Iraqi National Journal of Earth Science

This Study Includes a geometrical Analysis of Wadi Al- jafer proposed in Shirqat district- north of Salah addin Government. In this work, to extract the geometrical elements, DEM with (10*10) m Pixels Arc GIS,Global Mapper and Software are utilized. These elements include a negative and positive (land) surface volume, negative and positive surface area, uneven area islands, water depth average and land thickness. In order to investigate the variation of these elements with each water level, the relationships between water level against each geometrical element are plotted. The results show that the reservoir volume of the proposed dam at level 185 m equals (941788 m3). The graph of negative surface area versus water level shows that the area will increase with a new added land within the reservoir boundaries. Also, it is found that maximum negative surface area is (228212 m2) whereas the max positive surface area which may immerged by reservoir is about (1845m2). Finally, the results also, reveal that the dam height at its maximum level is (12.25m) and the proposed dam width is about (211.1m).

Limestone deposits of the Serikagni Formation in Zurbatiyah area, eastern Iraq, were evaluated as raw materials for the manufacturing of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that calcite is the dominant mineral followed by quartz and traces of dolomite appearing in limited limestone samples. X-ray fluorescence results showed that the 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) two mixtures was designed for cement industry, The first one composed of limestone of Serikagni formation and clay of Injana formation, whereas the second one was composed limestone of Serikagni formation and clay of Injana formation, in addition Bauxite and Sand as corrected materials. The proportions of the mineral phases of clinker were calculated after burning at 1450 °C from the XRF results of the oxides of the produced clinker, the results showed the phases (Alite C3S, Belite C2S, aluminate C3A and ferrite C4AF) within acceptable limits of international standards.

In this paper, the author introduces a machine learning model to classify the facies of the Mishrif Formation in two wells in the Buzurgan oil field, southeastern Iraq, and then tests the results against the actual facies data. The model also utilizes data from this field, and a new model is introduced: the Self-Organizing Map (SOM), which is the best fit in cases where facies data is lacking or users are geologically inexperienced. The available data of well logs for the studied wells (BU-3 and BU-13) are imported to the Interactive Petrophysics software, which is used to create a SOM facies classification model. The wireline logs include Gamma Ray (GR), compensated neutron tool (CNL), Sonic log (borehole compensated BHC type), and formation density compensated (FDC). Petrographic and microfacies analysis of the subsurface section at well BU-3 enabled the recognition of five main environments: deep marine, shallow open marine, shoal, rudist biostrome, and lagoon. Geologic logs in the SOM technique are used to determine the different facies when dealing with intervals devoid of cores and cuttings, and the resultant log facies are used to interpret those intervals. The environments of well BU-13 are defined after examining available thin sections of cores and cutting samples from well BU-3, and then created using the SOM model. Comparison between the SOM technique using Interactive Petrophysics software and petrographic analysis of the subsurface section is made. The current study reaches 71.3%, providing a good calibration between log-derived facies and core-based descriptions of the Mishrif Formation.

The calcareous nannofossils biozones are analyzed that have been reported for a number of species at one section of the Hartha Formation from Qasab (11) well, southern Mosul area in Nineveh Governorate, Northern Iraq. The region under examination displays a total of four biozones arranged chronologically from oldest to youngest:
Uniplanarius sissingh biozone CC21; Uniplanarius gothicus biozone CC22; Tranolithus phacelosus biozone CC23; Rienhardtites lives biozone CC24.
Researchers have determined that these taxa date from the Late Campanian to the Early Maastrichtian based on the relationships between these biozones and those of the other calcareous nannofossil biozones from both local and regional areas.

The upper unit succession of the Sarmord Formation (Early Cretaceous) has been studied sedimentologically in one surface lithological section at Aqra anticline, northeastern Iraq. Based on the field data, the upper part of the Sarmord Formation in the current study is composed mainly of hard limestone, dolomitic limestone, and marly limestone with thin-bedded marl. These successions are topped by the Qamchouqa Formation, which is recognized by thick, massive layers of limestone. Petrographically, the particle portion of the studied section is composed mainly of benthonic foraminifera, especially Miliolids, Rotaliids, and others, in addition to some green algae, mollusks, bryozoans, bioclasts, lithoclasts, and peliods. While the matrix is composed mainly of micrite. Generally, the studied succession is slightly subjected to some diagenetic processes like micritization, physical compaction, cementation, dissolution, recrystallization, dolomitization, and chemical compaction. Microfacies analysis has shown that the upper part of the Sarmord Formation consists of three main mud-supported facies: lime mudstone microfacies, wackestone microfacies, and packstone microfacies. These three main microfacies are further subdivided into eight submicrofacies. The results of the present study indicate that the succession of the upper part of the Sarmord Formation was deposited in a shallow marine environment on a carbonate ramp through the three zones (inner, middle, and outer) ramps.

