk Governorate along the area adjacent to both sides of the Kirkuk irrigation project, starting from Debs Dam to the end of Tuz Khurmatu district, with an area of about 220 km². It is situated between longitudes (״00'50˚46 and ״00'00˚41) and latitudes (38 ˚50'00״ and 39˚40'00״). The depths and groundwater levels in the study area (Debs and Tuz Khurmatu) range between 4-36 m and 178-262 m, respectively. Fifteen water samples are collected from well waters in the study area, and their physical and chemical tests are carried out. The pH values range between 6.5-8.5, total dissolved solids (TDS) values between 1732-429 ppm, and the values of the electrical conductivity (EC) range between 671– 2706 µs/cm. The values of the major cation’s concentrations: calcium ion (Ca+2) between (313.60-85.38 ppm), sodium ion (Na+) between (43.18–205.43 ppm), magnesium ion (Mg2+) between (142.18–29.34 ppm) and potassium ion (K+) between (27.99–8.28 ppm). The values of the concentrations of the major anions: sulfate ion (SO4-2) range from (680-19 ppm), chloride ion (Cl-) between (692–63 ppm), and bicarbonate ion (HCO-3) between (220.66– 77.76 ppm). As for the secondary components concentrations: nitrate ion (NO3-) ranges between (8.66–4.16 ppm) and phosphate ion (PO4-3) between (2.15–0.78 ppm). As for water classification, the Piper (1944) and Stiff and Gibbs classifications are used in this study. According to Piper's (1944) classification, the waters are classified as alkaline earth waters with predominant sulphates or chlorides, or alkaline earth waters with an increased alkali fraction. As for the Stiff classification, it turns out that the ion (Ca+2) and the ion (Mg+2) are the dominant major cations, while the chloride ion and the sulfate ion are the dominant major anions.

The current work emphasizes the ability of Landsat-8 (L8) and Sentinel-2A (S2A) satellite data through image processing to discriminate lithology and extract lineaments in the area of Gabal Abu Hamr and Gabal Abu Kharif, Northeastern Desert, Egypt. Different image processing methodologies are utilized to both Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2A images such as False-Color Composites (FCC), analysis as Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF), Principal (PCA), where largest variation recorded is in the first three PC bands (more than 99%), and Independent Component (ICA) and mathematical means as Band Algebra. Furthermore, image classification techniques, including Maximum Likelihood (MLC) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), are utilized for identifying pixels with similar characteristics, which support the process of separating rock units in the current study. These techniques can discriminate the rocks of the study area, especially the older granitoid rocks, which are difficult to separate in the field due to the mineral affinity between them. The manual and automatic lineaments extraction methods by visual interpretation and Directional Filtering via the LINE algorithm in PCI Geomatica shed light on the common lineaments’ directions within the study area, exhibiting trends in the NE-SW and E-W, followed by a trend in the N-S direction.

This article presents the pre-stack attenuation of multiple noises from a 2-D land seismic survey acquired on the Iraq-Kuwait border in southern Iraq. The processing workflow is performed using the Geovation software from CGG that employs a de-aliased High-Resolution Radon with a non-iterative process for seismic reflection data. First, we apply noise attenuation, surface deconvolution (predictive), and normal move-out (NMO) correction, which is executed using the root-mean-square velocity (RMS velocity) to flatten the primary event, and the Common Mid-Point gathers (CMP gathers) are converted into the Radon domain using a least-squares-parabolic Radon transform. Several tests are performed on some parameters to predict the multiple events using a High-Resolution de-aliased multiple attenuation (RAMUR) algorithm aimed to attenuate multiple events. RAMUR algorithms compute a model of primary and multiple events based on data decomposition into user-defined parabolas and are performed using a high-resolution, de-aliased least-squares method. The Radon transforms separate primary reflection and multiple reflection events in the (τ-q) domain based on move-out differences between primary and multiple events, which are characterized as events with slower velocity. Reflection events relating to parabolas with a higher curvature are counted as multiples, whereas events with smaller are counted as primary events. The RAMUR algorithms subtract the model of multiples from the input gathers. The workflow effectively attenuates reflection-based generated multiples events, which improves the overall seismic response after imaging, and enhances correlation with well information.

