Ministry of Higher Education

and Scientific Research

University of Baghdad
College of Science
Department of Geology

Gravity and Magnetic Interpretation of Swab –Ghada

Anomalies

A Thesis Submitted to the

College of Science
University of Baghdad

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirments for the

degree of master of science in Geology

By
Ali Abd Mohee Al-Zubaidi
B.Sc-1996
Supervised by

Professor Dr .Zuhair Dawood Al – Shaikh

November-2009 Tho Al-Huja-1430

Abstract :

The area of study includes the northern part of the Iraqi Western
Desert around well Ak – 1 and extends northwards across the Anah graben
to cover the southern part of eastern Syria around well Swab-1 .
The available data includes a Bouguer anomaly map prepared by
the IPC in the fifties with a scale of 1:200000 and contour interval of one
mgl .The data also includes a total field aeromagnetic map of Ghada area
prepared by the CGG company in 1974 . The available data also includes
the geological successions of the above mentioned wells as well as physical
properties of these rocks succession obtained from these wells and previous
research on the area. .
Interpretations have shown that the gravity highs of Swab in
Syria and Ghada in Iraq are related to two basic igneous masses that
outcrop at the basement surface and are connected at a depth of 12.5km .
Interpretation of the magnetic anomaly over Ghada area has shown
the source to be the same igneous mass and has the same properties ,
dimensions and depth as the gravity source of Ghada .
Two solutions are given for the gravity low (the saddle) between
Swab high and Ghada high. Thick accumulation of U.Cretaceous (low
density) caused by block faulting within Anah graben is one solution. The
other is caused by thinner accumulation of these rocks and also by down
faulting of the Paleozoic assuming that the graben faults have deep seated
origion. .
The data on thickness distribution of the sedimentary column
accumulated for the present study as well as for previous studies are
considered sufficient to produce a structure contour map on top of the
basement. .
 Table of Contents
Item Subject Page
Chapter One
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Preface 1
1.2 Location of the study area 1
1.3 Aim of the study 1
1.4 General information 3
1.5 Previous study 3
1.6 Subsurface geology 6
1.7 Notice about the boreholes 9
1.8 Paleozoic in the Western Desert of Iraq 9
1.8.1 Cambrian rocks 10
1.8.2 Ordovician (Khabour Quartzite Formation) 12
۱.۸.۳ Silurian(Akkas Formation) 12
1.8.4 Devonian – Carboniferous sediments 13
1.9 Mesozoic sediments 14
1.9.1 Triassic sediments 14
1.9.2 Jurassic sediments 14
1.9.3 Cretaceous sediments 14
1.10 Cenozoic rocks 15
1.11 Basement rocks 15
1.12 Tectonic and structures 18
1.12.1 Anah and Euphrates grabenes 20
1.12.2 Hail – Rutba Arch 20
 Chapter Two
GEOPHYSICAL Theory Background

2.1 Preface 23
2.2 Gravity method 24

2.2.1 Theoretical background of gravitational prospecting ۲٥

2.2.2 Separation of anomalies 27
2.2.2.1 Graphical methods 27
2.2.2.2 Analytical methods 29
2.2.3 Ambiguity of gravity information 29
2.3 Magnetic method 30
2.3.1 Theoretical background of magnetic prospecting 31
2.3.1.1 Magnetic poles 31
2.3.1.2 Magnetic field 31
2.3.1.3 Magnetic moment 32
2.3.1.4 Intensity of magnetization 32
2.3.1.5 Susceptibility 32
2.3.1.6 Magnetic induction 32
2.3.1.7 Permeability 32
2.3.1.8 Magnetic force 33
 Chapter Three
AVAILABLE DATA
3.1 Available data 34
3.1.1 Boreholes 34
3.1.2 Seismic data 34
3.1.2.1 Seismic information 39
3.1.3 Potential data 39
3.1.3.1 Gravity data 39
3.1.3.2 Magnetic data 41
3.2 Physical rocks properties 41
3.2.1 Density of rocks 41
3.2.1.1 Density of sedimentary rocks 44
3.2.1.2 Density of basement rocks 49
3.2.2 Magnetism of rocks 49
3.2.2.1 Magnetic susceptibility 50
Chapter Four
INTERPRETATION
4.1 The gravity anomaly map 51
4.1.1 Description of the map 51
4.2 The total field aeromagnetic map 53
4.3 Gravity anomaly isolation 55
4.3.1 The residual Ghada – Swab anomaly map 58
4.3.2 The Anah graben anomaly 60

4.4.1 Computer modeling 62

4.4.2 Swab – Ghada anomaly 63
4.5 Anah graben anomaly 76

4.6 Aeromagnetic interpretation 79

4.7 Comments on the sedimentary thickness and tectonics 84
 Chapter Five
RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Results 86
5.2 Recommendations 87

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Content Page
1.1 Location map of the study area 2
1.2 Lithostratigraphic well correlation diagram between the 7
study area and surroundings

1.3 Summarizes the paleozoic section of Iraq and adjacent 11

countries
1.4 Basement depth maps 17
1.5 Tectonic map of Iraq 19
1.6 Schematic cross section across 'Anah graben' 21
2.1 Theory of gravity attraction 26
2.2 Determine of residual gravity by subtracting fictitious 28
contours representing regional trend from observed
countour
2.3 Gravity profile showing removal of regional trend across 28
the anomaly

3.1 Location map of the regional seismic lines (a , b) 35

3.2 Across (N-S) refraction line 37
3.3 Depth map of the Burj horizon 38
3.4 Gravity map of the study area 40
3.5 Total intensity aeromagnetic map of the study area 42
3.6 Average velocity maps 48
4.1 Gravity anomaly map of the studied area ,location of 52
interpretation profiles are shown
4.2 Total intensity aeromagnetic map of the study area 54
,location of interpretation profile is shown
4.3a Gravity map and location of regional lines of the Ghada- 56
Swab anomalies

4.3b Gravity map and location of regional lines to the Anah 57

anomaly

4.4a Residual map of Ghada – Swab anomaly 59

4.4b Residual map of Anah graben 61
4.5 Interpretation of Ghada-Swab anomaly along profil (G-S) 67
4.6 Interpretation of Swab anomaly along profile (S-S) 69
4.7 Interpretation of gravity anomaly along L-L 72
across the saddle
4.8 Interpretation of Ghada anomaly along (G-G) 73
4.9 Total anomaly of Ghada and Swab whithout the saddle 74
affect
4.10 Interpretation of the (saddle) between Ghada and Swab 75
anomalies
4.11 Interpretation of the (saddle) between Ghada and Swab 75
anomalies
4.12 Interpretation of Anah anomaly along (A-A) 78
4.13a,b Choice of zero line 81

4.13 c Interpretation of Ghada magnetic along(G-G) 82

4.14 Structure contour map of the basement in the study area 85
 LIST OF TABLES

Table Content Page

1.1 Formation limits in Akkas – 1 well 6

1.2 Stratigraphic of the Paleozoic in Syria 8
3.1 Rocks densities 43

3.2 Minimum , Maximum and Mean velocity-density 46

conversion
 Acknowledgment

Praise be upon Allah , most merciful most gracious who guide me in

my education and study , thanks be upon Him in every time and place .
I would like to present my gratitude and thanks for my teacher
Professor Dr. Zuhair Dawood Al Shaikh for suggesting the subject of this
study , and for his continuous instructions and guidance which have great
effect on presenting this study in it's final version .

I would also like to thank all the members of the Department of

Geology , especially Dr. Salman Zain AL-Abedin, Dr. Nawal Abdul Ridha
,Dr. Ali Gayara ,Dr Saad Al-Shaikhly, Dr. Ahmed Shihab Al- Banna, Dr.
Fitian Al-Rawi, Dr. Ameen Ibrahim , and Professor Tarik Safa' Al-Deen.

My thanks also due to Miss Lamees Nazar and all my colleagues in the
higher studies and in my district , especially Ahmed Abdul-Rasool,
Hussien Toban , Sa'ad Hameed , Ali Bura'a , and Hadi Hussien for their
help and support which helped me in my study .
I would like also to express my deep gratitude and thanks to my
generous country Iraq , the country of prophets and pure Imams. Prayers
are for our precious God to keep Iraq save and in peace in all times and
places. .