Abu Roach "C" Member (ARC Mbr) is an important hydrocarbon-bearing zone in the Karama SW oil Field. The geometry and spatial distribution of Abu Roash C sandstone reservoir is a vital objective in the area in order to follow and delineate the reservoir extension for further oil production and field development. This study aims to explain the conditions and factors affecting sedimentological characters of ARC Mbr in the form of a depositional model and facies analysis. The procedures have been conducted throughout the sedimentological analysis for mud logs, ditch cutting samples, electro-facies analysis for wire line logs, lithofacies, and routine core analysis of more than 30 feet of cored interval against the ARC Mbr reservoir, which is mainly composed of shale, siltstone, and carbonate with one reservoir unit of sandstone near the base. The mentioned reservoir was deposited in a near-shore environment with slightly high current energy and marine influx facies. Distributary channels of Abu Roash C sandstone are mainly oriented NE-SW, perpendicular to the ancient shoreline in the area. Abu Roash C sandstone reservoir is calculated to have an average of 25 feet of net pay with 22% porosity, 85% hydrocarbon saturation, and 15% water saturation.

The Sirnak region is located in Turkey near the borders of Iraq and Syria on the Arabian Plate's northeastern border. Since the district includes Silopi Town Center, its seismic influence may affect our areas, making this area crucial to research. The International Seismological Center (ISC) moment tensor method is used to analyze the solutions of the focal mechanisms of four earthquakes within the study area. The seismic magnitude ranges from 4.8 to 5.8, but these solutions were not close to the proposed fault, so we relied mainly on morphotectonic analysis of satellite images using techniques (GIS), Landsat 8 and 9 to estimate the type of fault and determine its direction, which is of a strike-slip-lift type. As for the three seismic catalogs, ISC, European-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC), and Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (KOERI), they are used for the purpose of obtaining seismic records about the Sirnak region for the past ten years (2010-2020) to study the seismic history of the region during this decade, which proved that there was a fault (Fig. 3called the Şırnak Fault. It is an active and small fault, but it is not marked on maps. It is worth noting that the study area has many faults. However, the majority of the active faults in eastern Turkey are left-lateral or sinistral strike-slip faults that were identified following significant earthquakes, with few thrust fault lines, except for the Bitlis Suture Zone, the Silop, and the Cizre Faults.

A detailed sedimentology of the Balambo Formation (Lower Cretaceous), including petrography, mineralogy, microfacies analysis, and depositional environment, has been conducted in the Razan section, Northeastern Iraq. The formation is comprised of alternation of thin to medium, yellowish grey and grey marly limestone, medium bedded limestone, thin bedded dark grey to black shales, thin bedded grey to green marl with dark bands and nodules of chert. Based on the petrographic investigation, the main skeletal grains in the carbonate of the Balambo Formation include planktonic foraminifera, calcispheres, and radiolaria. The major diagenetic processes affecting the carbonate of the formation include micritization, neomorphism, dolomitization, cementation, compaction, dissolution, and pyritization. Some marl and shale samples are subjected to X-ray diffraction investigation, which revealed that the non-clay minerals are pyrite, dolomite, quartz, and calcite, while the clay minerals are kaolinite and illite. To ascertain and interpret the depositional environment of the formation, three primary microfacies are identified in the carbonate of the Balambo Formation and then subdivided into six submicrofacies. Petrographic examination and microfacies research show that a basinal, deep-water environment is where the Balambo Formation in the Razan section was deposited.

This study aims to elucidate the urban expansion that occurred in Karbala City during the study period from 1976 to 2022. The city holds significance as the capital of religious tourism in the country. The study monitors the rate and trends of urban growth in the study area. This is achieved by employing spatial analysis methodology to monitor urban growth using (GIS) and (RS) techniques. Four Landsat satellite images for the years 1976, 1990, 2013, and 2022 are downloaded from the USGS website. The first and second satellite images are captured from the (Landsat 5 TM) sensor, while the third and fourth are captured from (Landsat7 ETM+) and (Landsat 8 OLI) sensors. Quantitative methods, such as the chi-square test, are used to determine degrees of freedom for the purpose of evaluating and analyzing patterns of urban expansion in the study area. The results show a noticeable increase in the urban growth area in Karbala City; it reached ten times its previous size. In the year 1976, the urban growth area was 9.75. Km^2, while in the year (2022) it increased to (122) Km^2. The results of the degrees of freedom test indicate rapid and unsustainable urban growth during that time period. Therefore, this study recommends the necessity of managing urban expansions through appropriate planning, taking into consideration the nature and needs of cities. These studies should serve as a basis for topics related to predicting future urban changes.