Groundwater occupies the forefront in areas where there is no surface runoff from streams and rivers. Therefore, it becomes a natural resource that can be relied upon to develop the areas where it exists if investments are made rationally and thoughtfully, especially in agriculture. Groundwater is studied in the Makhmur district. The research objectives are to highlight the suitability of groundwater for irrigation using one of the methods of artificial intelligence by studying the chemical properties and calculating irrigation coefficients (PI, PS, SAR, MAR, KR, Na%, and RSC) and comparing them with the international standards, then the spatial distribution of irrigation coefficients for the study area is studied. The results of the irrigation classification using artificial intelligence, using the Fuzzy method, showed that 4 wells were classified as poor, 9 wells were very poor, and one well was unsuitable. The spatial distribution shows that the best places for FIGQ were in the West of the study area, in contrast to the southern region, where electrical conductivity increases significantly.

The results obtained from the geotechnical investigations are essential and useful in designing engineering projects. Additionally, they can help in identifying future problems surrounding the project and provide appropriate solutions to these problems. The physical properties are utilized in the classification of soils for engineering purposes. This study identifies some geotechnical properties of the designed models. Geotechnical tests are conducted to evaluate the engineering properties of the soil samples at the University of Tikrit to identify their weak zones, down to a depth of 3 meters. The values of specific gravity range between 2.41-2.46 due to the high gypsum content in the soil. Models with low moisture content are observed with moisture content values ranging between 2.78 and 8.11%. Atterberg limit tests are conducted, and the examination failed in models containing small proportions of clay, except for three models, where the Atterberg limits are found (St.4, St.6, St.7). The liquidity index values are (22.14, 22.95, 23.37) respectively, while the plastic limit values are (19.57, 20.14, 21.35) for the same models. The results show that the soil is of type (SM). Proctor compaction tests are performed, where the maximum dry density values range between (1.691 and 1.778 g/cm³), while the optimum moisture content values range between (12.7 and 15.2%). As for shear resistance parameters, the cohesion values (C) range between 40 and 49 kPa, and the internal friction angle values (Ø) range from 30° to 35°.

In this study, non-cohesive soils from a site in the city of Umm Qasr in Basrah Governorate, southern Iraq, are improved by adding Portland cement at a rate of 5% of the sample's weight and a polymeric mixture that included thinner as a solvent, polyvinyl acetate, unsaturated polyester, and isocyanides in proportions of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% of the added cement's weight through the use of geotechnical tests that include the degree of improvement in the soil's geotechnical properties, such as compaction, direct shear strength, California Bearing Ratio, and absorption, to ascertain the optimal percentage of polymer that is beneficial for improvement. The results show that the optimal moisture content values decrease from 10% to 9%, the maximum dry density values increase from 1.982 g/cm3 to 2.162 g/cm3, and the absorption values decrease from 28.7% to 9.6%. The addition of polymers and cement serves as a binding agent, the angle of internal friction increases from 27 to 32 degrees, and fosters the development of cohesion between the soil particles to (43.14 kPa). The California Bearing Ratio value increases from 27% to 54% by adding polymer at a rate of 20% of the cement weight and cement at a rate of 5% of the sample weight.

This work looks at the use of machine learning algorithms to predict soil composition (clay, gravel, sand, and silt) using remotely sensed data, providing a cost-effective and scalable solution for large-area soil mapping. This paper aims to optimize and compare grid search and random search for improving the performance of the machine learning models for soil texture prediction in the study area using Sentinel-1A SAR data and ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM), and topographic information. Five machine learning models—Linear Regression (LR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), and Multilayer Perceptron Regressor (MLP Regressor)—are examined. Grid search and random search approaches are used to optimize hyperparameters and improve model performance. After hyperparameter adjustment using grid and random searches, the DT model achieved near-perfect accuracy (RMSE ≤ 0.029, MAE < 0.021, R2 = 1.000). The MLP Regressor model also performed well in random search optimization (RMSE = 0.038, MAE = 0.03, R2 = 1.000), outperforming grid search. Based on the presented results, the Decision Tree model appears to be the most suitable choice for predicting (clay, silt, and sand) soil composition, and Multilayer Perceptron Regressor (MLP Regressor) is the most suitable choice for predicting gravel composition. The improved models may be used in large-scale soil mapping projects, allowing for more informed decisions in agriculture, environmental management, and land use planning.

