TECTONIC AND STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION

Ala,; A. Ma, Khaldoun

	TECTONIC AND STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION
Iraqi Bulletin of Geology and Mining
Article 1, Volume 0, Issue 2, 2017, Pages 35-51
Authors
; Khaldoun A. Ma
Abstract
The available geological information including stratigraphic sequence, unconformities pattern, drill-hole data, structural elements have been integrated to infer the tectonic and structural evolution of the Iraqi Southern Desert. The Southern Desert is a part of the northern Arabian Platform, where relatively thin Phanerozoic sediments cover the Precambrian NW – SE and NE – SW fractured continental basement complex. The platform itself is divided into two parts, a stable one to the west (Southern Desert) and unstable one to the east. The boundary between the two parts of the platform is taken along Euphrates Fault Zone (extension of Abu Jir Fault Zone). The Paleozoic sequence is reduced in the Southern Desert. Its composition and development is still unknown. The Mesozoic cover characterized by significant carbonate deposition with interspersed clastic episodes and is marked by few gaps in Campanian – Maastrichtian. However, the Cenozoic sequence displays gradual retreat of the sea and final transition to the continental conditions. The main structural element is Safawi Arch, which initiated in Late Triassic – Early Jurassic. The sedimentation pattern through the most of the Mesozoic era was a reflection to a fluctuating sea level and periodical movements of Safawi Arch. In the Tertiary, the main tectonic activities were periodical uplift and downwarp along the southeastern slope of Safawi Arch during Late Oligocene and Miocene periods which reactivated of Al-Batin fracture system, as well are contributed to formation of the Dibdibba basin and terminated by a limited right lateral strike – slip movement on Euphrates Fault Zone in Pliocene – Pleistocene period. Finally, conclusive evidences on the nature of Al-Batin fracture system were introduced.

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