Rantepao City is the capital of North Toraja Regency. In recent years, the development in this city has been quite rapid; many high-rise buildings have begun to be built in both form of residential and office. Based on the 2019 Map of Indonesia's Disbursement Vulnerability Zone, Rantepao City is in a moderate liquefaction zone. Therefore, it is considered necessary to research to map Rock Vulnerability using Microtremor data. This research is quantitative. Measurements are taken at 13 points with a duration of 45 minutes. The tools needed in data collection are a set of microtremors to record microwaves, and a GPS to find out the coordinates of the measurement points. From the results of microtremor measurements in the city of Rantepao, each region has variable frequency values (F0) ranging from 0.470853 to 14.6016, amplification values (A0) ranging from 2.86703 to 8.39741, and a susceptibility index (Kg) ranging from 1.146179 to 24.87313. This indicates that the constituent rocks vary from hard to soft alluvial deposits. The lower the F0, the thicker the sediment layer is above the bedrock. Hard alluvial deposits tend to have a lower amplification factor compared to soft alluvial deposits. Based on the amplification factor, the hard alluvial deposits have lower values compared to soft alluvial deposits. With this map, it is hoped that the community can find out the condition of the rocks where they live and become a reference for the government in regional development planning.

The study aims to simulate the water seepage and identify weak areas during and beneath the foundations of the proposed Al-Baghdadi Dam on the Euphrates River in western Iraq using the finite element method via the (SEEP/W, 2018) software. The virtual Al-Baghdadi Dam is designed to be an earth-fill dam with a length of 9 km and a height of 145 m.a.s.l. The Seepage analysis for the proposed dam was based on geological data beneath the foundations and design data for the dam body through cross-sections of selected stations located on the left bank near the river channel, and on the right bank of the dam. The results indicate that the amount of seepage through the dam body is relatively low and varies from one station to another. It increases and decreases with the rise and fall of water levels except for station (14+50), where the leakage value reached (6.73*10-4) cm³/s through the dam body, and the highest value is (1.82*10-3) cm³/s through the foundations at the maximum level of 140 m.a.s.l. The design limits for water pressure are identified at various locations of the dam's cross-sections; these limits should be monitored by monitoring devices when the dam operates at the maximum reservoir level 140 m.a.s.l., and at normal operating levels. The difference between the calculated data for the piezometers located before the grouting curtain and the asphalt diaphragm after it indicates the efficiency of its design.

The development of tectonic units in Iraq has been linked to the ongoing interplay between the Arabian and Eurasian plates since the Late Cretaceous era. It is believed by all researchers who were working in the considered areas that the compressional forces are decreasing southwestwards. This opinion was achieved due to the decrease of the amplitudes of the anticlines southwestwards and disappearing (apart from the Anah anticline) south of the Abu Jir – Euphrates Active Fault Zone as a recognizable tectonic interface delineating the stable and unstable regions within Iraq. Accordingly, the oil exploration activities were emphasized in the considered unstable parts of Iraq, because the stable parts have no anticlines on the surface. High-quality satellite images, geological maps were used with field observations to prove that there are no regions in Iraq that are considered tectonically stable. Yet, there is attenuation for the compressional force’s southwestward. Hence, the classification of Iraq into the "Stable Shelf" and "Unstable Shelf" tectonic domains fails to accurately represent the actual tectonic dynamics of the region. This means that there are no tectonically stable parts in Iraq. The possibility of finding hydrocarbons, especially in Ordovician and older Cambrian rocks that have not yet been studied, is discussed. A correlation between Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria has been performed, as the presence of hydrocarbons in different geological formations is concerned, with some data about the maturity of the hydrocarbons found in some deep-drilled wells.

Four samples of dolerite rocks are selected to conduct their petrography and geochemical properties. Dolerite rocks exist as large blocks and fragments exposed in the southeastern part of the Sanam salt dome, Basrah, Iraq. The petrography reveals that their characteristic ophitic texture is dominant. Anorthite and augite are the main minerals of dolerite, whereas hornblende, quartz, chlorite, sericite, and epidote are secondary minerals formed as a result of chloritization, sericitization, and epidotization, due to low-grade hydrothermal alteration. The presence of hematite in some samples reflects the oxidization condition and high oxygen activity during the late alteration processes. The major geochemical analysis shows that the studied dolerite rocks are of saturated and oversaturated basalt-type, where the composition ranges from basaltic andesite to basaltic trachyandesite, falling in both alkaline and tholeiitic basalt fields. It is worth noting that the high percentage of L.O.I, as well as relatively high silica content, indicate that the dolerite rocks have been affected by low-grade hydrothermal alteration. This is associated with metasomatism followed by weathering processes. The pattern of REE in the studied dolerite rocks, combined with other chemical analyses, suggests that the present dolerite rocks are of within-plate tholeiites.

