Facies distribution and depositional environment of Fatha Formation (Middle Miocene) in Heet area, western Iraq

Al-Karbooli, Saba F.; Al-Jibouri, Amer S.

doi:10.37652/juaps.2025.156099.1345

	Facies distribution and depositional environment of Fatha Formation (Middle Miocene) in Heet area, western Iraq
Journal of University of Anbar for Pure Science
Volume 19, Issue 2, November and December 2025, Pages 293-298 PDF (3.39 M)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.37652/juaps.2025.156099.1345
Authors
Saba F. Al-Karbooli^* ; Amer S. Al-Jibouri
Department of Geology, College of Science, University of Anbar, Anbar, Iraq
Abstract
The Fatha Formation, the youngest recognized formation, represents a Middle Miocene age in the study area. The Heet section, which is situated in the northeast part of Al-Anbar city, about 70 kilometres from Al-Ramadi, was sampled carefully for microfacies studies of the Middle Miocene succession of the Fatha Formation. Lithologically, this formation consists of two cyclic alternations of sandstone, siltstone, and claystone interbedded with marl, marly limestone, and gypsum with a thickness ranging from 7.2 to 4.8 meters. The details obtained from the textural and faunal properties have aided in the identification of microfacies zones, which have led to the division of the environment. Seven mixed clastic-carbonate facies types were recognized in the Fatha Formation in the Heet section. These include: Sandy Lime Mudstone, Dolomitized Lime Mudstone, Gastropods Lime Packstone, Bioclastic Lime Packstone, Claystone to Siltstone lithofacies, Marly Limestone lithofacies, and Gypsum lithofacies. These microfacies types can be grouped into four depositional environments: coastal, evaporitic, restricted to shoal environments.
Keywords
Depositional environment; Fatha Formation; Microfacies„ Middle Miocene; Western Iraq

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