The Cretaceous Balambo Formation from three sections in Kurdistan Region of Northern Iraq was studied. The selected sections are located in the Zagros Fold -Thrust Belt. Eleven rock samples were analyzed by means of the organic geochemical method, Bitumen extraction method, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to determine the bitumen and hydrocarbon content, kerogen types, origin of organic matter, thermal maturity level, and depositional environment. The analyzed samples are considered to have an excellent potential in Baranan-1.G1 and Sazan sections, with poor to fair potential in Baraw section. The Baranan-1.G1 source rocks are of type II kerogen (oil prone), whereas Sazan and Baraw samples are of type II/III (oil/ gas prone). Detailed distribution analysis of biomarkers such as normal alkane, isoprenoids, sterane and terpane was performed on saturated hydrocarbons. The mode of n-alkanes and isoprenoids distribution in all analyzed samples is similar, with a unimodal distribution that indicates non-biodegraded hydrocarbons, with the same range of alkane compounds between C13-C34 alkanes. The results of n-C17, pristane, n-C18 and phytane, and regular steranes show that the source rocks of Balambo Formation in Baranan-1.G1 are mainly rich with algal marine organic matter deposited under a reducing environment, while Baraw and Sazan sections are composed of mixed marine organic matter that refers to terrestrial land plants input deposited under reducing anoxic/dysoxic environments. Thermal maturation appraisal is deduced from Pristane/n-C17 versus Phytane/n-C18 diagram, Carbon Preference Index (CPI), C29 ββ/ (ββ+αα), C29 20S/ (20S +20R), C32 22S/ (22S+22R), and Ts/ (Ts+Tm). All these parameters indicate that the analyzed samples are mature and have entered the oil window (early to peak oil window). Biomarker ratios of C22/C21, C24/C23 and C26/C25, C31R/C30H show that the Balambo Formation is composed mostly of carbonates with less shale beds.
This research focused up on the Seismic reflection study of a 268.7 km2 area located in the central of Iraq within the Karbala province (Kifl area). The seismic data were reprocessed by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and its partners Dome International and Vitol with OEC in 2005, the result of processing works has improved the quality of seismic sections in most of the study area. The study area was interpreted by using 3-D seismic data from the Oil Exploration Company. By studying the seismic sections and applying seismic attributes (instantaneous phase) Faults were picked across 3D seismic volume of the studied reflectors. The study area affected by a major fault and minor normal faults, Two fa
... Show MoreThe study of the geochemical characterization of sandstone rocks contributes to understand the nature of the source rocks, their tectonic setting and the effects of paleoclimate and paleo-weathering. Accordingly, twenty sandstone samples from the red sandstone units of the Gercus Formation were collected from the northeastern limb of Safin Anticline at Shaqlawa Area – Northern Iraq. The studied sandstone samples show depletion in major, trace elements contents, except for CaO, MgO and Ni, Co and Cr respectively, and general depletion in the rare earth elements (REE) contents. Major element geochemistry indicates that the red bed sandstones of the Gercus Formation are of an oceanic island arc (OIA) tectonic setting. On the other
... Show MoreStable isotopes 18O/16O and 13C/12C in the carbonate rocks of the Mishrif Formation are examined here to define the depositional characters in the basin includes paleo temperatures and paleo depth. The Mishrif formation (Cenomanian – Early Turonian) has extensive distribution in Iraq and Middle East. Mishrif Formation composed of organic detrital limestone. Four boreholes in four oilfields, Noor – well (11), Amarah – well (14), Buzurgan – well (24), Halfaya – well (8), in south east of Iraq have been studied. The studied samples have negative δ18O isotope values studied well, with Average (-4.11‰), (-4.47‰), (-4.48‰), (-4.18‰) in the studied wells res
... Show MoreThe core interval at the K.H5\6 and K.H5\8 Wells in the West of Rutba provinces reveals a significant succession across the Late Cretaceous–Early Paleocene transition. The sampled interval encompasses a series of carbonates belonging to Digma Formation of Latest Cretaceous age, which underlies the Akashat Formtion of Danian age. Fifty-five species belonging to thirty-five genera were recognized. Based on the distribution of these species, eight biozones were distinguished, three biozones are recorded from the K.H 5\6 studied section and two biozones are documented from the K.H 5\8 studied section which refers to Late Maastrichtian age of Digma Formation. Five biozones are recorded from Akashat Formation in the K.H 5\6 studied section and
... Show MoreRaw milk is subjected to various physical, chemical and biological pollutants due to produce, a transporting and marketing processes. The current study was designed to examine raw milk samples which were collected from different locations of Iraq. The highest mean value of Pb content [1.801±0.311 ppm] was recorded while the lowest mean value [0.941±0.104 ppm]. The highest mean value [1.532±0.124 ppm] and gave the lowest mean value [0.063±0.044 ppm] of Cd content. This study has the highest mean value of Cu content was [0.931±0.092 ppm] and but the lowest mean value was [0.308±0.029 ppm]. Metals contents of raw milk in this study showed higher than standards of the International Dairy Federation [IDF].
Well log analysis of selected sections in southern Iraq revealed that primary porosity is the most effective parameters. Secondary porosity seems to be related mainly to dissolution and dolomatization. The Hartha Formation has good water saturation and low production except in the eastern and central part of the study area. Two reservoir units were recognized in Mj-2 whereas only one in Ga-1.
The values of velocity deviation in most wells show high positive deviation, this may indicate relatively high velocity in regard to porosity where pores are commonly not connected such as in interaparticle or moldic porosity. A positive deviation also may indicate low permeability. Negative deviation zone (Only in Ak-1) may represent caving or i
The Yamama Formation belongs to the late Berriasian-Aptian succession, which was deposited during the Lower Cretaceous period within the main shallow marine depositional environment.
Petrographic study and microfacies analysis enabled the recognition of six main microfacies for three association facies. These are the Semi-restricted, Shallow open marine and Shoal environments. The study succession represents deposition of three third order cycles, these cycles where deposited during successive episodes of relative sea level rises and still stand.
The presence of shoal association facies (oolitic packstone microfaces) between the Sulaiy and Yamama formations refer to continue the deposition during the same stage, and may s
... Show MoreYamama Formation is the most important and widespread Lower Cretaceous Formation in Iraq. Yamama Formation in the Luhais well-12 and Rifaee well-1 are composed of dolomitized in some places and foraminifera and algae bearing limestone, 19 genera and species of foraminifera, 10 genera and species of algae. Two biozones were distinguished Pseudochrysalidina arabica Range zone and Pseudocyclammina lituus Range zone. The age of the formation was determined as Berriasian – Valanginian according to these biozones of Foraminifera. In this study, bryozoa, Gastropoda and Pelecypoda are recorded but less than Foraminifera.