The current study evaluated indicators of heavy metal pollution (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr , Co, and Sb) of the surface layer of calcareous soils in the industrial areas on the left side, southeast of Mosul. Soil samples were collected at a depth of (0- 30 cm) from nine different sites that covered the study area, and the total content of heavy metals was estimated to calculate the contamination factor (CF), Enrichment Factor (EF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), and Combined Pollution Index (CPI). The results indicated that the total content of heavy metals was as follows: Pb (0.74-3.89), Cd (0.1-0.17), Ni (188.63-226.21), Cr (60.8-95.06), Co (10.99-12.68), Sb (1.14-10.66) mg.kg-1, as the study showed that the average values of CF for the studied elements (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr , Co, and Sb) were as follows (0.11, 1.13, 10.35, 0.77, 1.20 and 25.82), respectively, while the average Enrichment Factor (EF) values were (0.17, 1.70, 15.46, 1.15 , 1.79 and 39.17) respectively, while the Igeo evaluation rates were uncontaminated with (Pb, Cd, Cr, Co) and Heavily to very heavily polluted by (Ni, Sb) in all study sites. Moreover, CPI values were determined for all heavy metals studied in all sites as high polluted

The Kometan Formation is studied in two exposed sections, the first is Dokan section, with a thickness of up to 118 m, and the second is Qallat section, where the formation is exposed with about 88 m thick. The formation is composed of limestone and dolomitic limestone having chert nodules. The lower contact of the formation with Gulneri Formation and the upper contact with Shiranish Formation are both unconformable. The current study relied on examining 80 thin sections that show the presence of planktonic foraminifera and a little benthonic foraminifer. Three main microfacies are identified, which are later divided into six submicrofacies. Based on the facies analysis, it is found that the environment deposition of the formation in Dokan section was marine represented by the toe of slope at the lower part, then retreated to toe of slope/slope environment, and finally slope environment at the top of the formation. While in Qallat section, the deposition of the formation was in the toe of slope/slope at the lower part of the formation, then retreated to toe of slope environment, and finally toe of slope/slope environment at the top of the formation. This means that the lower part of the formation in Dokan section resembles the middle part of the formation in Qallat section, and the middle part of the formation in Dokan section resembles the upper part of the formation in Qallat section, which means that the depositional environment of the formation in Qallat section was deeper than that in Dokan section.

The Fatha Formation (Middle Miocene), formerly known as the Lower Fars Formation, is very important in the petroleum system. It may be an oil reservoir in many northern, central, and southern oilfields, in addition to being caprock in Tertiary reservoirs. Based on cutting samples, the lithology of the formation was determined, as it consists of a sequence of limestone, marl, marly limestone, siltstone, anhydrite, or saltstone. The lower contact of the Fatha Formation is conformable with the Jeribe Formation, while the upper contact represents the outcrop. The lithofacies were divided into evaporite, marl, limestone, marly limestone, dolomite, and siltstone facies. Based on the petrographic study, the microfacies of the Fatha Formation were highly influenced by diagenetic processes. These included the processes of micritization, compaction, cementation, neomorphism, fractures, dissolution, dolomitization, and anhydrization, in addition to locally occurring authigenic minerals (pyrite). The microfacies analysis diagnosed four main microfacies: mudstone, wackestone, packstone, and grainstone, and four submicrofacies based on the prevailing grain types. According to the facies analysis results, the depositional environment of the Fatha Formation in the study area represents a shallow marine environment forming part of the inner ramp, including tidal flat, lagoon, and shoal.

A detailed study is conducted on the stability of the rock slopes at the two banks of the Khanas Dam reservoir located in the southeastern Sheikhan anticline, -Nineveh Governorate. The study includes seven stations distributed in both banks. The field survey is accomplished to determining the attitude of slopes and discontinuities of the rock blocks belonging to the Pilaspi Formation in the study area. The stability of the rock slopes is evaluated using Dips v: 6.008 program which uses kinematic analysis to predict potential structural failures (plane sliding, wedge sliding, flexure toppling and direct toppling), and SMARTool-v205 program used to determines the degree of the stability for each mode of failure. From the stability analysis results, it is found that there is possible occurrence of direct toppling at stations (SR1, SR2, SR3 and SL1), wedge sliding at stations (SR1, SR2, SR3, SL2 and SL3), flexural toppling at stations (SL1) and plane sliding at station (SR1). A program to evaluate the (slope mass rating shows the values of discrete (Slope Mass Rating SMR) and (Continuous Slope Mass Rating, (CSMR). At worst case, the lowest values for the slope mass rating of wedge sliding are in the stations (SR2 and SR3), where they range between (13-19) for discrete and (6-20) for continuous. While the highest wedge sliding values are in the stations (SL2 and SL3). In the discrete, they range between (44-46) and in continuous (CSMR), they range between (38-46). As for the direct toppling and in the worst condition in the spillway station, they are (44) in discrete and (48) in continuous, but the highest values are in the stations (SR2, SR3, SL1). They range between (51-61) in the discrete, and between (48-60) in continuous (CSMR), while the flexural toppling, is found at one station in (SL1) for the discrete (44) and continuous (47), and the plane sliding at the first station (SR1) for discrete status is (9), while in the continuous (CSMR) is (15).