Ali Abd Mohee

 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Preface :
To discover the subsurface geology and structure of an area
reliance must be put an firstly upon the available drillied , and logged
boreholes .
The more abandant of these are the better in our understanding of the
subsurface.However of the boreholes are scares ,then applied geophysical
means must be used .Among these methods , the seismic (reflection and
refraction )is the most important , gravity and magnetic exploration
methods and interpretation are also used to a large extend .

These methods, though very useful for the purpose that have their
own shortcommings .They all have limitation in addition to their ranges of
errors .
But combining geophysical result and data obtained from available
boreholes as well as the known geology may result in a close enough
information as to the truth .The problem at hand is a problem that requires
all these evidences to reach the final aim of the study. .

1.2 Location of the study area :

The present area of study lies to the west of Iraq .It is located at the
Western Desert and passes into the Syrian border occupying the south east
corner of Syria .It lies between (33º 30' -34º 30')N and (39º 45' -41º 30') E
Fig (1.1). .
1.3 Aim of the study: .
The present study aims to clarify :
1-The deep distribution of the basement rocks masses and the possible
effects imposed on their featurs by the deep seated faults .
2-The observed surface tectonic and their possible causes and their
۲
relationship to the deep geology . .

3- Depth and variation of the thickness of the overlying sediments .

1.4 General information ;

The study area characterized by almost flat surface with gentle slope
2º-4º towards the east and southeast .

The topographic elevation varies from (600-1000m) above mean

sea level (A M S L) .But at the middle part of the study area near the Iraqi
Syrian border a range between (100-200m)in above mean sea level (A M S
L)around the Euphrates valley (I.N.O.C report from 1982-1991) .
To the south of the study area there is Rutba and Ga'ara depression .In
general ,nearly horizontal sedimentary layers carbonates ,clastics
evaporates of paleogene and Miocene ages cover the studied area .
However most of the studied area is covered by tertiary sediments .

1.5 Previous studies ;

There are many important articles and studies about the crystalline
basementand and the Paleozoic sediments of the western desert of Iraq and
eastern part of Syria .
The following is a list of some of these studies ;

-AL-Sayyab and Valeck (1968) investigated the general properties of the

gravity field with respect to the sedimentary basin ;also they studied the
densities of the sedimentary cover and crystalline basement for Iraq .
–Ditmar et al (1971,1972,) used gravity ,magnetic and seismic
reflection data and other available geological information of the Iraq
National Oil Company (INOC) to prepare maps and reports about

۳
subsurface and regional section ,they prepared a basement relief map they
also prepared Mesozoic and Cenozoic isopach maps for several ages.
C.G.G,(1974) carried out aeromagnetic survy for Iraq the presented
interpretation maps that are including (depth and structure)of crystalline
basement .
–Brew et al. (1997) gave some information about the composition and
depth of the basement in the northern Arabian plate in eastern of Syrian.
–Al Bdawi (1986) gave some information about the composition and
structure of the crystalline basement in the Waleed region (west part of the
western desert of Iraq).
-Brew and Barazangi (1999 ) used the seismic reflection profiles and wells
data to study the tectonic evolution of northeast Syria .
–Buday (1980)published two volumes on the regional geology of Iraq
that included information about stratigraphy and paleogeography of Iraq
and also they gave an idea about the thickness of the sedimentary cover for
several ages and they prepared a depth map for Iraq .
–Aziz (1986)used the available data to establish basement congfigration in
N-S direction in western desert .
-AL Khadimi et al (1984) made a series of Bouguer anomaly maps with
different scales for Iraq .
-AL Rawi (1986) estimated the average basement depth along chosen
aeromagnetic profiles in the western desert using the power spectral
technique.
-Hijab (1988,1996,1997,2000) studied the potential field and geological
information with different technique to prepare maps and section to discuss
many problems in western desert .

-AL Banna (1989,1992,1999) studied the gravity potential field of western

desert by using several quantitative and qualitative techniques to give idea
about the crystalline basement .

٤
-AL Naqash and Hijab (1992)studied the linear features and their
relationship with the tectonics of western desert .
-AL Bassam et al (1997)studied the structural geology of southern part of
western Desert using several methods to give an idea about sedimentary
cover.
-AL Yassi (1997)used the potential methods in studing deep geological
structures in western desert .
-AL Najjar (1999) used different methods to evaluate the Paleozoic and
Cenozoic basins configuration in the western of Iraq .
-

٥
1.6 Subsurface Geology :
The subsurface geological information has been greatly improved since
the boreholes data came out few boreholes that were drilled in the
studied area and around it Fig(1.2) ; these are;
1-Akkas-1 ;this was drilled in the northeastern part of the western desert
,the depth of drilling is 4238m from Rotary Table Kelly Bushing
(RTKB)=279m AMSL.It represents the stratigraphic column from
Ordovecian to Miocene ages.
Table (1.1)shows the stratigraphic column for Akkas-1 .

Table (1.1)Formation limits in Akkas-1 well.(after Tawfiq,2000)

Field Akkas Akk-1 From Oil Exploration Co .studies

Elevation Ground level :279m Formation contacts(RTKB)
RTKB :289m
Iraqi Drilling Co
From final report ,North Oil Co. (1994)
Formation Formation contacts Elevation Formations Upper Thickness
Thickness RTKB MS(m) contact (m)
(m) (m)
(m)

Euphrates 122 surface +270 Euphrates surface 167

Kirkuk 209 130 +157 Kirkuk 167 33
Group
Jadala 48 339 -52
Ratga 52 387 -100 Akkashat 340
Dammam 101 439 -152 Um Radhma 423

Ratga 77 540 -253 Akkashat 529 151

Jaddala 38 617 -330
Aliji 30 655
Tayarat 294 685 -398 Ora/Kaista 1105 358
Terra Rosa 113 979 -692 Akkas 1463 863
Ora/Kaista 371 1092 -805 Khabour 2326 1912
Akkas 863 1463 -1176 T.D 4238
Khabour 1912 2326 -2039
T.D 4238 -3951

٦
۷
2-KH5/1borehole;this was drilled near the Ga'ara depression.It's a water
well ,the depth of drilling is 1600m from RTKB =495ASL .It represents a
stratigraphic column from Silurian to Permian .
3-Melh Tharthar (Mth-1) borehole ;this was drilled at the east bank of the
Euphrates River,the depth of drilling is 3844m from RTKB =185m ASL .
It represents a stratigraphic column from lower Triassic to Tertiary .
4-Tenf borehole ;this was drilled at the eastern part of Syrian territory (at
the west of studied area) ,the depth of drilling is 3376m from RTKB
=400m ASL ,it is represnts a stratigraphic column from Ordovician to
Tertiary age .
5-Swab borehole ;this was drilled at the eastern part of Syrian territory (at
the northwest of the studied area ). The depth of drilling is 5009m from
RTKB =390m ASL,it is represents a stratigraphic column from Ordovician
to Tertiary age .
Table (1.2)Shows the stratigraphic succession of the Paleozoic period in
Syria ( from Best et al ,1993). .

SYSTEM FORMATIN LITHOLOGY

Permian Amanous Shale,sand stone
Carboniferous Markada Sandy shale
Devonian ----------- (not present)
Upper Silurian ----------- (not present)
Lower Silurian Tenf shale
Upper Ordovician Affendi sand stone with minor
shale
Lower Ordovician Swab mainaly shale
Khansser sand stone
Cambrian Sosnik sand stone
Burj limestone
Zabouk sand stone
Pre Cambrian Saramuj (not present)

۸
6-An 2 – borehole ;this was drilled at the north east of the studied area the
depth of drilling is 3528m from RTKB =270m (ASL) ,it is represents a
stratigraphic column from lower Jurassic to Tertiary age .

1.7 Notice about the boreholes ;

Only the (Mth-1) borehole shows full stratigraphic cycle from Permian to
the top of Tertiary (report of Mth-1 well), while other boreholes show
absence of certain sediments cycle.
In Akkas -1 the Triassic ,Jurassic and most of the Cretaceous sediments
were absent. These cycles are similar to these of tenf -1 borehole at the
Syrian territories ,Fig (1.2). .
This may suggest similar regional facies distribution ,general
biostratigraphiy and has the same tectonic evolution for this area .The
missing cycles are present in KH 5/1 well , they are namely Jurassic and
Cretaceous sediments, (Fig 1.2) shows the correlation between the
boreholes . It indicates that there is an increase in the thickness of
Ordovician sediments towards the east (Fig1.2) ,while the Silurian
sediments decrease to the east ,but the thickness of Cambrian – Devonian
sediments increase from the Iraqi –Syrian border towards Akkas -1field
and decrease towards the south near the Garra depression.

