Geology of Bajalia Anticline of the low folded zone of Iraq

Abstract

Bajalia Anticline is located about 60km northeast of central Amarah city in Al-Teeb area near Iraq-Iran border. Field and laboratory works were conducted to study topography, geomorphology, stratigraphy, and structural geology of Bajalia Anticline. The Anticline has a longitudinal shape with about 29km in length and 5-7km in width. Injana, Mukdadiya, and Bai Hassan formations are the three formations that were recognized in the study area. The geometrical structural analysis depicts that the Anticline is non-cylindrical, asymmetrical, close, sub-horizontal, steeply inclined, and linear fold. Most of the fractures in the Anticline are joints. These joints were classified based on the tectonics axes, which are a, b, and c, into ac, bc, and hol. A major reverse fault is located at the margin of the southwestern limb parallel to the fold axis with about 25km length. This fault is responsible on the vergence of the Anticline and overturned part of the southwestern limb. The Anticline was formed as a result of the collision between the Arabian and Iranian plates during the Late Tertiary. The maximum stress axis, which is caused by collision, is perpendicular to the hinge line. The geometrical and genetic classification indicates that the Anticline was formed by the high folding intensity and with a role of evaporites layers.