Iraqi National Journal of Earth Science

Two surface sections of Mukdadiya Formation, namely Al-Band and Bajaliah in eastern Iraq, are selected to conduct the geochemistry of sandstone. Fifteen sandstone samples were analyzed by using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and fused XRF techinques to determine the content of major oxides ( SiO2, Fe2O3, TiO2, Al2O3, CaO, K2O, Na2O, SO3, L.O.I), trace elements(Cr, Ni, Co, V, Sc, Zr, Hf, Ta, Nb, Th, U, Y, Rb, Sr) and rare earth elements, REE( La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu). SiO2 versus (Al2O3+K2O+Na2O) diagrams indicated that Mukdadiya sandstone was deposited under arid to semi-arid paleo-climate conditions. The elemental ratios based on Cr, Ni, Co, V, and Sc indicate that andesite is a source rock of sandstone. Zr, Hf, Th, U, and Sr tend to increase in sand samples because of their high resistance to chemical weathering. Also, the Nb/Y vs Zr/TiO2 diagram shows that the andesite is a source rock of Mukdadiya sandstone. Furthermore, the elemental ratios ΣLREE/ΣHREE, LaN/LuN, and Eu/Eu* show an enrichment of LREE with the decrease in grain size and with an increase in clay contents in the sand samples. La-Th-Sc triangular discrimination diagram reveals that Mukdadiya sandstones are plotted in the continental arc field. The REE patterns indicated the contribution of both intermediate rock (andesite) and basic rock (basalt) igneous rocks to be the expected source of Mukdadiya sandstone.

properties of clay soils in Al-Dair area, located in the northwestern part of Basrah Governorate, southern Iraq. This study focuses on solving various problems that the soil suffers from, such as swelling and shrinkage, which generate pressures on shallow foundations, including collapses of structures in the area. The kind of soil, the amount of clay and silt it contains, and the type of clay minerals in its composition exacerbate these problems. In addition, the research aims to reduce these problems and reduce environmental pollutants that negatively affect human health and reduce economic costs. Conducting a comprehensive study and a new management strategy is necessary to address the challenges related to shallow foundation collapses and reduce material losses. The main objective of the research is to develop a method to improve the geotechnical properties of soil in Al-Dair area. Field visits were conducted, and multiple soil samples were collected from different positions using a hand drill to a depth of 1.5 m. The results showed that soil samples treated with cement dust (C) at 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% and ceramic dust (CD) at 5% and 10% showed significant changes. The addition of both ceramic dust and cement reduced the plastic limit, liquid limit, plasticity index, and optimum moisture content of clayey soils. Conversely, there were significant increases in compressive strength, California bearing ratio, and maximum dry density.

Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) have become essential in the development of high-strength and high-performance concrete. These materials include naturally occurring pozzolans, industrial by-products, and low-energy materials that contribute to sustainable construction practices. This study examines the impact of incorporating thermally activated Iraqi metakaolin (MK) produced by calcining kaolinite clay at 600°C for 3 hours as a partial replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in mortars and concretes. The metakaolin cools rapidly to preserve its amorphous and reactive structure. Replacement ratios of 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% by weight of cement are tested and compared with a control mix containing no MK. A comprehensive set of physical and chemical tests, including Blaine fineness, setting times, compressive strength, and chemical composition. The results indicate a notable enhancement in the mechanical and durability properties, especially at 10% replacement, which demonstrates optimal performance. Beyond technical improvements, the use of metakaolin also offers environmental advantages such as reduced clinker content, lower CO₂ emissions, and the utilization of abundant local resources. These findings position the Iraqi metakaolin as a promising SCM that aligns with global trends in green and sustainable construction, making it a practical and eco-friendly solution for modern cement-based systems.