Generally the thickness of Paleozoic sediments increase towards the

Mesopotamian depression to the east .
1.8 Paleozoic rocks in the Western Desert of Iraq ;
Generally the Paleozoic rocks of Iraq outcrop in the thrust zone of
Northeast of the country and in the Rutba –Ga'ara uplift in the Western
Desert . No boreholes in Iraq and Syria (studied area) penetrate the
complete section of Paleozoic sediments .

۹
The Paleozoic rocks are generally composed of sand ,silt ,shale and
carbonates , while the environment of deposition can be described as a deep
to shallow marine environment (Al- Quwaizy,1997 and Aqrawi,1998)
Buday (1980)subdivided the Paleozoic sedimentary column of Iraq into
three major sedimentary cycles ;
1-the Cambro –Ordovician to Silurian cycle represented by the Khabour
Formation .
2-the upper Devonian –lower Carboniferous cycle that consists of Pirispiki
beds , chalki volcanics ,ora shale and Harur limestone formations . 3-the
upper Carboniferous –upper Permian cycle represented by Ga'ara sandstone
and Chiazari (carbonate /evaporate) formations.
Fig(1.3)shows the Paleozoic section for Iraq and equivalents from adjacent
countries. .
AL –Laboun (1986),Baban(1996)and AL Quawizy (1997) worked on the
Paleozoic sediments and subdivided the Paleozoic deposits into four cycle
according to sedimentary ,palynostratigraphic and geochemical analysis
These cycles are ;
1-Cambro –Ordovician cycle ,which is represnted by Khabour quartzite
Formation .
2-Silurian cycle represented by Akkas Formation .
3-Upper Devonian –Lower Carboniferous cycle represented by Harur ,Ora
,Chalki, Kaista and Pirispiki Formation .
4-Upper Carboniferous –Lower Permian cycle represented by Ga'ara
Formation .

1.8.1 Cambrian Rocks ;

Cambrian rocks are not recorded in Iraq, neither from boreholes nor
from outcrops ,but the results ascertained from the neighboring areas of
Iraq (Jordan and Syria ) .Al – Saideen et al,1998 and Brew et al, 1999,
indicated that the Cambrian rocks consists of clastics and carbonates .

۱۰
The clastic rocks of Upper Cambrian are part of the Sosink Formation .
The Middle Cambrian carbonates are represented by Burj Formation in

۱۱
both Syria and Jordan , the Lower Cambrian clastics are represented by
Zabouk Formation in Syria ,the clastics and carbonates are present in the
subsurface section that underlies the Ordovician rocks
In Syria (Barazanji et al ,1990,1993 Husseini , 1989,1991) stated ''the
Burj limestone member was an indication of a rapid transgression of post-
rift deposition''

1.8.2 Ordovician (Khabour Quartzite Formation):

The Ordovician Khabour Formation has been penetrated only in two
deep exploration boreholes in Iraq i.e Khalesia -1(at the northwest of Iraq )
and Akkas -1 (at the western desert of Iraq ) .In both boreholes ,as well as
in Khabour area where it is exposed in north of Iraq ,the base of the
Formation was not reached (INOC, 1992, 1993 ) .
It composed of fine- grained sandstones of quartzites, graywakes and
silty micaceous shales (Buday, 1980 and Al-Quwaizy ,1997), the thickness
of Khabour Formation is about 1250m in Khalesia -1 and 1912m at Akkas-
1. The environment of deposition of this formation are changed from
marine to coastal , this indicates that the basin of the deposition is not
stable (the sea followed regression and transgression period )
(Husseini,1990, 1991).
1.8.3 Silurian (Akkas formation);
The Akkas (Silurian) formation have been penetrated in many boreholes
such as(KH 5/6 and KH 5/1 water wells,Akkas -1and KH-1) .
It consists of predominantly dark shales with silty intercalation in upper
part and sandstones lenses and black shales in the lower part of the section
the (Al- Quwaizy ,1997, Majidy ,1999).
The thickness of Akkas formation in the above wells were indicated in the
final reports of these wells,as follows:
830m in Akkas -1
130m in Khalesia -1

۱۲
 750m in KH 5/6 Base not reached
270m in KH5/1 Base not reached

The environment of deposition changed from deep marine of the lower part
of the formation to shallow marine in the other parts .
Thickness of the Silurian sediments at Swab -1, Tenf -1(at Syria) and
Badanah (at Saudi Arabia ) less than the thickness of the Silurian in the
AKK -1,KH 5/1, Kh -1(at Iraq) (INOC,1993) and RH-3,RH-18(east of
Jordan near the Iraqi –Jordanian border ) ,while the Silurian sediments do
not appear in central Jordan(Al –Saiddeen et al,1998) and in central Syria
(Best et al, 1993)
It is mentioned that there is an uplift or geoanticline in the northern part of
the Arabian plate, it may be the principle of the appearance Hail –Rutba
arch (Best et al,1993) .it is indicated that there is an increase in thickness of
Akkas Formation towards the east. .

1.8.4 Devonian -Carboniferous sediments :

These sediments include the Ora,Kaista and Harour sediments .The
type locality of this group lie at the north of Iraq as outcrops, furthermore ,
it appears in Khalesia -1, KH 5/1 and Akkas -1 boreholes .
The movement of Hercynian tectonism resulted in the appearance of a
break in deposition from middle Devonian up to Carboniferous , in which
the effect of the Hercynian movements reaches Carboniferous (Stocklin
,1968) . The group of these sediments consists of the following Formations
(Bellin et al ,1959 and Buday ,1980) .
.
1-Kaista Formation :it is composed of siltstones and silty shales in the
lower parts and argillaceous limestones and silty shales in the upper parts .
2- Ora Shale Formation : it is composed of limestone and with lenses
of shale. .

۱۳
3- Harour Limestone Formation : it is composed of limestone and with
lenses of shale. .
The paleo – environments of this formation are from shallow
marine at the lower part to deep marinal environment at the upper part .

1.9 Mesozoic sediments :

These sediments include the carbonate and evaporates above the
clastic sediments belongs to previous ages (Best et al ,1993) .This is
evidence to loss nearly the continental source nearly and provide the
marine in the classtics sediments (Al-Najar ,1999).

1.9.1 Triassic sediments:

The Triassic sediments have been penetrated by deep exploration boreholes
in Iraq and Syria such as (RS-3,KH-5/6,KH5/2,Tenf-1,Mth-1,kh-1) the
group of these Formations consists of (Zorhoran ,Mulsa ,Karachini). The
environment of deposition of these formations are changed from shallow to
deep marine environment . Fig(1.2) shows an increase in the thickness of
sediments towards of north (Kh-1) and to west (Tenf -1) and to east (Mth-
1) ,the thickness of sediments in latter borehole is (1000m) this evidence of
deepening of sedimentary basin in this direction .

1.9.2 Jurassic sediments :

The Jurassic sediments have been penetrated in many deep exploration
boreholes such as (KH-5/6 ,An-2 ,Mth-1) . It consists of carbonate rocks in
the upper parts and classtic sediments in the lower parts of the section (Al-
Najar , 1999) . .

1.9.2 Cretaceous sediments:

In this age started the ancient weak areas (Anah subsidence ) and areas
beside it (Palmerad – deep Tenf and Swab ) to subsidence .These sediments

۱٤
have been penetrated in many boreholes such as (Ak-1,Mth-1,Awasil-
5,Me-1,An-2) . The thickness of sediments in latter borehole about 2Km
,also the Anah graben is distinguished to big sedimentation from carbonate
rocks about 2Km ,this evidence to deep of sedimentary basin and
subsidence in this direction .The environment of deposition of these rocks
is marine . .

1.10 Cenozoic rocks :

The study area distinguished by thin sedimentary coverage belongs to it ,it
is composed from carbonates and evaborites ,the most of study area is
covered by tertiary Rocks, shown Fig(1.2) the average of thickness ranging
between 200 – 600 m in most of the study area .