Understanding and managing of water reserves are based on the study of groundwater. The current study includes areas at the left side of Mosul City for the upper and lower regions of Sherikhan and Al-Kubba. Six samples are collected from wells in the study area. TDS, Temp., EC and pH are measured in the field. A laboratory analysis of the main ions (Na+, Mg+2, Ca+2, Cl-, SO4-2, HCO3-, K+1) is performed. The study results show that most wells samples do not conform to the specifications of the Iraqi standards for drinking water due to the high values of most of the measured qualitative properties. The water quality index WQI reveals that most of the samples are considered as not suitable for drinking. Few heavy elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Co) are also examined, and each of Fe and Cu is within acceptable limits of WHO specifications, while the rest of the elements are over the acceptable limits. Irrigation tests are also examined, and each of TH, Na% and the ratio of MAR is within the acceptable limits and it refers to the suitability for irrigation of most plants that are moderately sensitive to salinity and some plants who have moderate resistance to salt. The statistical analysis shows that there is a strong correlation between calcium and bicarbonate, and between sodium and chlorine. This indicates that carbonate and sodium salts were dissolved.

The succession of the Sarki Formation (Early Jurassic) is studied in an outcrop section near the Sule village in northeastern Iraq within the High Folded Zone. The formation consists of dolomitic limestone, massive dolomite including stylolite, layers of limestone containing bedded stromatolites, interbedded black to gray and yellow shale in the lower and middle units. Petrographically, the formation consists of skeletal grains as represented by bivalves and gastropods, ostracod shells, stromatolites, some sponge spines, and calcispheres, as well as non-skeletal grains represented by ooids, intra and extra clasts and peloids. Field work has revealed that four rock lithofacies could be identified: the gray shale rock lithofacies, the yellow shale lithofacies, the brecciated dolomitic limestone lithofacies, and the laminated stromatolite lithofacies. Based on the petrographic components, five main microfacies are distinguished: the mudstone limestone microfacies, the wackstone microfacies, packstone microfacies, grainstone microfacies, and boundstone microfacies, which in turn are divided into eleven submicrofacies. All of these facies reflect the deposition in a shallow marine environment that extends into three secondary environments: the pertidal environment, lagoon environment, and oolitic sand shoal barrier environment. The paleogeography setting reveals that the formation sequences were deposited in shallow environments within the restricted basins that were formed as a result of affecting to tectonic movements that led to fluctuations in sea level which helped in creating sedimentary basins during the Early Jurassic period. Finally, a sedimentalogical model for the formation is drawn.

The presence of heavy metals in soils and sediments can potentially pose a toxic threat to ecosystems, and possibly impacts the human health through the food chain. The soils present in the study area) Erbil City (, both natural and imported, will be subjected to anthropogenic input and the influence of waste generated in these locations, thereby resulting in potential environmental and health concerns. Erbil City, the administrative center of the Kurdistan region of Iraq is situated in northern Iraq. This heavily populated urban city exhibits a high level of activities with regards to the presence of manufacturing plants, medical institutions, automobiles, industrial infrastructures, industrial emissions, vehicle cleaning establishments, and accumulation of waste containers. The study aims to elucidate the specific areas where the input of heavy metal pollutants from human activities are expected to significantly contribute in a localized pollution. A comprehensive analysis is conducted to a total of sixty-five soil samples collected from various locations within the busiest urban areas of Erbil City. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the potential presence of heavy and toxic metals, thereby assessing the extent of contamination in the region. To achieve this, a thorough examination is carried out for twenty-five different elements of the collected soil samples. When comparing to international standards, it is observed that the overall pollution levels do not exceed the permissible pollution concentration levels, except for certain specific localities.