The Shiranish Formation, which is known for its dual function as a source and reservoir rock, is a crucial geological unit for hydrocarbon exploration in northern Iraq. In this work, the kerogen types and organic matter properties of the Shiranish Formation in the Diana Sub-district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are examined. Using a combination of FTIR Spectroscopy and visual kerogen microscopy, samples were gathered and examined. The results show that all samples include amorphous organic matter (AOM) predominating, with varying contributions from phytoclasts and palynomorphs, according to palynofacies analysis. This suggests a marine anoxic to dysoxic depositional environment. Functional groups linked to both aromatic and aliphatic chains are identified by FTIR spectra, suggesting the existence of heterogeneous organic matter that is prone to both gas and oil. However, the organic matter is consistently classified as Type II/III with early to peak oil window maturity using the Rock-Eval pyrolysis criteria (TOC, HI, and Tmax). In addition, well-preserved marine palynomorphs like Arecipites microfoveolatus and Thermal Alteration Index (TAI) values of 2 to 2.5 suggest early thermal maturity and deposition in suboxic to anoxic marine environments. These findings are further supported by kerogen microscopy, which shows a dominant quantity of liptinite and organized AOM. According to the integrated data, the Shiranish Formation, which was formed in the research region under mostly anoxic marine conditions, is a possible source rock with favorable conditions for hydrocarbon formation

The present study deals with the sequences existing between Pila Spi and Fatha formations in the Dehghan anticline, north of Mosul City, northern Iraq. These sequences are found to be at the late Oligocene - early Miocene age. These sequences consist of limestone and dolomitized limestone rocks. Petrographically, they consist of skeletal grains, the most important of which are benthic foraminifera, molluscs, ostracods, corals, algae, echinoderms and bioclasts as well as non-skeletal grains represented by lithoclasts. These sequences were subjected to diagenetic processes, the most important of which are cementation and recrystallization, which led to the burial of some living features, as well as the process of dissolution, compression, silicification, dolomitization and the authigenic minerals. Six main microfacies are diagnosed, represented by the mudstone, wakestone, packstone, boundstone, Bafflestone and Rudstone microfacies, which in turn are divided into nine submicrofacies. The study of these facies and the biological and sedimentary evidence shows that these sequences were deposited in a shallow marine environment extending from the reef environment to the tidal flat environment.

This present work investigates the possible effect of adding the recycled nano silica waste (NS) on the workability, density, heat of hydration, and mechanical behavior and properties of industrial cement mortar. The nano silica was collected from the aluminum fluoride plant of Jordan Phosphate Mine Company. Ten mixtures of cement mortar were prepared with nano silica to cement ratios of 0%, 0.5%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%. The cement mortar and NS chemical compositions are analyzed using the X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer technique. Flow table test is adopted to examine the workability of fresh mortar specimens after mixing. The average dry and bulk densities, in addition to compressive and flexural strengths, for different concentrations of nano silica mortar samples, particularly at a duration of 28 days, have recorded a significant improvement. The results indicate an improvement in the compressive and flexural strengths as nano silica increased in the mortar mixture.

The Al-Man'i Basin is one of the seasonal valleys located at the end of the Euphrates River, in the northern part of the western Iraqi plateau, within the lower valleys region. Its basin area is 3634 km2. The Al-Man'i Basin and its minor basins were studied to demonstrate the degree of tectonic activity and its impact on the form of the basin. This was conducted after studying the structural features of the area, which revealed the existence of five subsurface faults, five subsurface anticlines, and the presence of 85 linear structures. These structures have influenced the morphometric characteristics of the basins. The calculated geomorphological indicators were also demonstrated through the analysis of the digital elevation model (DEM) using geographic information systems (GIS). The tectonic situation in this area was evaluated through gathering geomorphological indicators, including the topographic symmetry index (T), the asymmetry index (AF), the stream length and slope index (SL), the valley width to height ratio index (VF), and the basin shape index (BS). After analyzing the indicators for each basin and comparing them with the final classification grades (IRAT), it was found that the main basin exhibits low tectonic activity. In contrast, the secondary basins vary in activity levels: the basins of Al-Manea Al-Sharqi, Batikha, and Al-Jabriya show low tectonic activity and cover a total area of 1408 km2. Meanwhile, the basins of Al-Dayea, Al-Maani, Darb Al-Saai, and Ja’ata demonstrate medium tectonic activity, encompassing a total area of 2226 km2. Overall, this indicates a lack of significant tectonic activity in the region, which aligns with the geological characteristics of the area, situated within the stable platform of Iraq.