Drought indices are frequently utilized to identify, observe, and assess drought occurrences. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) represents one of the most commonly utilized drought measures. This article analyzes drought occurrences for three chosen meteorological stations in the Kurdistan region, including Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah governorates, and analyzes the impact of theoretical distribution choices on SPI values. The annual time-scale SPI formula was calculated for the period (1980-2023) in the governorates. Analysis with SPI method results showed that the extremely wet represents only in Erbil governorate in frequency 2 years with probability events (4.55%). Drought ranged from mild drought to severe drought in each governorate. Mild drought shows in Erbil governorate in a 16-year frequency with a 36.36% probability of events. Also, in Sulaimaniyah governorate, in a 13-year frequency with a 30.23% probability of events. However, in Duhok governorate, in a 15-year frequency with a (34.09%) probability of events. The moderate drought shows in governorates such as 7-year frequency with (15.91%) probability events, 4-year frequency with (90.30%) probability events, and 6-year frequency with (13.64) probability events, respectively. The severe drought also shows in governorates such as 1-year frequency with (2.27%) probability events, 3-year frequency with (6.98%) probability events, and 2-year frequency with (4.55%) probability events, respectively.

The majority of road networks and infrastructures in Turkey pass through high terrain like the Taurus Mountains. Therefore, road opening or even widening in these terrains usually needs to be blasted, so a good understanding of geoengineering conditions should be maintained. This study aims to investigate and evaluate the behavior and failure of rock masses of cut slopes along the Bozkir-Hadim Road, Konya region in the south of Turkey, through integrating experimental and empirical parameters using RocLab software. For this study, a field survey with a scan-line manner suggested by ISRM was conducted on rock mass properties in terms of joint properties, rock quality designation (RQD), and grade of weathering. Furthermore, the geological strength index (GSI) and rock mass rating (RMR) indexes are quantified and attached to the characterization of rock mass for each cut slope. Laboratory tests, including unit weight, uniaxial compressive strength, and shear strength, are performed to identify the engineering geological characteristics of intact rocks. Microscopic analyses are also done to detect the weathering effect on the rock structure. Field and laboratory results are employed as input data into the RocLab software for rock mass analysis. Research investigation results show that rock masses are often characterized as highly jointed, intersected by three to four dominant joint sets with various weathering grades from low to high. As a result, a comparison of the results shows that the experimental findings of analyses with RocLab software match the site conditions of the rock mass. Consequently, this software can be used to characterize rock mass and predict any further failure that could occur in the future in massive rocks for road cut slopes, and thus preserve their long-term stability.

Groundwater resources management requires water quality assessment. Nine groundwater samples were collected during 2023 and 2024 from wells within the north and south of Zelten City. These wells penetrate the unconfined Quaternary aquifer (Al Jifara plain, NW Libya). This work is concerned with monitoring and determining water quality and assessing its suitability for potable water, irrigation, and industrial use. The samples were chemically analyzed, including various hydrochemical parameters as electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved salts (TDS), hydrogen ions (pH), total hardness (TH), chlorine (Cl-), calcium (Ca+2), total alkalinity (TA), and salinity (NaCl). The results of the April 2024 samples are generally of lower parameter alteration than those of February 2023. More increases occur in variations at the north and northwest of Zelten. Hydrochemical prepared maps display high NaCl values in the north and northwest directions, averaging about 3000 mg/l. The water is unsuitable for irrigation and is classified as C5 level, which means it contains excessive mineral content. The high concentration of Ca+2, Cl- and TDS indicates the presence of Sabkha deposits and seawater intrusions. Therefore, the water in the study area requires treatment processes before utilization.

Khwelen Anticline is one of three en echelon anticlines (Ashdagh, Qarawais, and Khwelen) within the low Folded-Thrust Zone, part of the NW segment of the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt in the Garmian district of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The anticline is close to the high-folded thrust zone - low-folded thrust zone boundary. It is on the same trend as the Chamchamal anticline. The exposed rocks unit in the anticline range in age from the early Oligocene to the late Miocene, represented by five geological formations. The Kirkuk group and Jeribe Formation cropped out (in deep valleys) at the eroded core of the anticline. The Fatha Formation, as a carapace, forms the main geometric body shape of the anticline. While the Injana Formation is located at the two neighbouring synclines. The field observation along the three traverses perpendicular to the structure with the aid of remote sensing data, in addition to the geometrical analysis of the anticline, shows that the Khwelen anticline is asymmetrical, and single-plunged, ~10 km long and 5 km wide, an open box fold with NW-SE trend. Its SW limb is steeper and more deformed than the NE limb. An oblique strike-slip fault (transverse fault) cuts the anticline at its maximum wavelength. This fault separates the Khwelen anticline from the Qarawais anticline to the southeast. This study reveals that the anticline is a fault propagation fold developed above the thrust fault, starting from the detachment level at the base of the Jurassic series or in the Triassic.