The characteristics and properties of the terrain and geological factors of the Earth are important factors in selecting an oil pipeline network. This paper highlights the study of these factors and how to choose the appropriate geographical location to establish the pipeline network for transporting oil between five Iraqi governorates. This study aims to choose the shortest path between these governorates by applying the special branch and bound algorithm in solving the traveling salesman problem (TSP), where the theoretical concept of this problem is similar to the study prepared in this research in terms of choosing the shortest path between the governorates starting from the starting point and passing through the four governorates, and then returning to the same point. In this context, the process of determining the coordinates of the longitude and latitude of the geographical location after completing the study of all geological factors is done by using a GPS module, whose method of operation is based on its work that depends on the sensors used with the Wi-Fi IoT device, called particle photon. The study also aims to find out the errors related to the distortion of the transmission signal in the GPS unit, such as high buildings, rocks, and satellite interference. The importance of this study is to prepare a team that combines computer science and Internet of Things applications with geologists and oil experts, because oil exploration requires practical experience in geology and topography, with the possibility of implementing algorithms and applications by computer engineers.

Geomorphic indices are a basic tool to indicate Neotectonic activities in certain areas like Al-Adhaim River Basin in Iraq. Different geomorphic indices including stream length gradient index, drainage basin asymmetry, hypsometric integral, valley floor width-to-height ratio, and mountain front sinuosity have been calculated. The ArcGIS, DEM, Geological maps at a scale of 1:250000 and different erosional data to perform the current research have been used. The study area has been divided into 14 sub-basins in the ArcGIS Software. Accordingly, the tectonic activity ranges from moderate in sub-basins (4, 5, 11, 13, and 14) and high sub-basins (2, 3, 6, 7, 9, and 10) to very high in the sub-basins (1 and 8). Erosion rates range from moderate in the sub-basin (2) to severe in sub-basins (1, 7, and 14) and very severe in the sub-basins (8, 11, and 12). The comparison between the relative tectonic activity and erosion rate shows different types of relationships in different sub-basins. In three sub-basins (7, 9, and 10), the two variables coincide, and in sub basins (1, 2, 4, 5, 8, and 13) there is a mutual relation between the two variables, and only in sub basin 11, there is an opposite relation between the two variables.

A magnetic dataset over some portions of the southern Bida Basin, Nigeria, has been evaluated using spectral analysis and Euler deconvolution techniques. The geothermal potentials and the subsurface structures of the region are delineated from the data. Qualitative assessment of the total magnetic intensity (TMI) and first vertical derivative maps of the region reveal evidence of intrusion around the northeastern and southeastern portions of the research area. The entire region is greatly faulted, with the major fault trending east west (E-W). The Euler deconvolution map reveals clusters of different rock bodies in contact with each other delineated as dyke and sill structures. These structures have depth range values between 01 and 1917 m. The results from the spectral analysis reveal two depth source models in the region, namely the high sedimentary pill region ranging from 1.79 to 3.30 km, and the low sedimentary pill region ranging from 0.41 to 1.45 km. The 3D real-view map of the sedimentary infilling within the mapped area shows that the sedimentary pills are undulating and structurally controlled within the research area. The geothermal gradient and the Curie isotherm depth are estimated to range from 19.10 to 32.10 °C/km, and this is not sufficient for geothermal energy exploitation. The current investigation has been able to pinpoint the igneous intrusive zones that should be avoided when investigating hydrocarbons. It also yields a model that makes identifying possible geologic structures that control magnetic ore mineral deposits in the region easier.

Kometan Formation is studied in a surface section in Dokan region, northeastern Iraq. It attains 70 m thick and its rocks are characterized by the predominance of gray-white limestone and stylolites in most of the section with the presence of chert nodules within the layers of the formation succession, and thin layer of marl in the lower part of the formation. Microfacies study of the rocks reveals that they are mostly composed of two main microfacies: lime wackestone microfacies and lime packstone microfacies which are subdivided into nine submicrofacies according to their grain’s component. The different microfacies consist of a variety of skeletal grains, such as planktonic and benthic Foraminifera, Calcispheres and Radiolaria. Bioclastes are represented by Foraminifera bioclast and Pelecypoda shells. In addition, the rock succession affected by many diagenetic processes such as compaction, cementation, recrystallization, silicification, dolomitization and dissolution, authigenic minerals such as pyrite and glauconite. Sedimentolgical and biological evidences indicate that the formation was deposited within a deep environment extending from the deep sea to the toe of the slope, which corresponds to all bathyal zones. The study identifies the presence of tectonic features like Neptunian Dykes and Stylolite structures, which are probably formed by tectonic tension processes. Nannofossils suggests that sediment filled Neptunian dykes are relatively younger in age than Kometan Formation.