1.11Basement rocks:
The crystalline basement of the Arabian plate outcrops at the Arabian
shield south and west of the Arabian basin.
The study of the basement outcrops defined the Arabian plate basement to
be created from several microplates at the late Precambrian time (AL –
Laboun,1986, Buday and Jassim , 1987 and Beydoun , 1991) .
Geologically , Iraq lies between the two main phanerozoic units ,namely
the Arabian part of the African platform on the southwest and part of the
Alpine geosyncline on the northeast,it's crystalline basement belong to the
Arabian part of the platform (Buday ,1980 ,Buday and Jassim , 1987 ).
Therefore , no direct information about the composition, internal
structure and morphology of the basement because not penetrated borehole
the whole sedimentary cover , but it is exposed in countries that are
of the basement rocks in surrounding Iraq (Buday and Jassim , 1987).
these countries by radio active dating (AL –Shaikh ,1997) showed that the
age of the basement was Precambrian ,it is composed of some metamorphic

۱٥
and igneous rocks ( Buday ,1980 ) .

The Iraqi basement is composed of the late Cambrian and

infracambrian of metamorphic rocks intruded by granitic rocks(Buday
,1980 ;Buday and Jassim ,1987 ). .
Gravity and aeromagnetic methods give some information about
the depth , structure ,internal structure and morphology of the basement .

Abbas and Masin (1975) in their work in the western desert

considered the density contrast between the sediments and the basement is
to be (70-90 kg/m³). This is suitable for western desert ,it is suspected that
the basement is to be of granitic origin. …

Basement depth contour maps for the Western Desert of Iraq have
been established by Ditmar et al (1972) , and by C.G.G (Compagnie
General de Geophysique ) (1973,1974) , Fig (1.4a,b) .
Ditmar et al (1972) used the statistical correlation method using
geological data , while the C.G.G interpreted the aeromagnetic map
through the application of the inflection tangent intersection (ITI) method ,
(Tawfiq 2000). .

In the last few years some authors identified the deepest reflector on some
seismic reflection sections in the western desert as the top of the basement .
Those authors are Mohmud (1980) , Aziz (1986) and some internal reports
of INOC (1980 -1990) ,no seismic investigations have been carried out for
the purpose of studying the basement rocks in Iraq and no reflector appear
on any of the reflection seismic sections resembling the basement rocks .
The high – resolution reflector that appears on some seismic section of

۱٦
۱۷
western desert in Iraq and Syria belonge to ( M . Cambrian ) ,(suspposed to
be Burj formation ) this will be disscused in chapter three .
1.12 Tectonic and structures:
The present day structural pattern and individual tectonic units of
Iraq are the results of very complex evolution starting with the Precambrian
orogonics and ending with the latest phases of the Albine orogeny (Buady
and Jassim ,1987). .

Tectonically there are two divison for Iraq ,bipartit one ,which was
suggested by Mitchell(1959) , Buday (1973) , Buday and Jassim
(1987),shown in Fig (1.5) , while the tripartite one which divides Iraq into
three tectonic zones or belts which was suggested Less(1950)
,Henson(1954) ,Dunnington (1958) , AL-Naqib (1967), Al-Sayyab and
Valek (1986) and Ditmar et al (1971,1979) .
In this study the bipartite division will be taken into consideration ,
this division divided Iraq into stable shelf and unstable shelf each of these
major units was subdivided into zones and subzones .
The studied area is located within the stable in the Rutba –Jazera zone
(Ghada anomaly within Rutba subzone but Swab anomaly within Jazera
subzone). .
The Rutba –Jazera zone is the western and the more stable unit of
the stable shelf ,it's basement had been the most stable part during the
Mesozoic –Tertiary times ,but was apparently more mobile during
infracambrian and Paleozoic times (Buday and Jassim ,1987) .

Major structural features of the area include the Anah and Euphrates
grabens , Hail Rutba Arch.

۱۸
۱۹
1.12.1 Anah and Euphrates grabenes:
Euphrates graben is developed in the complex region where the Palmyrad
zone intersects the Euphrates faults trend . It is offset eastwards at an angle
of 60 at the Syria – Iraq border ,where it forms the Anah graben
(Dunnington ,1958) which is a similar narrow Late Cretaceous fault –
controlled trough that was also inverted during the Miocene . It is also seen
clearly on the gravity maps fig (1.6) .
More details on the geology of Anah anticline and Anah graben can be
found in Dunnington (op.cit),Buday (1973)and Jasim and Goff(2006).

1.12.2 Hail –Rutba Arch :

The crystalline basement of the Arabian plate and Paleozoic sediments up
to the Ordovician times are affected by the regional uplift ,this uplift
extends from the Saudi Arabian toward Iraq .From the southern part it
extends north wards through the western Desert i.e from Salman zone to
Akashat in the west ending at Hatra uplift .It is suspected that this regional
uplift is the basic elements for constructing the Hail – Rutba Arch in the
early Mesozoic affected by Hercynian orogeny (Al – Bassam et al , 1997) .
Roychoudy and Nahar (1980) suggested that the surface and
structural drilling evidence have been established the existence of Hail –
Rutba Arch along with associated graben system in the northwestern
Arabia. .
Power et al (1996) considered the Hail – Rutba arch is a north
plunging anticline with location (27º 32º N , 41º 43º E) ,it is a structural
phenomenon similar to the central Arabian arch . .

۲۰
۲۱
The plunging anticline separting the Tabuk segment of the interior
homocline from the Widyan basin margin .
Al-Bassam et al (1997) suggested that there is some shifting in the location
of Hail – Rutba arch when extended into the Iraqi territories .

۲۲
2.1 Preface:

Geophysical exploration is relatively of technology that had been

developed during the twentieth century special instruments have been put
to use in mining exploration (Dobrin et al ,1988) .The geophysical
technique most widely employed for exploration work are the seismic
,gravity ,magnetic ,and electrical methods . Less common methods involve
the measurement of radioactivity and temperature at or near the earth's
surface and in the air. .
Some of these methods are used almost entirely in the search
for oil and gas . Other are used primarily in exploring for solid minerals.
Most of them may be employed for either objective . Seismic and gravity
prospecting are mainly tools for oil exploration , electrical methods are
predominantly used for mineral exploration. .

There are three stages , which concerted among the geophysical

exploration methods , which are : :
1- data acquisition (field work).
2- data processing and corrections.
3- interpretation the data for the purpose of study ,(i.e geological structure
, lithological variation ,stratigraphic facies ,……etc).

۲۳
2.2 Gravity method :
The type of information obtainable from gravity or magnetic is
a composite of contribution from all depth within the usual range of
exploration interest, and such contribution can be individually resolved
only in special cases , hence one can not expect to obtain the detailed and
relatively precise structure picture from gravity or other potential data .

In gravity measurement the quantity actually observed is

not the earth's true gravitational attraction but it's variation from on point to
another ,usually at positions along the earth's surface which are close
together , such lateral difference can be measured with a much greater
degree of precision than the total gravitational field , and field instruments
are designed to measure difference in gravity rather than it's actual
magnitude ,the variation in gravity observed through such measurements
depend only upon lateral changes in the density of earth's material in the
vicinity of the measuring point .

Many types of rocks have characteristic ranges of

density which may differ from those of other types that are laterally
adjacent .Thus an anomaly in the earth's gravitational attraction can often
be related to a buried geologic feature .

۲٤
2.2.1 Theoretical background of gravitational prospecting :
Since the discovery of the law of gravitation (Newton ,1685 ) the
mutual attraction between all masses has been recognized as a universal
phenomenion (Sharma , 1997) .
This phinomena account for the familiar fact that
bodies when released near the earth will fall with a rate of increase in
velocity (Gravitational acceleration =gravity (g) ) .
The force of attraction (F) between the two point masses (m1) and (m2) ,
separated by a distance (r) is given by Newton's law :

F= G {m1m2⁄r²}r1--------------------(2.1)
Where :r1 :unit vector directed from (m1) towards (m2) when F is acting on
(m) .G: gravitational contrast. .
When the effects of rotation and non –uniformity of the
shape and density of the earth are neglected , the force (F) exterted by the
earth on a body mass (m) can be obtained as :

F =G[ME m /RE²] r1 -------------------(2.2)

Where ME is the earth's mass ,RE is the earth's radius .from the second
Newton's law of motion: :
F=mg ------------------------(2.3)
g= F /m -------------------------- (2.4)
The gravitational potential (u) , due to a point mass (m) at a given point (p)
at a distance ( r ) from (m) is defined as the work done by the gravitational
force in moving a unit mass from an infinite distance to the final position at
(p) . in geophysics :
u = Gm /r -------------------(2.5)

۲٥
The potential function (u) plays an important part in the theory of attraction
, the negative derivative of (u) gives the gravity attraction in the
corresponding direction ; thus ;
gr = Gm /r² ---------------------(2.6)
From Fig (2.1), the vertical component of gravity attraction g z or g that is
usually of interest can be calculated at a point (p) by the following integral
equation :
p
θ
g
-dm
gz
Fig (2.1) :Theory of gravity attraction

g = G ∫( đm/r²) cos θ ------------(2.7)

where đ m is the mass of a volume element ( đv ) ; p is the density .
The most widely used gravity formula for an infinity extending
horizontal slab is given by :
g = 2 Л G ðh ---------------(2.8)

where ð is the density and h is the thickness of the slab .