The study presents a comprehensive morphometric and hypsometric (HI) analysis and correlation of the Spna watershed, located about 50 km northwest of Duhok City. The watershed has an overall area of 317.65km2. Using a 12.5 m resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and ArcGIS Pro, the basin was delineated and divided into 15 sub-watersheds. Three different morphometric parameters- relief, areal, and linear were quantitatively analyzed. Results show the watershed has a coarse drainage density (3.12 km/km²), a moderate bifurcation ratio (average 4.3), and an elongated shape, suggesting moderate surface runoff and susceptibility to erosion. The hypsometric curve analysis shows that the main watershed has an HI value of 0.28, which means it is in an older stage of landform development, while the result of HI in sub-watersheds varies from 0.24 to 0.47, showing they are at different stages from youthful to mature. There were high negative correlations between HI and watershed parameters, such as elevation, area, and ruggedness index. These indicate the effect of terrain morphology on erosion potential and stability.

This study evaluates the quality of groundwater from wells located in two areas on both sides of the Tigris River northwest of Mosul City in order to conduct a hydrochemical comparison and assess their impact on soil salinity. A total of 10 groundwater samples were collected from area (A), and 9 samples from area (B). Additionally, irrigated soil samples were taken from each well, along with three naturally rain-fed soil samples from each area. The water analyses include measurements of electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total hardness, and the major cations and anions. Soil analyses include salinity, pH, calcium carbonate content, and soil texture. The EC values of groundwater range from 3.51 to 7.49 dS/m in area (A), and from 1.02 to 5.23 dS/m in area (B). The average concentrations of salinity, sodium, potassium, calcium, sulfates, and chlorides in area (A) are approximately 1.5 times higher than those in area (B). The impact of irrigation with well water on soil is evident, as most irrigated soils in area (A) are saline soil. In contrast, only one saline soil sample is recorded in area (B). This difference is attributed to the lower salinity levels of well water in area (B). Long-term use of high-salinity groundwater in area (A) has led to soil salinization, especially when compared to rain-fed soils. Saturation indices for calcite, dolomite, gypsum, and halite minerals present in the aquifer are also calculated. Furthermore, hierarchical cluster analysis is applied to classify the wells in both areas.

An Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) investigation was conducted at the Beduh earth dam in northern Iraq (Kurdistan Region) to identify leakage channels within the subsurface structure next to the dam body. The survey was conducted along four linear measurement traverses: traverses 1, 2, and 4 measured 300 meters each, while traverse 3 measured 200 m. All traverses were taken in the upstream part of the dam. Two traverses were located on the sides of the dam's embankment, one was in the middle, and the fourth (Traverse 3) was perpendicular to them, running in a north-south direction parallel to the dam body. The examination of the inverted ERT sections indicated the presence of cracks, seepage paths, and karst phenomena within the limestone formations that comprise the top surface of the bedrock in the dam reservoir. Numerous subsurface structural abnormalities were identified within the fractured bedrock, predominantly linked to potential karstic cavities, voids, and discontinuities in the carbonate rocks. Furthermore, the results indicated the presence of a notable subsiding structure aligned with the main valley trajectory. It is posited that the highly fractured bedrock and other identified characteristics may be the main sources of water leakage from the dam's reservoir.

The current paper cites the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Earth Map application as a major development in data analysis and environmental monitoring in Iraq. The article outlines the urgent environmental issues that the nation faces, such as water scarcity, land degradation, and desertification, which all need efficient monitoring and assessment techniques. Without the need for coding expertise, Earth Map is a web-based geospatial application that gives users quick access to a variety of geospatial data and analytic tools. The software successfully visualizes and analyzes geographic layers by grouping data into over 15 subject areas such as biodiversity, land use, climate, and greenhouse gas emissions. The application makes use of the Google Earth Engine (GEE) API to provide high-resolution visualizations and real-time information, allowing users to do in-depth analysis and dynamically monitor environmental changes. The study highlights the tool's capacity to retrieve time series data and generate zonal statistics, both of which are essential for comprehending the dynamics of environmental parameters over time. Furthermore, Earth Map has tools like the Imagery Compare tool that let users monitor locations using different Earth observation sources in near real time. Although the Earth Map tool has many advantages, the article also points out some of its drawbacks, such as the requirement for certain technical know-how, possible gaps in the data quality, and difficulties in combining information from remote sensing and ground-based data. To optimize the tool's efficacy, the authors advise strengthening data integration, assuring frequent updates, and augmenting user training. To sum up, the Earth Map tool is a revolutionary method for environmental monitoring in Iraq that offers the public, scholars, and policymakers invaluable information. Earth Map seeks to assist evidence-based decision-making, promote sustainable development, and increase climate resilience in the area by making vital data and analysis tools more accessible.