In this study, limestone specimens of the Fatha Formation from Mosul City are subjected to a variety of physical, mechanical, and chemical testing to determine the effect of high temperatures on limestone. In order to compare with fresh specimens, limestone specimens were subjected to a wide range of temperatures, beginning at 100 °C and increasing gradually to 200 °C, 300 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and even 800 °C. At 300, 400, 600, and 800 °C. Color changes occurred in the limestone specimens' exterior appearance. At temperatures between 100 and 400 °C, the following parameters are steadily reduced: weight loss, apparent density, uniaxial compressive strength, and ultrasonic pulse velocity. This study also shows that at 600–800 °C, there is a considerable increase in total porosity, forced water absorption, and capillary water rise characteristic. Furthermore, the findings of macroscopic examinations of the physical and mechanical characteristics of the examined specimens are validated by pH, electrical conductivity, and even by the microscopic investigations of the internal structure of the thin-section, for the limestone specimens. The XRD analysis shows that no changes occurred in the mineral composition when the temperature varied between 100 and 600 °C, despite similarities in the X-ray diffraction patterns of the limestone specimens. At the end, the current study has used a variety of physical, mechanical, and chemical experiments to determine the effective fire temperature. Temperatures between 100 and 400 °C are found to have minimal effect on the behavior of the limestone specimens. On the other hand, the influence of temperatures higher than 600–800 °C on the behavior of the limestone specimens is significant.

In this research, a geoengineering and chemical assessment of the soil of the sports city under construction west of the city of Tikrit is conducted with five models distributed over the entire area of study area. This research deals with the evaluation of the physical and mechanical properties of the soil. The moisture content values range between (6.63-15.83) percent, while the specific weight values of the models range between (2.41–2.49). The results of the texture limits show that most of the models of the study area are silty sandy or silty sandy, and that the percentage of clay is almost non-existent in most models of the study area. Therefore, the examination culminated in the failure of all models containing the lowest percentage of clays and containing high percentages of sand and silt. As it is not possible to find the limits of plasticity for them, it is found from the volumetric analysis of the models (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5). For the direct shear coefficients of the soil of the study area, two sites between (S5, S4) were modeled, whose cohesion resistance reached (47-52 kN/m2) respectively, while the values of the internal friction angle reached 30 ° for the two models. As for the chemical analyses of the models of the study area, they show that the percentage of gypsum is high, ranging between (18.93-47.79%), while the percentage of soluble salts ranges between (59.34-69.18%), and the pH values range between (7.44 - 7.86). All the results indicate the possibility of obtaining engineering problems in the soil, such as attenuation, melting, and cavitation, especially since the site is under construction, which resembles a stadium that stopped due to engineering problems with a capacity of 33 thousand spectators, two training stadiums, an Olympic swimming pool, and a hotel. Therefore, there must be solutions and treatments before and after establishing this engineering facility.

This research investigates the physical and mechanical properties of the lower Zab River deposits in the Dibbis area, northwestern Kirkuk, where three samples were collected from the area to evaluate their suitability for concrete works through a number of tests. The results of the sieve size analysis of coarse aggregate are shown to be not correspondent with the Iraqi specification limits (IQS,45/1984), and for fine aggregate are correspondent for all sites. The flattening index ranges between (23.406 - 26.773%), and the elongation index ranges between (11.453 - 12.506%). The apparent specific gravity of coarse aggregate ranges between (2.616 - 2.680), and the saturated specific gravity range is (2.624 - 2.658), as well as the absorption ratio ranges between (0.2 – 0.4 %). For the fine aggregate, the dry specific gravity ranges between 2.605 - 2.633, saturated specific gravity (2.637 - 2.660), and absorption ratio ranges between 0.8 – 1.2%. The results of the Los Angeles test show the ratio of loss in weight is (14.801, 12.623, 16.861%) respectively, which are suitable for concrete works according to (IQS,41/1989) and (AASHTO, T96-02, 2019). The soundness test results (1.36, 1.84, 1.12 %) for coarse aggregate, and for fine aggregate (2.37, 2.04, 1.95 %), conform to the specification limits of (ASTM, C-88-05, 2004). The results of the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) test according to Anon (1977) indicate that all the samples are classified within the (very strong – extremely strong) range.