۲٦
2.2.2 Separation of anomalies :
Two types of problems are often encountered in gravity interpretation
where anomalies must be separated from one another ,the most usual one is
where the lateral extend of one anomaly is such greater than the other ,
generally occurs when the source with the large dimensions is a regional
geologic feature , such as a basin or geosyncline and smaller one is a local
feature , such as anticline or salt dome in such a situation , the first anomaly
can be considered to have a low spatial frequency (equivalent to a large
lateral extent or along wave length ) and the second a high spatial
frequency (corresponding to a short lateral distance or wave length ) .
Regardless of the origin of the regional anomaly and regardless of the
method of calculating residual , it is important to recognize that the basic
criterion for separating regional and residual is the area covered by each
type of feature. .

2.2.2.1 Graphical method :

In the graphical approach the regional effect must be estimated
from plotted profiles or contour maps of observed gravity ,where the
contours at a distance from a local anomaly are quite regular it is possible
to take out the regional trend by drawing lines which connect undisturbed
outside the area within which the anomaly is confined , the difference
between the which have discrete values of each intersection are marked and
themselves contoured , the resulting map gives residual gravity in the
example shown in fig (2.2). .
The best results can usually be obtained if smoothing is done on
typical profiles rather than on contour maps fig (2.3) .

۲۷
۲۸
2.2.2.2 Analytical methods:

With analytical methods of determining residual gravity numerical

operation on the observed data make it possible to isolate anomalies
without such a great reliance upon the experiences of judgment in carrying
out the separations , such techniques generally require that gravity values
be spaced in a regular array and templates are designed so that personnel
with little training or experience can interpolate values from maps on a
uniform grid. .
Programs are some times used that operate directly from data
mapped from irregularly spaced gravity reading .
Four analytical approaches are in common use :

1- The direct calculation of residual by techniques such as the center point

and ring method . .
2- The determination of second derivatives for which several standard
computational formulas are available .
3- Polynomial fitting .
4- Downward continuation which transforms the gravity field as measured
at the surface to the field that would be observed on a horizontal plane a
horizontal layer (source) buried at some specified depth.

2.2.3 Ambiguity of gravity information :

The geological interpretation of gravity data is more difficult and
involves more uncetainties than the interpretation of seismic records .
Gravity maps have enough resemblance to structural maps that one can
easily fall into the mental trap of identifying gravity maps.In evaluating
gravity maps it is important that one keep in mind the true nature of the

۲۹
contours, specifically one must not forget that they depict a potential field
rather than a subsurface structure . Two characteristics of potential field in
general and gravitational field in particular make their interpretation more
difficult
1- The observed at any point represents the summation of the gravitational
attraction of all subsurface sources detectable by instrument employed , yet
our object in interpreting such a field is to obtain information on the
individual sources contribution to it .
2-The lack of uniqueness in the gravity field from a subsurface source
means that any infinite number of different configurations can result in
identical gravity data at the surface. To resolve such ambiguity
other information than that from gravity is needed.For this reason the value
of gravity data usually depends on the amount of independent geological
information available .

2.3 Magnetic method :

The magnetic method of prospecting has a great deal in common with

the gravitational method , both make use of potential fields , both seek
anomalies caused by changes in physical properties of subsurface rocks ,
both gravity and magnetic have similar applications in oil exploration .
While they are extensively used as reconnaissance tools , there has
been an increasing recognition of their value for evaluating prospective
areas by virtue of the unique information they provide.

The lithologic identifications that can be made by combining these

different kind of information have great value in evaluating possibilities for
hydrocarbons over a prospective feature . Gravity and magnetic employ
fundamentally similar interpretation techniques , the magnetic method for a
number of reasons is more complicated both in principle and in practices .

۳۰
The characteristic of a rock which determines it's magnetic effects the
intensity of magnetization ( dependent on it's susceptibility ) , has both
magnitude and direction while the corresponding characteristic governing
it's gravitational pull the mass (dependent on density )and has magnitude
only. Magnetic force involves both attraction and repulsion while all
gravitational force is attraction .Also magnetic effects from rocks may be
greatly influenced by small trace of certain minerals while gravitational
effects originate mainly from the rocks primary constituents .

2.3.1 Theoretical background of magnetic prospecting :

Understanding the magnetic effects with earth material requires a
knowledge of the basic principles of magnetism , in this section we shall
review the elementary physical concepts that are fundamental to magnetic
prospecting.
2.3.1.1 Magnetic poles :
Poles always exist in pairs , but in a very long magnetic the lines of
force around the positive pole will not be perceptibly affected by presence
of the negative one , and each can be considered to be isolated .

2.3.1.2 Magnetic field : :

The magnetic field strength at a point is defined as the force
per unit of pole strength which would be exerted upon a small pole of
strength P0 if placed at that point. Thus , the field strength (H) due to a pole
of strength a p0 distance ( r ) a way is :

H = F/P0 = p/μr²-----------------------(2.9)
F= magnetic force

۳۱
2.3.1.3 Magnetic moment:
A dipole consists of two poles of equal strength (P) and of opposite sign
separated by short distance (L) . We define the product (PL) of the pole
strength by the separation as (M) , the magnetic moment of the dipole , the
direction of the moment a long the line between the poles and by
convention is toward the north –seeking pole .
2.3.1.4 Intensity of magnetization (or polarization) : :
Intensity of magnetization (I) may be considered to be the
induced pole strength per unit area a long a surface normal to the inducing
field , it is also equivalent to the magnetic moment per unit
volume. .
2.3.1.5 Susceptibility: :
In the case of a homogeneous external magnetic field (H)
that make angle θ with the normal to the surface of a material capable of
being magnetized the induced pole strength per unit area is .

I=KH cos ( θ ) ---------------(2.10)

or for a field normal to the surface
I=KH -----------------------(2.11)
K= susceptibility
2.3.1.6 Magnetic induction :
The total magnetic flux inside the material as measured in a narrow cavity
having an axis perpendicular to the field is called the magnetic induction
(B) .
2.3.1.7 Permeability :
It is a measure of the modification by induction of the force of attraction or
repulsion between two magnetic poles . It is magnitude depends on the
magnetic properties of the medium in which the poles are immersed , the

۳۲
permeability (μ) introduced in equation (2.15) .
μ =B /H ------------------------------(2.12)
2.3.1.8 Magnetic force :
If two poles of strength (P0) and (P1) respectively are separated by distance
(r) , the force (F) between them will be
F=1p 0 p/μr²------------------------(2.13)
μ =permeability depends upon the magnetic properties of the medium in
which the poles are situated .

۳۳
3.1 Available data :
The data available to the present study are as follows :
3.1.1 Boreholes :

The subsurface geological information has been greatly improved by

the boreholes data , that were located within the studied area and around it
Fig (1.2) . However no wells penetrated the basement rocks in the studied
area and around it , the average depths of these boreholes range between
(2-5km) ,these boreholes were discussed in chapter one .