This research aims to study some geotechnical properties of dunes in Shirqat district, northern Iraq, and the possibility of verifying their suitability for use as fine aggregate in concrete construction. Therefore, sampling is carried out from five different stations representing the sediments of the study area. The most important geotechnical properties of these sands have been investigated, including moisture content, specific gravity, and sieve analysis, in addition to conducting chemical tests (gypsum content, organic content, and total dissolved salts percentage). The results of the sieve analysis show that the sediments are coarse-type sand and are then classified as "poorly graded" according to the unified soil classification. The results show low soil moisture content values, and the aggregate is classified as an air-dry aggregate in terms of its content. Additionally, the values of the specific gravity of the soil vary slightly between 2.63 and 2.66. Conversely, there is an extensive variation in the gypsum content values from 2.14 to 14.68 percent, which could lead to thermal expansion and consequently weaken the concrete structure. In addition, the findings also reveal a large variation in the values of the organic matter content ranging between (3.81-16.05%), which may be due to the presence of organic impurities that negatively affect the durability of the concrete. Through the results of the sieve analysis of these dunes, it is found that the majority of the examined sediments do not conform to Iraqi Standard Specification No. 45 in 1984. Overall, the investigated sediments are not suitable for use in concrete construction.

The Bestoon Cave represents a geologically and archaeologically important karstic system formed within the Upper Cretaceous Bekhme Formation through long-term carbonate dissolution and secondary mineral deposition. The cave is located near the top of Mount Bradost in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region at an altitude of 1506 meters above sea level. This research investigates the cave’s speleogenetic processes, microfabric features, and paleoclimatic significance through analyses of speleothems including flowstones, stalactites, and stalagmites. Microfabric analysis using a LEICA DM4500P polarizing light microscope for (BST-1 and BST-2) reveals distinct mineral assemblages such as dense columnar calcite, microcrystalline CaCO3, and dendrite crystal fabrics indicating fluctuating hydrological and climatic conditions. The presence of various speleothem morphologies including soda flakes, drapery, shields, cave boxwork, cave popcorn, rimstone dam, and cave pearl provides insights into the conditions of mineral deposition and water chemistry during their formation. In terms of geochemical analysis, sample BST-1 consists of 90% aragonite and 10% calcite, where the presence of calcite indicates that the original aragonitic speleothem material underwent partial recrystallization or diagenetic transport. High aragonite indicates deposition under stable conditions such as rapid precipitation from supersaturated fluids and temperature fluctuations. The sample BST-2 is composed of 100% calcite, suggesting that the mineral was formed under stable conditions favoring calcite precipitation

This research investigates climatic changes, their core indicators, and their environmental repercussions on renewable energy sources in Iraq. The study analyzes meteorological data from fourteen (14) stations comprehensively covering Iraq's geographical diversity from north to south and east to west. Advanced spatial and statistical software, including ArcGIS (V.10), ERDAS Imagine, ILWIS (V.3.7), and SPSS (V.16), were utilized alongside mathematical formulations, linear regression, and correlation analyses to process spatial visuals and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission trends. The findings indicate a significant shift in climatic elements: a continuous rise in average temperatures, elevated evaporation rates, and increased solar radiation intensity, contrasted by a decrease in average wind speeds and annual rainfall. Additionally, an increase in the frequency and severity of dust storms and greenhouse gas emissions was observed. A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database was constructed to map regions demonstrating high efficiency for renewable energy production. Spatial analysis revealed that the Nasiriyah, Al-Amarah, Najaf, and Samawah stations are highly efficient for solar energy harvesting. Conversely, wind energy potential peaked at the Basra, Najaf, Samawah, and Wasit stations, while hydroelectric power generation experienced noticeable recessions at major dam reservoirs, including Mosul, Dukan, and Darbandikhan dams, due to water scarcity