The Wadi Dara area is located in the North Eastern Desert of Egypt. The exposed rock units are metavolcanics, gabbro-diorite, granodiorite, Dokhan volcanics, monzogranite, and alkali feldspar granite. The area is known for bearing Cu-Au mineralization. The samples are collected via fieldwork and studied using remote sensing, microscopic, and geochemical studies to identify the rock types and the center of mineralization with its economic importance. The remotely sensed data identified the main trends of lineaments, which are NE-SW and NW-SE. The recorded alteration types are argillaceous, phyllic, and propylitic types chiefly within granodiorite and gabbro-diorite. The ore minerals are mainly sulfides, chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite with supergene minerals. Petrochemically, the rocks exhibit metaluminous, ferroan, alkalic-calcic, while gabbro diorite is tholeiitic. The rocks were formed in syn-collisional to late orogenic fields, and the gabbro-diorite plots formed in an ocean island setting. The geochemical patterns and factors distinguished two fields of ore elements, pointing to the presence of these metals in more than one phase, e.g., sulfides, oxides, and silicates. Geochemically, Au and Cu are the main ore elements in gabbro-diorite with Pb and Mo as the main associated elements. While in granodiorite, the Au is the main ore element, and the Cu is the chief associated element in addition to (As, Pb, Co, and Mo). The detected sequence of zoning points to Au is increasing with depth compared to Cu at a higher level. In consequence, gabbro-diorite and granodiorite are promising for detailed studies using drilling. The associated elements (Pb, Mo, As and Co) are pathfinders in other granitic rocks in the stretch.

This study specifically investigates the chemical properties of soils and their distribution across various geographical areas. The Kriging approach, together with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), is utilized to forecast the chemical properties of the soil. A total of twenty-five sampling points were selected among various parts of Kirkuk City. Five soil properties are examined: soil reaction degree or potential hydrogen (pH), total dissolved salts (TDS), gypsum content, sulfate trioxide (SO3), and organic matter (OM). The chemical analysis indicates that the soil pH is of low alkalinity. This study reveals a limited presence of total dissolved salts between (1.02 - 13.541) %. Moreover, a positive correlation is detected between the gypsum and sulfate concentrations. Conversely, organic matter displays a negative association, but it is most pronounced in the southwestern region. The Kriging technique successfully depicts the spatial distribution of various soil properties in Kirkuk City, showcasing a range of accuracy from satisfactory to exceptional. In addition, a cross-validation method is used to evaluate the relationship between the fundamental and explored chemical properties. The Kriging maps show varying degrees of model fit, with lower root mean square error (RMSE) and higher coefficient of determination (R²) values of 0.9583, where the higher property is the organic matter. The evaluation of the interpolation methods confirms the dependability of the projected values, thus augmenting our comprehension of the soil properties in the region.

The importance of water is life, so groundwater is one of the most important water sources, especially at present, due to the scarcity of surface water. Because of the expansion of the agricultural area, the advancement of the industry, and the potential population growth, it becomes necessary to turn to the groundwater, its investment, and its suitable utilization. The study area, the Shewasoor Basin, is located in the northeastern part of Iraq, about 40 kilometers northeast of Kirkuk City, between latitudes (35° 45' 28.9" N - 35° 48' 59.1" N) and longitudes (44° 31' 23.9" E - 44° 37' 07.5" E). The study area covers about 160 km2. Elevations of the Shewasoor region range between (329-1186) m.a.s.l. The Shewasoor region is bordered at the north and northeastern sides by the Taqtaq anticline, and the northern Chamchamal anticline at the southwest and west sides. The geological formations in the area extend from the youngest Quaternary sediments to the older middle Miocene. It is important in this research to clarify the waters affected by groundwater pollutants within the study area using several models based on geographic information systems (GIS) to determine the extent of the risk and pollution of groundwater in the study area. These calculated factors are water depth (D), net recharge (R), aquifer media (A), soil media (S), topography (T), vadose effect zone (I), and aquifer conductivity (C). Groundwater, through which the water flow is controlled inside and outside the area. Where VI represents the vulnerability index, and (D, R, A, S, T, I, and C) represent the parameters used in groundwater vulnerability assessment. Multiple criteria decision analysis shows that the vulnerability in the area is divided into five zones. The northern and northwestern regions have high vulnerability, while areas of low vulnerability are in the center and parts of the south of the study area, and areas of medium vulnerability are found in the remaining areas.