3.1.2 Seismic data :

Seismic data on the study area is obtained in the forms of regional
reflection and refraction lines from the Ministry of Oil in Iraq also from
previous studies and researches in Iraq and Syria such as (UR-33 ,KB-20
,AG-32,UR-16 , UR-16C,KB-17 ) in southeast in the form of lines of the
study area fig(3.1b). .
Some parts of these lines show clear reflections from as deep as 3
seconds (two way time ) . At such depths a very good wide –spread
reflector is recognized to belong to the M – Cambrian dolomitic limestone
of the Burj formation ,No reflection deeper than that is obtained in this
parts of study area. As such the top of the Burj is referred to by some
authors ,as the seismic basement (AL-Shaikh ,1997). .
These lines also show clear shallower horizons such as the top of the
Ordovician khabour formation as well as some Mesozoic horizons ( AL-
Najjar ,1999 ) . .
On the northwestern parts of the study area , a similar reflection surveys
cover most of the area in addition to a deep long N – S

۳٤
۳٥
refraction line (Brew et al ,1997) , which extend from Swab borehole in
the south crossing the Euphrates depression and extending a cross Abdul
Aziz uplift in the north ,Fig(3.1a).This refraction line is considered for the
present study because it gives control on the gravity interpretations on the
Swab area.It also indicates depths to basement in the area and shows the
possibility of deep –seated faults with large displacements. Such
observations will be usefull when constructing the gravity models of this
study .

From the information of seismic surveyes (refraction ,reflection)

data (Brew et al,1997) incorporated with those of (Al – Najjar 1999) ,
boreholes information , the basement depth beneath the Anah graben area
is found to be greater than previously supposed , it's ranges between (11-
12km) , "The reason of the latter will be clarified in chapter four ",(shown
Fig 3.2 and 3.3 for details ).Clearly from these information the difference
of the basement depth between the southern and northern parts of the study
area, the depth of the burj formation beneath of the southern side of Anah
graben a rang between (6.5 -6.7km) Fig(3.3) ,the surface of crystalline
basement deeper M .Cambrian (Burj formation ) by a range between (0.7 -
1.0km) (I N O C, report 1993) , from this , the basement depth beneath the
southern part of Anah graben a rang between (7.2 – 7.6Km) shown Fig
(4.14). Due to a cross (N –S ) the Rutba uplift, the basement depth in the
northern part of the study area is at least 8.5km deep , in the Euphrates
depression the basement depth it's around 9km Fig(4.16) , Fig (3.2),also
clearly from Fig (3.2) the thining of the strata between the Burj limestone
and basement rocks by more 2km from the south to the north is
observed.This extended in thickness of Lower Cambrian/Precambrian
clastics to south of Euphrates could be a consequence of pre-mid Cambrian

۳٦
rifting and subsidence (Brew et ,al ,1997), also observed in a cross (N – S )
no definitive refraction arrivals are observed from the Burj formation "

۳۷
۳۸
perhaps because limited the thickness of this unit ( < 200m ) ". The present
study has made use of all these information ( Fig3.2 ,3.3 ) . These
conclusions about the basement depth is agree with the information about
basement depth in western Desert from (Jassim and Goff,2006).

3.1.2.1 Seismic information

The following are the seismic information that can be obtained:
1-Changes in the morphology of the crystalline basement surface
2-The depth of the top of the basement was deduced according to the top
of the M . Cambrian Burj formation . This was deduced from the seismic
profiles and maps , to produce the most reliable depth estimation for the
crystalline basement . According to the information from (I N O C report ,
1993) the surface of crystalline basement is deeper than M. Cambrian by
some (0.6 – 1.2 km) . Following this information the depth of the basement
was assumed. .
3-Estimation of the average density of the sedimentary and basement rocks
is calculated by comparing the seismic velocity with density as given
in(table3.2). .

3.1.3 Potential data:

The Bouguer map properly cover all the parts of the studied area .The
available total magnetic field anomaly map covers only the Iraqi side of
the area . No magnetic maps on the Syrian side are obtained for the present
study in spite of the many direct contacts that have been made with the
Syrian universities .

3.1.3.1 Gravity data:

Gravity data consists cover the Iraq and Syrian
sides with a scale 1:200000 and contour interval of one mgl . The gravity
Bouguer map is made by Iraqi Petroleum Company (I P C ,1960), Fig (3.4)

۳۹
٤۰
. The Bouguer anomaly map are constructed using a density of
2.175gm/cm³ (Al – Sayyab and Valek , 1968 ) , the mean square error of
measurements was ±0.034 mgl (Sutor and Odestricit , 1977) .

3.1.3.2 Magnetic data :

The aeromagnetic map of the studied area Fig (3.5) is a part of the
aeromagnetic map of Iraq constructed by the Company General De
Geophysique (C G G 1974) .The flight grid line was with space interval of
(2-5km) , while clearance altitude is (135-140m) , the declination is
3º 02' from geographic north .
The instrument used for measuring the earth's total magnetic field
was a cesium vapour optical pumping varian magnetometer . The
magnetometer is capable of measuring the variation in the magnetic field
with resolution 0.01 gamma and range for latitude corrections between
0.025 – 0.035gamma/m . The maps were constructed with different scales
with C.I (1,5,10 gamma).The contour line values in the aeromagnetic map
of the studied area Fig (3.5) represent the total magnetic anomalies in
gamma with a contour interval of 5 gamma .

3.2 Physical Rocks properties :

3.2.1 Density of Rocks :
In the interpretation of gravity anomalies it's necessary to estimate
the densities of the subsurface rocks before one can postulate their structure
, for this reason some attention will be given to the densities of the
representative rocks in the region where gravity surveys made (discribed in
chapter four ).For application to interprete gravity anomaly the absolute
density and density contrast are used . In the sedimentary section these
contrasts are almost always small . .

٤۱
٤۲
٤۳
 The sedimentary rocks cover a wide range of densities and that the
range are quite similar for sandstone, shalles and limestones .
Igneous rocks are generally denser than sedimentary rocks .
However there is substantial overlap between the densities of
sedimentary and igneous types as well as between those of various kinds of
igneous rocks themselves .
Despite such variations it's often necessary to assume average densities in
gravity calculations for areas where the type of rock is known .
In the present study densities from previous studies and
researches are used with the seismic velocities to detect the densities of the
sedimentary and basement rocks in the study area and around it , also
compare these conclusions with the previous studies and researches .

3.2.1.1 Density of sedimentary Rocks

Due to less direct information about the density of the sedimentay rocks
and scanty information from drilled wells , therefore we depend mainaly on
the velocities of seismic waves to obtain the densities , and also depend on
the average of weighted densities as calculated by (Al-Najjar 1999 ,Ditmar
et al 1971 ,Al-Hadithi 1994 , Mashhadani 2000) ,see table (3.1) .

The present study depend on average of weighted densities in the

study area and around it , and calculate these values as follows:

Pav =P1H1+P2H2----PnHn /H1+H2+----Hn -----(3.1)

H1,H2,---Hn=Thickness of formation
P1,P2,--------Pn =Average density of the formation
Pav =Average of densities to the all formations

٤٤
1 – Cenozoic and Mesozoic Rocks :
The average of weighted densities in the southeastern part
of the studied area (Ghada area ) ranges between (2.55 – 2.56 gm.cm‾³) as
calculated by Al- Najjar (1999) from AK-1 .

While the average of weighted densities of these rocks in the

northeastern part of the studied area range between (2.60 -2.61gm.cm‾³) as
calculated by Hadithi (1994) from (Kh-1,Met , Mth-1,Th) wells.
Densities of these rocks in Swab area is obtained through comparing
with seismic velocities Fig(3.2) shows these velocities to range between
(3.4 – 4.7km/sec) which correspond to density values between
(2.45 – 2.75 gm.cm‾³)table (3.2) . Using the thickness as weighting factor
, it may be concluded that the weighted average densities in this area is in
the range of (2.60 -2.61gm.cm‾³). .

If all the area , south of Anah graben , is taken in account , the average
density of these rocks may show a range of (2.56 – 2.50gm.cm‾³) table
(3.1) , these values of densities is in agreement with the seismic velocities
in all of the study area .
Local density variation will be discussed during the interpretation of
anomalies .

٤٥
Table(3.2) Minimum, Maximum and Mean velocity – density conversion
values(after Nafe and Drake,1975) taken from Al-Najjar , 1999) .