Geomorphological indicators are important and capable of decoding the responses of landforms to active deformation processes, and are particularly useful in tectonic studies for analyzing, interpreting, monitoring, and understanding changes in landforms because they can be used to quickly assess regional areas. Gumal valley basin is located in northern Iraq and is situated over two different tectonic zones, the High-Folded Zone and Low-Folded Zone. This study examined the status of tectonic activity through quantitative analyses using equations of geomorphological indicators of tectonic activity. A GIS program based on a digital elevation model (DEM) with a resolution of 12.5 m is used to derive sub-basins for the Gumal valley basin, where the number of derived sub-basins in the study area is 38. Five indices are selected for analysis: Stream length gradient index (SL), asymmetry factor (Af), ratio of the valley floor and valley height (Vf), Transverse Topographic Symmetry (T), and mountain front sinuosity (Smf). The results of each index are classified into three categories, and by calculating the arithmetic mean of these indices, an index of relative tectonic activity is obtained. The active tectonics index (IAT) results have been classified into four classes of too high to a little tectonic activity; this reveals that there is no area classified as class 1 (of very high activity). However, 21%, 55%, and 24% of the basin are categorized as classes 2 (of high activity), 3 (of moderate activity), and 4 (of low activity), respectively. Most of the basins are of high and moderate categories, and these basins are located in the High-Folded Zone

Nickel laterite deposits, enriched in critical metals such as nickel (Ni) and scandium (Sc), have gained significant attention due to their economic and technological importance. This study investigates the mineralogical and geochemical factors that influence scandium enrichment within the nickel laterites of Wolo, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The research focuses on the distribution and accumulation of scandium within the laterite profile, with particular emphasis on the limonite zone, and explores the geochemical processes that contribute to this enrichment. Geochemical analysis of 12 samples from three drill holes reveals a progressive increase in scandium concentrations, from 9–14 ppm in unweathered harzburgite to a peak of 82 ppm within the limonite horizon. This enrichment is accompanied by a substantial rise in iron (Fe) content, which increases from 5.71–6.34 wt.% in the bedrock to 43.19 wt.% in the laterite zones. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis identifies goethite and gibbsite as the key minerals involved in scandium accumulation. Furthermore, a positive correlation is observed between scandium and iron oxides, particularly goethite, while a negative correlation is noted with magnesium oxide (MgO). This study provides an understanding of the geochemical mechanisms driving scandium enrichment and highlights the role of iron oxides in this process

Mineralogical analysis of heavy minerals is done for ten sandstone samples of Tanjero Formation (Upper Cretaceous) at Khalakan Valley-Dokan Area. The data obtained from the analysis of heavy minerals indicate the dominance of opaque minerals and non-opaque minerals, represented by chlorite, pyroxene, amphibole, epidote, mica, garnet, chromium spinel, tourmaline, rutile, kyanite, zircon, and others. Opaque minerals may indicate the presence of multiple source rocks, and thus, opaque minerals are evidence of multiple rock sources, such as sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Significantly, high concentrations of both unstable and metastable heavy mineral assemblages indicate that these minerals originated directly from the primary provenance of igneous and metamorphic rocks located in northern Iraq. Tectonically, the high proportions of mafic minerals derived from mafic magmatic source rocks indicate that the study area was located within an active continental margin. Furthermore, the ZTR (zircon, tourmaline, rutile) maturity index in the investigated sandstone samples constitutes 7.9%, indicating the overall immaturity of the sandstone in the Tanjero Formation.