This study examines the spatio-temporal fluctuations in the occurrence of weather systems in Iraq by analyzing daily synoptic maps over 20 years (1999-2020). It calculates the frequency of the centers and extensions of weather systems at six meteorological stations (Erbil, Mosul, Baghdad, Rutbah, Nasiriya, and Basrah), which are spread across the country. The analysis was conducted on the temporal fluctuations, which reveal that five weather systems consistently traversed the area (Monsoon low, Siberian high, Red Sea depression, Subtropical high, and Mid-latitude depression), which are spatially distributed over the area of Iraq. Their monthly rates were computed and collected seasonally. Using ArcGIS, maps of the spatial distribution of weather system frequencies were generated. The results showed that monsoon lows significantly affect the climate over the majority of the year, namely for 126 days. The highest proportion of this influence is observed in the southern region, particularly during the summer. The occurrence of the Siberian high is more frequent during the winter season, particularly in the northern region, happening approximately 70.24 days per year. The occurrence of the Red Sea depression is more frequent in the spring, particularly in the central area, happening on around 59.76 days per year. The occurrence of subtropical highs in the autumn, particularly in the southern region, happens on around 17.66 days per year. Mid-latitude depressions are infrequent, transpiring approximately 7.68 days per year, predominantly in the central area of Iraq.

Relief analysis describes an area's relief and landform structure. It is a vital source of information for assessing flood susceptibility in a region. Khagaria is one of the most flood-prone areas in Bihar, where floods significantly affect residents, the environment, and cause economic losses. This study examines seven topographic parameters, namely elevation, slope, hillshade, drainage density, TWI (Topographic Wetness Index), ruggedness number, and relative relief in Khagaria district. These factors provide deeper insights into the flood characteristics of the study area and offer observations on the structural landscape patterns. The relief-related maps have been prepared using satellite data and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), employing Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. According to the slope map, the terrain is mostly level, with an average elevation of 36 meters and a slight slope. Due to extensive lowland areas in the northern, north-eastern, and southern regions, along with the general relief characteristics, these areas are more prone to flooding

The properties of the aquifer that influence well performance are depth, aerial extent, number of water-bearing formations that the well penetrated through, and the hydraulic properties of the aquifer that allow water to flow through the aquifer must typically be established. The transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity are important factors. Pumping test data were carried out for 40 drilled boreholes (including observation and monitoring wells) at different locations to determine the groundwater flow direction and hydraulic properties of the aquifers in the Duhok area. The depths of the wells range from 70 to 265 m, with an average of 171 m, while well discharge ranged from 3.0 to 17 l/s, with an average of 7.0 l/s. The results of the analysis reveal that the value of hydraulic conductivity varies from 1.25E-6 m/sec to 1.2E-3 m/sec with an average of 1.02E-4 m/sec, and the transmissivity varies from 1.82E-4 to 4.37E-2 m2/sec with an average of 8.75*10-3 m2/sec. Specific yield ranges between 0.11 to 3.29 percent with an average of 1.06 percent. Maps of the Duhok aquifer's piezometric surface, hydraulic conductivity, specific yield, and transmissivity have been created. These can be employed in the area's planning, site selection, and well-drilling procedures.

Groundwater is a significant source of fresh water for drinking, agriculture, and various other uses worldwide. The current study intends to determine groundwater aquifer types and estimate the hydraulic properties of the aquifers within the study area. The pumping test process was applied on five pumping wells with monitoring wells where the hydraulic conductivity values varied (22.02-65.5) m/day, while the transmissivity values ranged between (695-3413) m2/day. The storage coefficient ranges between (0.00074-0.0037). The aquifer type is a semi-confined aquifer based on the results of the hydraulic properties (transmissivity, T; hydraulic conductivity, K; and storage coefficient, S). The study area has been classified as heterogeneous and anisotropic, and the main groundwater movements are from south to west and northwest, recharged from the Bai Hassan Formation (the lower aquifer in the study area) exposed in the away regions. When the precipitation occurs on the mountaintops, it infiltrates into the formation and continues to move toward the study area.

The primary goal of this study is to investigate how limestone quarries affect the natural environment in the Bashiqa area, Nineveh Governorate, northern Iraq. The research initially employs a long-term satellite image surveillance to track changes in the area and the growth of quarrying operations. Furthermore, fieldwork is done to ascertain the geotechnical characteristics of the rocks, and sample collection is carried out for laboratory analysis to determine the engineering qualities of the rocks and whether they are worthy of the environmental changes that have taken place in the region. Every geotechnical characteristic is measured in the field, including the degree of openness, surface roughness, discontinuity spacing, and rock hardness estimate. The petrophysical characteristics, compressive strength, and slake durability are measured in the laboratory. From an engineering perspective, it is discovered that these rocks are appropriate for construction; however, weathering processes rapidly alter the majority of them. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the extracted stones varied; thus, quarry owners need to identify the different types of rocks and how best to use each type to minimize their influence on the environment.