Density g/cc
Velocity km/s

Min Max Mean

3.7 2.19 2.52 2.34

3.8 2.21 2.54 2.36
3.9 2.23 2.58 2.38

4.0 2.24 2.6 2.39

4.1 2.26 2.62 2.41
4.2 2.27 2.63 2.43
4.3 2.29 2.65 2.44
4.4 2.31 2.67 2.46
4.5 2.32 2.69 2.48
4.6 2.33 2.70 2.50
4.9 2.35 2.73 2.55
6.0 2.44 2.88 2.77
6.4 2.58 2.99 2.87
6.5 2.61 3.04 2.90
6.6 2.64 3.08 2.93

6.7 2.66 3.11 2.95

7.7 3.12 3.40 3.25

٤٦
2-Paleozoic Rocks :

The average of weighted densities to the maximum depth in

Akkas well which about (5km) is 2.52gm.cm‾³ (Al-Najjar,1999)
For greater depth in Akkas area , it depends on the seismic
velocities at Burj formation , where it range between (4.1 –
4.2km/sec)Fig(3.6) ,which is equivalent to densities (2.63 -2.62gm.cm‾³)

Below the Burj formation down to the basement (some 800m)

, density of 2.67gm.cm‾³ is expected because increase the density
correspond to the increase of depth .
From the above discussion the average density that represents the
Paleozoic rocks at Ghada area is (2.62 – 2.63gm.cm‾³) . These values agree
with the values obtained by Al- Najjar (1999) see Table (3.1)
.
Average of weighted densities in the northeastern part of the
studied area about (2.65gm.cm‾³) as calculated by Mashhadani (2000).
Around Swab anomaly , seismic velocities within these rocks ranges
between (3.2 - 5.6km/sec) which is equivalent to densities of ( 2.4-
2.79gm.cm‾³) .
From above discussion the average density that represents these Paleozoic
rocks at Swab area range between (2.68 -2.70gm.cm‾³) .
In the present study , an average density for the Paleozoic for the
area is taken to be (2.65 gm.cm‾³) .

From the above discussion it can be observed that different values of

٤۷
٤۸
densities in different parts of the study area exist . The difference is thought
to be related to the fact that the two areas lie within two structural subzone .
Swab area lies within the Jezera while Ghada lies within the Rutba
subzone of Buday (1980). The different structural and sedimentation
environments of these subzone as well as the faults of Anah and Euphratis
may contribute to the difference in their densities .

3.2.1.2 Density of Basement Rocks :

There are no direct information about the density composition ,
internal structure and morphology of the basement in the study area
because the crystalline basement does not crop out in the study area and no
boreholes has penetrated the whole sedimentary cover into the basement .
The basement is exposed in the countries surrounding Iraq (Buday and
Jassim , 1980 ) . .
From a (N-S) seismic section over the Rutba uplift in the
northwestern parts of the study area , the seismic velocity of the basement
is around (6km/sec) , and the seismic velocity in the upper crust under the
Rutba town is (6km/sec) (Al – Heety , 1990) . This suggest similarity in the
velocity of the basement in the different parts of the area . Equivalent
density would be 2.77gm.cm‾³ .

3.2.2 Magnetism of Rocks :

Magnetic rocks have almost always acquired their polarization from
the earth's field . Often the polarization is of the induced type and it's
magnitude and direction are determined entirely by the magnitude and
direction of the earth's field as it is today . When the earth's field changes
this kind of magnetization changes accordinglly .
Other magnetic rocks display moment of magnetization that is not related
to the earth's present field but is governed instead by the field that existed
when the rocks was formed .

٤۹
 If such a rocks is an igneous it's direction of magnetization will be that
of earth's field at time it cooled from it's intial molten state to a temperature
below the Curie point this is called thermoremament magnetization .
If the rock is sedimentary any orientation of it's magnetic grains
during deposition generally in quite water would have been in alignment
with the field that existed when the deposition occurred . This is
depositional remament magnetization which gives earth's scientists a power
full tool for studing the history of the earth it self .

3.2.2.1 Magnetic Susceptibility :

The magnetic susceptibility is consider of great important to locate
the shape , size , volume and depth of the source to cause the anomaly .
As the study area does not posses direct information on laboratory
and magnetic measurement , we will depend on local references and from
other parts of the world . .
Most observed magnetic anomalies in the study area and around
has relation with sources located within the basement rocks . These are
related to metamorphic , basic ,and granitic rocks (Ditmar et al ,1971 ) .
Al – Shaikh (1997) indicate susceptibilities of basement rocks to
be between (0.0001 -0.00013emu /cm³) , ( C .G . G, 1974) used the
magnetic contrast between the basement and sedimentary rocks to range
(0.0005 -0.0007 emu /cm³ ) in Iraq .

٥۰
 In this chapter , it is hoped to use all the available evidence described in
chapter three to build up a model that represent the possible subsurface
geological structure of the area .

4.1 The gravity anomaly map :

The map , shown in Fig (4.1) has been taken as a part of the I P C map
of scale 1:200000 with a contour interval of 1mgl . It covers the whole of
the study area including both the Iraqi and Syrian sides .
The accuracy of the anomaly map and the details of the corrections used
in calculating the anomaly contours are described and discussed by
Ziyaioglu (1983). .

4.1.1Description of the map :

The regional gravity feature of the area is dominated by a gravity high
that reaches some +13mgl at the Jezera area of Iraq . This high is reduced
through smooth regional contours westwards into Syria crossing the
Euphrates fault region reaching values of some -40mgl towards centeral
Syria . The Jezera high is also reduced southwards through the E – W
extension of the Euphrates River in Iraq reaching rapidly values of -25mgl
over Rutba uplift .
This regional picture is disturbed by variously shaped local anomalies . The
main one is an elongated high that extends a cross the Syria – Iraqi borders
in an approximately NW-SE trend . The high has two maximum
culmunations . The first , refered to here as Swab anomaly (S) ,(where the
contour volues rise to -7mgl ) occurring in Syria and the other refered to as
Ghada anomaly (G) ( where the contours rise to -6 mgl ) , occurring in the
northern part of the western Desert of Iraq . Between Ghada and Swab
culminations , the gravity contours are disturbed giving a low in the form
of saddle (where contour values become about -12mgl ) , through which the

٥۱
٥۲
line of the Anah –Qalat Deisa fault and hence the Anah graben passes in an
approximately E – W direction .
The other disturbance in the regional contours described above is the sharp
long anomaly associated with the Anah graben .The anomaly is expressed
in a form of a sharp wriggle in the contours that covers the whole E –W
extension of the Euphrates River between Anah and Qaim and passes
westwards along the same line for many tens of kilometers in the Syrian
territory .It , therefore passes across the Ghada –Swab anomaly givng rise
to the saddel described above .The Anah graben anomaly consists of series
of closed elongated highs along the total length of the graben and it's
positive amplitudes may reach a value of 2mgl .

4.2 The Total Field Areomagnetic map :

It must be repeated here that the available aeromagnetic data is that
covering the Iraqi part of the study area which is the Ghada part only .
Many attempts have been made to obtain some magnetic information on
the Swab part of the area from the Syrian sources , but with no success .
As such the map of fig (4.2) is part of C.G.G aeromagnetic map which
covers the Ghada area only .
The map represents the total magnetic field contours minus a constant
value of 45596.42gamma .The countour interval is 5gamma .
The area of interest is covered by a signle magnetic anomaly having a
maximum part in the south and a minimum part in the north ,these
minimum and maximum parts are thought to be related to one another
forming a single anomaly due to the fact that the surrounding nearby areas
are devoid of anomalies of similar dimensions .
Both parts are represented by near circular contours the southern part has a
slight E – W elongated while the northern part tends to elongated towards
the south .The maximum part of the south reaches a contour value of 5075
gamma with average width of some 20km while the minimum part

٥۳
٥٤
whose center occurs near AK-1and reaches a value of 4945gamma and
similar average width .The two parts are separated by a sharp gradient
striking NW – SE .
This magnetic anomaly is related to the Ghada source as will be disscused
later . The broad large magnetic anomalies observed on the aeromagnetic
map of the stable shelf are usually related to igneous masses within the
basement .As such the Ghada source may be an igneous mass of basic
nature .
As both Swab and Ghada anomalies are related to each other (Fig 4.4a) and
due to the lack of information of magnetic data at the location of Swab
gravity anomaly , it is assumed here that Swab source may have magnetic
anomaly that is generally similar to that of Ghada .

4.3 Gravity Anomaly Isolation :

An isolation of the two gravity anomalies described in section 4.1.1 ,
namely that of Ghada – Swab and Anah graben has been attempted .
Graphical method is employed in the present study .In this procedure
regional contours are drawn across the local anomaly which is isolated by
direct subtraction .The Anah graben anomaly is isolated by this procedure
succenfully since it is so sharp that only a single regional contour is
possible .
On the other hand the Ghada –Swab anomaly is less sharp and as such
the choice of it's regional background is not so direct and unique . However
, it is thought that more elaborate procedures that involve gridding of the
contour map will not add to the uniqueness of the final solution especially
with the large source depths expected .It is believed that with the available
geological information obtained from boreholes and from previous
researchs , a reasonable control on the shape of the anomaly regional
background is possible .