This paper focuses on applied geography, specifically the spectral analysis of atmospheric dust and its impact on the photovoltaic efficiency of solar panels at the Baghdad—Al-Jadriya site. It aims to support the use of solar energy as a clean electricity source amid climate change and increasing dust activity. The research examines how atmospheric dust impacts solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface, its accumulation on panels, and the resulting effects on electricity generation. Climatic data from 1993-2023 were analyzed using statistical and analytical methods. Results show that Iraq’s climate is strongly influenced by continentality due to its distance from water bodies and the dominance of the subtropical high-pressure system in spring and the Indian thermal low in summer. These factors cause high temperatures, low humidity, and frequent dust activity. Spectral analysis confirmed suspended dust as the most prevalent and recurrent form over Baghdad. Field experiments conducted in 2022 and 2024 revealed two main dust effects. The positive effect was a reduction in panel temperature during clear days caused by dust deposition; for example, in June, solar radiation was 807 W/m², panel temperature 42.5°C, and peak power 175.7 W. The negative effect appeared during dust storms, causing atmospheric scattering and surface deposition that reduced radiation intensity and absorption; in October, radiation dropped to 678.9 W/m², panel temperature rose to 53.7°C, and power decreased to 135.15 W. These findings highlight the need to develop solar technologies adapted to arid and semi-arid climates.

Groundwater is one of the most important sources of freshwater and plays a vital role in sustaining and supporting economic development. Although protecting and preserving groundwater resources is challenging, it is essential to ensure their long-term availability and quality. The "DRASTIC" model is among the most widely used methods for evaluating groundwater vulnerability to contamination. This model assesses groundwater's susceptibility to pollution based on the hydrogeological characteristics of aquifers, soil, and geological formations. Since 1987, the DRASTIC approach has been adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a standard tool for groundwater vulnerability assessment. This study aims to evaluate the potential for groundwater contamination in Mosul city using the DRASTIC model integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques. The analysis was conducted using data collected from 26 wells provided by the Ministry of Water Resources, the General Authority for Groundwater in Mosul, the Groundwater Directorate, and the Geology and Drilling Department. Vulnerability maps were generated to identify areas at varying levels of contamination risk. The results indicate that the study area can be classified into four groundwater vulnerability zones: low, moderate, high, and very high. Most of the study area falls within the low-vulnerability category, with DRASTIC index values ranging from 1 to 100. Moderate vulnerability ranges from 101to 119, while high vulnerability ranges from 120 to 200. Aeras classified as very highly vulnerable, with DRASTIC index values exceeding 200, constitute only a small part of the study area, accounting for approximately 2.67% of the total area. To reduce pollution risks, preventive measures must be taken in vulnerable zones before starting industrial or agricultural activities.

This study aimed to assess the quality of groundwater in the Bashiqa district of Nineveh Governorate, northern Iraq, and its suitability for drinking and irrigation. It also sought to create spatial models using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Samples were collected from 20 wells distributed across the area during September 2024 and January 2025. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was used to assess the suitability of the water for drinking. Several indices were also used to evaluate water quality for irrigation, including SAR, KR, PI, RCS, Na%, MAR, RSC, and Wilcox and Richard plots. Significant variation was observed in the distribution of central cation and anion concentrations across the research area, attributed to the region's diverse geological formations. The WQI results for drinking water were published: During the summer, 5% of water samples were rated as excellent, 60% as good, 25% as poor, and 10% as unsuitable. In winter, 10% of water samples were rated as excellent, 55% as good, 35% as poor, and 10% as unsuitable. Several wells were found to be unsuitable for drinking, because many of the studied standards exceeded the limits set by the World Health Organization. Water quality in the area ranged from suitable to unsuitable for irrigation. The unsuitability of some wells for irrigation was attributed to high electrical conductivity values according to the Wilcox and Richard irrigation classifications.

For rapid site investigation and buried foundation imaging, the electrical resistivity method is widely applied. This study concentrates on imaging a concrete pile foundation of 0.5 m in width and 200 Ohm.m of resistivity buried in a host background of 100 Ohm.m. The most popular electrode configurations are applied using different electrode spacing (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 m). Multiple data sets are numerically generated using the finite difference method and then inverted using the robust inversion algorithm constructed in the computer software RES2DINV. The obtained 2D resistivity images reveal the ability of dipole-dipole and equatorial dipole-dipole configurations in detecting the pile; the Wenner configuration shows less ability, and the gradient, multiple gradient, and pole-pole configurations are the poorest. In addition, most of the trialed configurations have detected the top part of the pile rather than the bottom. It is recommended, therefore, to apply high-resolution surveys using the dipole-dipole, equatorial dipole-dipole and the Wenner electrode configurations

