Inferred structural evolution of Folds using morphometric analysis of basin valleys in northern Iraq

Abstract

Four valleys were chosen in this study within low folded zone of northern Iraq. Including Sinjar and Adaya anticlines, to the north and northeast of them included Eastern Butma and Mandan anticlines. The research aims to employ the results of the morphometric analysis of basin valleys in the inferred structural evolution of folds, as the research aims to determine the validity of these basins in water harvesting and the technology to do so.

The results of the morphometric analysis showed maturation increasing of basin valleys of the folds when moving from Taurus to the Zagros chain, as well as increasing maturation the basin valleys of the folds when you move toward the north and northeast in the Zagros and Taurus chains. It was concluded from this study and a consensus between the maturation of the basin valleys with the tectonic site of the folds. The basin valleys of older building folds are exposed to erosion and maturity more than those of newer construction.

Results of the study are consistent with the results of many studies about the incidence collision of Arabian plate with the Iranian plate before colliding with the Turkish plate. In another hand the results are also consistent with the evolution of the folds in the Foreland basin progressively northward in Taurus series and Northeastward in Zagros series in one hand, with decreasing of folding age toward the Arabian stable shelf on the other hand.

The results of the basin valleys Maturation in the four Anticlines also showed by the degree of maturity, that water harvesting of basins in Mandan and Adaya Anticlines require a simpler technique than simpler than in the basins of the Eastern Butma and Sinjar, respectively.