Bekhma Formation consists of sequences of limestone and marly limestone. Petrography determined the nature of the rocks and their contents of skeletal and non-skeletal components, including the planktonic foraminifera (Heterohelix, Hedbergella, Asterigerina Globigerinoides, Globotruncana), and the benthic foraminifera represented by the genera (Nodosaria, Textularia, Rotalina, Bolivina), as well as the appearance of A few ostracods and echinoderms. The formation is divided into four microfacies are Lime Mudstone Microfacies, Lime Wackestone Microfacies, Lime Packstone Microfacies and Lime Grianstone Microfacies, the Miceofacies is divieded into eight Submicrofacies, depending on the results of microfacies and the content of fossils that determined the depositional environment of the formation extending from the edge of the deep shelf. to the open shelf

Oases are fragile ecosystems that face many challenges threatening their sustainability. One of these challenges is water erosion, a phenomenon that is rapidly increasing worldwide and threatens the sustainability of ecosystems in general, and oases in particular. Our study focuses on assessing the rate of water erosion in one of Algeria's most important oases, Metlili Oasis. This assessment is based on integrating remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with the Erosion Potential Method (EPM) model. After identifying the erosion pattern, we attempt to determine the primary cause behind this development using the results of a field survey distributed to the oasis residents. The results indicate that human activities had a significant impact on the rate of erosion. The findings of this study can serve as an important tool for authorities in managing and protecting the natural resources of the Metlili Oasis by implementing developmental programs that protect the oasis system and ensure its sustainability. The study's recommendations include encouraging residents to engage in reforestation and increase vegetation cover with suitable crops, which will help protect the soil from water erosion. The study also highlights the importance of remote sensing technologies and GIS in studying natural phenomena, especially in areas where fieldwork is challenging.

Military efforts to evict terrorist organizations from the governorate caused widespread destruction in Mosul, particularly on the right side of the Tigris River. The city required a complete reconstruction of its buildings and infrastructure. Geotechnical investigations were carried out in the majority of the right-side areas in preparation for the sewerage projects. 64 boreholes were drilled to a depth of 5 m. During the drilling, the physical and engineering properties investigations of the soil have been studied, and the vertical soil depths are divided into three beds (1.5, 3, and 5 m). The investigation was done by the Al-Mawarid Bureau for geological and engineering geology investigations. The data are interpolated by spatial analysis tools in the ArcGIS application using the Ordinary Kriging Method (OK), which is a better method to represent distribution values nearest to the actual values compared with other methods of interpolation. The results indicate that the soil was distributed into three groups: high plasticity clay, low plasticity clay, and low plasticity silt. Most areas have a liquid limit between 30-50%, a decreased plasticity index toward deeper layers, and low clay activity, while the swelling potential is high except in the southeastern part of the study area, where the bearing capacity increases with depth. In the northeast, the foundation type is compact footing with 1.8 m depth, and in the southwest, it needs a deep pile with 5 m depth. While the chemical test of the soil in the study area has an intensive sulfate environment and the chloride content is between (0.03-0.04) %.

Thirteen cutting samples were collected from the Palani Formation in the Baba Dome of the Kirkuk Oilfield area, well no. (K-218), northeastern Iraq. The thickness of the Palani Formation is 60 m, between the intervals (600-540m). The studied section is characterized by abundant, rich, good preservation, and diversified planktonic foraminifera assemblage fossils. Fourteen species related to three genera are identified, not showing marked differences in their foraminiferal content, they are: Pseudohastigerina micra, Cassigerinella chipolensis, Globigerina tapuriensis, Globigerina gortanii, Globigerina ampliapertura, Globigerina sellii, Globigerina yeguaensis, Globigerina euoperura, Globigerina praebulliodes, Chiloguembelina cubensis, Globigerina angustiumbilicata, Globigerina prasaepis, Globigerina galavisi. According to the stratigraphic ranges of identified species, two planktonic foraminiferal biozones are established; these are from the lower (oldest) to the upper (youngest) of the section:
Gassigerinella micra Interval Range Biozone (O1).
Globigerina ampliapetura Interval Range Biozone(O2).
These biozones are correlated and compared with different studies of similar ones in different parts of the world. The biostratigraphy study assigned the Early Oligocene (Rupelian) age of the Palani Formation in the present study. The palaeoenvironmental study of Palani Formation in the studied section, based on Planktonic foraminifera contents and the lithologic characteristics, is referred to as a sub-tropical of low low-energy deep open marine (from outer shelf to slope) environment.