Five parameters were selected based on their contribution to flood susceptibility: slope gradient, soil type, rainfall intensity, land use and cover, and distance to rivers. Each parameter was classified into five categories and scored from 1 to 5 according to hydrological relevance and literature support. The parameters were integrated through a weighted overlay analysis in a GIS environment to produce a composite flood vulnerability map. The results show that high- and very-high-vulnerability zones are concentrated in low-lying, densely populated districts, such as Tamalanrea, Biringkanaya, and Manggala, areas with flat topography, poor drainage, and extensive impervious surfaces. Meanwhile, the eastern and southeastern regions exhibit lower vulnerability due to better topographic conditions and less urban pressure.

Fifty-three agricultural soil samples have been collected within the boundary of Dubz District, Lower Zab River Basin, Northeastern Iraq, between latitudes 35°30'0''–35°50'0'' N and longitudes 43°48'41''–44°16'6'' E. This study focuses on determining the concentration values and distributions of Co, Cu, Ni, Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb, As and Mn using the ICP-MS analytical technique to assess the environmental influences of these metals in soil samples by several pointers including the contamination factor (Cf), degree of contamination (Cdeg), potential ecological risk (Er), risk index (RI), toxic units (TUs) and the adverse effect index (AEI). The findings indicate that the values of these metals are arranged in descending order as follows: Mn> Ni> Cr> Zn> Cu> Co> Pb> As> Cd > Co > Cu > Zn > Pb > Cd > Ni > Cr > Mn > As. Except for As and Cd, the majority of the elements have values lower than the Earth's crust average. The level of Co, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Mn contamination is low, whereas the contamination level of Cd is moderate, and As is considerably contaminated. Based on the results of ecological risk and potential risk index (RI), heavy metals indicate a low ecological risk of these metals in all collected soil samples. Depending on the values of the Adverse Effect Index (AEI) for Ni, Cr, Cu, and Mn, most of the studied agricultural soil samples indicate a probable effect on biota due to the concentration of these metals being high enough to affect the organisms negatively. Whereas the total toxic units (∑TUs) for all the sites indicate that the depositional and behavioral forms in the studied soils indicate a moderate toxicity of heavy metals to the ecosystem.

The aims of the current study include slope stability analysis conducted by kinematic analysis and Slope Mass Rating (SMR) at six selected stations on the road to (Al-Rabban Hormizd) Monastery located at Alqosh anticline, northern Iraq. The current study shows that station (1) has the possibility of two cases of direct toppling by intersection (J1) with both bedding plane (So) and (J3), both of which are stable conditions. Station (2) shows two possible cases: planner sliding on (J2), which is a bad and unstable condition. The second possible case is direct toppling from the intersection of (J1) with (J3), which is a good and stable condition. Station (3) shows two possible cases; the first is the planner sliding of (J2) with an (SMR) value of (23), so it is bad and unstable. The second is the wedge sliding from the intersection of (J2 with J3), which is a good and stable. At station (4), three possible failure cases appeared. The first is planner sliding on (J1), which is bad and unstable. The second possible case is the wedge sliding from the intersection of (J1) with both (J2 and J3), and in both cases the (SMR) value is (65), so they are both good and stable cases. The third possible case is the direct toppling from the intersection of (J2 with J3), which is normal and partially stable. Station (5) shows two cases; first is a wedge sliding from the intersection (J1 with J2), which is good and stable; second is a flexural toppling on (J3), which is normal and partially stable. Station (6) shows two cases; first is a planer sliding on (J3) with an (SMR) value of (13), which is very bad and completely unstable, and requires support by (Re-excavation Walls); second possible case is a wedge sliding from the intersection (J3) with both (J1 and J2), both are normal and partially stable