The Dokan Formation is distributed during the Cenomanian in northern and central Iraq. The research region is located in northeastern Iraq's Kosrat anticline, where the Dokan Formation is exposed at its southwestern flank. The formation is composed of marl, dolomitic limestone, and limestone, with interspersed chert nodules. The Qamchoqa Formation is documented to have an unconformable contact below the Dokan Formation, whereas the Kometan Formation is conformable at the top above the Dokan Formation. We have determined 46 species of calcareous nannofossils belonging to 28 genera:
Heterococcoliths: Chiastozygaceae (Ahmuellerella, Chiastozygus, Neocrepidolithus, Placozygus, Reinhardtites, Staurolithites, Tranolithus, Zeugrhabdotus), Eiffellithaceae (Eiffellithus), Biscutaceae (Biscutum), Prediscosphaeraceae (Petrarhabdus, Prediscosphaera), Cretarhabdaceae (Cretarhabdus, Retecapsa), Watznaueriaceae (Cyclagelosphaera, Watznaueria), Arkhangelskiellaceae (Arkhangelskiella, Broinsonia); Holococcoliths: Calyptrosphaeraceae (Calculites, Octolithus); Nannoliths: Microrhabdulaceae (Lithraphidites, Microrhabdulus), Polycyclolithaceae (Eprolithus, Lithastrinus, Micula, Quadrum, Uniplanarius), Schizosphaerellaceae (Ceratolithoides).
We identified two nannobiozones, Eiffellithus turriseiffelii Interval Biozone (CC9) and Microrhabdulus decorates Interval Biozone (CC10). By comparing these biozones with those of other calcareous nannofossil biozones from local sections and regional countries, we identify that these fossils are of Cenomanian age.

Exploration and development of shale oil and gas resources depend on understanding the mechanisms that influence the buildup of organic-rich shale. In shallow marine facies, the development of organic-rich sediments is largely dependent on the sedimentary environment. The black shale is the main lithology forming the reservoir in the Zubair Formation. The discovery of silica origin, and the differentiation between euxinic sulphuretted and anoxic ferruginous conditions, continue to require further study. First, the geochemical features of Zubair oil shales are examined using geochemical data collected from two wells, R167 and Ru4, in the northern and southern Rumaila oilfields in Basrah, Southern Iraq. Next, the provenance, depositional basin, and evolution of the paleoenvironment are addressed. Lastly, the primary controlling factor of organic matter enrichment is identified. The findings demonstrate that Zubair shales are able to be separated into two units: organic-rich and organic-low shales, with average total organic carbon (TOC) contents of 13.5, 9.04, and 2.39% for R167 and Ru4, respectively. High concentrations of SiO2, V, Ni, Zn, Sr, Zr, Ba, and the distribution of various rare earth elements also distinguish the organic-rich shales. Compared to the organic-low shales, the organic-rich shales have a significantly higher proportion of biological quartz and a lower terrigenous input. In the organic-rich shales, the paleoclimate is warm, humid, and of low salinity, while the organic-low shales are cold, dry, and of high salinity. The organic- low shales exhibit an elevated stagnant level with suboxic to oxic conditions and lower paleoproductivity. In contrast, the organic-rich shales exhibit a comparatively lower stagnant level with euxinic to anoxic conditions. Oil shales accumulate in a semi-stagnant basin. The three-stage environmental evolution model demonstrates that paleo-productivity, redox conditions, and sea level fluctuation have a strong causal connection.

Natural water resources face many challenges due to changes in global climate conditions, such as scarcity of rainfall, high evaporation rates, rising temperatures, drought, and desertification. Morphometric analysis of a drainage basin is crucial for understanding its hydrological behavior, including flood risks, water resource management, and landscape evolution. Currently, there is a need for more detailed flood and drought risk assessments using modern remote techniques, including morphometric and hydrological data analysis. The present research aims to construct a hydrological model that can explain the effect of hydrological characteristics on water flow in the Kalal Badra basin in Iraq, and to determine its morphological and spatial characteristics. The methodology used herein involves the integration of satellite imagery, digital elevation models (DEM) of SRTM type with a spatial accuracy of 30 meters, automated GIS tools, and temporal analysis to provide essential data for effective environmental and water resource management. In the case of the Badra Basin, the results show that the utilization of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offers an advanced method for analyzing its topographical, geological, and hydrological characteristics