The current study aims to assess the suitability of surface water running in the AlKhasa River, located within the city of Kirkuk, for irrigation purposes. This study applied the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) and Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) to analyze seasonal changes in contamination levels. To achieve this goal, sixteen samples were collected from the AlKhasa River over one year (2023), distributed across four seasons (four samples per season) to track fluctuations in water quality and determine its characteristics throughout the year. The study relied on two main indices: the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) and the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI). The drinking water quality index is excluded due to the nature of the water in the river, which consists of a mixture of sewage and rainwater, making it unsuitable for assessment according to drinking water standards. The (IWQI) results reveal that all analyzed samples are of high quality and classified as "very suitable" for irrigation use, with all recording values above (37) confirming their suitability for this purpose. As for (HPI), the results show significant seasonal variation in contamination levels. In winter, the index values range between (61.777 and 90.276), placing most sampling stations in the "poor to very poor" category in terms of contamination, except Station (1), which recorded a "good" level. In contrast, all stations in the other seasons (summer, autumn, and spring) recorded "excellent" levels in terms of water quality, with index values ranging between 6.591 and 18.368, except Station (1) in spring and fall, which recorded a "good" rating. These results demonstrate that heavy metal contamination varies significantly between seasons, with levels significantly higher during winter compared to other seasons.

This study aims to investigate the serpentinite rocks by combining field observation, petrographic and mineralogical aspects to deduce the mineral composition origin and tectonic setting of the serpentinized ultramafic rocks from Mawat ophiolite complex in Zagros Suture Zone, northern Iraq. The studied rocks are completely serpentinized samples characterized by mineral assemblages consisting of serpentine with relics of the original minerals: olivine and pyroxene, with other subordinate minerals such as amphibole, talc, chlorite, chromite, and magnetite. The serpentine mineral appears in three types (chrysotile, lizardite, and antigorite). The most common mineral is antigorite, which refers to a two-serpentinization stage. The first is retrogression of the original minerals (olivine and pyroxene) by hydrothermal solution to chrysotile and lizardite, and the second stage is a progressive metamorphism, which has recrystallized these minerals into antigorite. The chemistry of the studied minerals reveals that serpentine has a high MgO content, Mg-rich amphibole (type tremolite and actinolite), and chlorite is talc-chlorite type, which indicates a high MgO content. Chromite has elevated Cr2O3 relative to Al2O3 content, which indicates chromitite. Low Al to Cr ratios resemble ophiolitic podiform chromite, especially those seen in dunite. High Cr# and Mg# represent mantle-derived peridotites.

The b- constant in frequency - magnitude relationship is a crucial factor in seismic studies and seismic hazard assessment. This study aims to evaluate the temporal variation of the b-value and its statistical significance in Iraq and its surroundings. The earthquake catalogue used (1980–2019) is obtained from Onur's (2017) catalogue and updated by Basra University's seismic laboratory. The least squares and the maximum likelihood methods were used to calculate the b-value for two-time windows (five years and one year). The statistical significance of the b-value is evaluated using the Z-test and Utsa's test. Both methods used to calculate the b-value show insignificant differences, indicating no impact of the calculation method on it. The findings showed that the b-value decreases with time. Results of assessing the statistical significance of the b-value for both time windows show statistically significant differences in some years and statistically insignificant differences in others. It was suggested that the statistical significance of the b-value be assessed before it is interpreted

Cluster analysis objectively delineates reservoir units, RF prioritizes predictive features, and SSL (self-training, neural networks, and KSVM classifiers) bridges data scarcity.

The Béchar region is located in the southwest of Algeria, characterized by an arid climate with a Saharan tendency. It is subject to an increasing demand for water, like all the great agglomerations, due to economic and demographic development. The present work is a detailed estimate of groundwater and superficial water in the Béchar region, for an appropriate management and adequate use of this resource. The water resources come mainly from the DjorfTorba dam and Turonian aquifer, with a flow estimated at more than 500 l/s. Moreover, the superficial resources are an important part of the water heritage of the Béchar region, with a permanent flow of various streams that carry a considerable volume, with important hydraulic structures allowing the mobilization of a certain volume. It will be a basic tool, essential for effective water management in dryland environments. It will also raise awareness of the need to manage water resources in order to reconcile socio-economic development and preserve aquatic environments, and balance different uses to ensure sustainable development. The results will contribute to the design of an integrated water management model that could be generalized for arid zones.