٥٥
٥٦
٥۷
Fig(4.3a,) shows the regional contours chosen for the two anomalies .With
the Ghada –Swab anomaly the smooth regional contours are drawn as
tangents to the observed contours on either side of the anomaly and are
taken smoothly across the anomaly .
On the other hand only a small part of the Anah graben anomaly is
considered . Here the regional background is represented by straight lines
that run across the anomaly and become tangent to the observed contours
on it's either side Fig(4.3b) . It may be noted that the Anah graben anomaly
is a very long one running along the E – W stretch of the Euphratis in the
Iraqi side and passes westwards in a long linear line into Syria .The
anomaly is characterized by a single sharp positive anomaly of a maximum
value of 2mgl and negative anomaly in the westwards .In addition to the
small area of the anomaly studied here more profiles across the same
anomaly are also taken further west in Syria and interpreted later on .

4.3.1 The residual Ghada – Swab anomaly map

This is shown in Fig(4.4a) .It is a broad , long gravity anomaly
high stretching in NW-SE trend across the Iraqi –Syrian borders . It is
some 150km long with an average width of 40km . It has two semi-circular
positive culminations. The first is in the north within Syrian territory ,
refered to as Swab anomaly and centered at S. The second occurs within
the Iraqi borders refered to as Ghada anomaly and centered at G. Swab
anomaly culminates at a contour value of +11mgl , while that of Ghada
culminates at +12mgl .The two culminations are connected through the
contours of 0 – 6mgl and as such forming an area of lower gravity between
them , that we will call the saddle . It can be observed that the saddle is the
location through which the Anah graben anomaly and the Anah –Qala
Diesa faults pass . It is believed from the above outline that the two igneous
sources are connected at depth and that they may have been a single mass
at one time .

٥۸
٥۹
4.3.2 The Anah graben anomaly :
This feature is described at this stage as it seems related structurally to
the Ghada –Swab anomaly , the graben is represented by a narrow belt of
sharp series of anomalies .
it stretches approximately E-W for a long distance following the E-W
course of the Euphrates between Abo Kamal and Anah and continues
westwards for tens of kilometers along the same trend in southern Syrian .
It has a maximum width of 20km and consists of sharp wriggles in the
gravity contours very much similar to seismic traces where one peak of a
trace coincides with the next . These wriggles when contoured reveal the
formation of a series of elongated positive anomalies occupying the whole
length of the belt (Fig 4.4b) .The belt crosses the Ghada – Swab anomaly
dividing it into two semicircular maxima : Ghada anomaly in Iraq and
Swab anomaly in Syria .

٦۰
٦۱
4.4 Gravity interpretation :
4.4.1Computer Modeling:
Computer modeling to interpret potential anomalies has so far been
used without any limitation .It should be stressed , however , that an
interpretation produced by modeling forms only one of numerous possible
solutions to the same anomaly .
The procedure of modeling must be used very selectively and carefully ,
especially if sufficient seismic , boreholes and other geological evidence
were available . The interpreter should make full use of these information
to build a geological structure (model) and then use the computer to
calculate the potential anomaly that such structure would give . Experience
has shown that if the model built by the interpreter in the way outlined , is
authentic , the calculated anomaly will be very close to the observed one .
Otherwise , minor adjustments of the structure should be made by the
interpreter within the limits of the available data and that will be sufficient
to produce the required anomaly in most cases .
Many suffisticated modeling programes , many of which are iterative ,
are in use nowadays . All of these programmes are based on a procedure
given by Talwani et al (1959) to calculate the anomalies produced by two
and three – dimensional sources . One of these programmes , referred to as
2.5 dimensional , is in fact a 2-dimensional procedure but make end –
corrections to produce the 3-dimensional aquivalent . It is an iterative
procedure that adjust the proposed model to produce the required closeness
of the calculated anomaly to the observed one . This programme is useful1
when geological data is scanty . It has been used in this study for the
anomalies caused by deep unknown sources .

٦۲
4.4.2 Swab – Ghada anomaly :
Assuming that both of Ghada and Swab anomalies are three
dimensional anomalies and their subsurface source is spherical then half –
width relations (Z =1.305 X 1/2 ) indicate an average depth to center of
source to be some 16kms. That means that the source of these anomalies
lies within the basement . The existence of a magnetic anomaly
(Fig4.2)over Ghada indicates that the source is basic igneous mass . Similar
conclusion is arrived at by Brew et al (1997) who interpreted the Swab
gravity anomaly as due to a rise of vertical igneous sheet of density
2.90gm.cm‾³ .
In other wards , all the igneous masses making the core of the Rutba uplift
in the area are basic igneous rocks (Al-Najjar,1999) .

In this chapter, it is shown that such basic rocks may have an average
density of 2.82gm.cm‾³ . This value may correspond to that of rocks of
lower crust type .

To obtain a detailed picture of the subsurface distribution of the igneous

mass , five interpretation profiles are taken across the main features of the
anomaly as shown in Fig(4.1) , these profiles although taken on the
observed Bouguer map of Fig (4.1) with the view of taking the shape of the
anomaly ends in account , the values of the residual map of Fig(4.4a) are
used .
These profiles are :
A . NW –SE long profile SG taken across Swab anomaly to Ghada
anomaly . Note this observed anomaly on Fig (4.5) .
B .SW –NE profile SS is taken across Swab anomaly .see Fig(4.6) .

٦۳
C . SW – NE profile LL across the saddle between Swab and Ghada
anomalies .see Fig (4.7) .
D . SW –NE profile GG across Ghada anomaly ,Fig(4.8)
E . NW – SE profile Lb –Lb over the saddle ,Fig (4.10)

Although the profiles on B,C,D and E are taken slightly off normal to
the anomaly trend of Fig(4.1) , no much difference will be encountered
specially when considering them with respect to the residual .
Besides ,these profiles are taken parallel to the magnetic profile over Ghada
magnetic anomaly (G G) .

٦٤
A-profile SG:
The profile (Fig4.5) shows two peaks :one at Ghada which has an
amplitude 12.5mgl and the other at Swab which has amplitude of 11mgl .
In between the two , the gravity values are reduced by some 5mgl .

However , if the source of the two anomalies were one mass then it's
gravity effect will be given by the smooth solid line anomaly of Fig (4.9) .
This is a curve traced from either side of the observed anomaly smoothly.In
this case the depression in the gravity anomaly will reach some 7.5mgl .
The smoothed anomaly on Fig(4.9) may seem too sharp and has
too large a maximum. However, attention should be given to the difference
between the horizontal distance scale and that of the vertical depth.Fig(4.9)
showes that the vertical depth scale is exagurated five times as that of the
horizontal scale . If the Figure is redrawn with the distance scale made
similar to the depth scale , then the resulting assumed anomaly would seem
reasonable.
It is conceivable that a smoother curve may be taken which would reduce
the effect by 1-2mgl . However , in the present study ,no detailed
subsurface data is available to decide the more correct isolation.
The depression in the gravity anomaly by 7.5mgl from it's value at
Swab and at Ghada (the saddle) can not be interpreted uniquely . As has
been stated earlier the saddle forms the location where the Anah graben
passes . Therefore one interpretation may be that a thick accumulation of
low density marl of the U.Cretaceous similar to that found in well An-2
occur below this location . Thus the saddle anomaly of Fig 4.11 shows the
isolated saddle gravity low that explained by a two kilometer thick low
density U.Creataceous accumulation brought about by down faulting on the
graben sides . It can be seen that this proposed structure fits the observed
anomaly reasonably ,Fig(4.11). .

٦٥
 A possible prelininary interpretation is shown in Fig (4.5) where the
combined anomaly is interpreted as due to intrusive igneous mass of
density 2.82gm.cm‾³ . It is intruded into homogeneous metamorphic
basement of average density of 2.77gm.cm‾³ . The top of the intrusion is
irregular with two separate masses : one below Swab and the other below
Ghada. .
This interpretation requires an increase of the thickness of the
sedimentary cover of density 2.65gm.cm‾³ from about 8.5km below Swab
and 7.3km below Ghada to a maximum of some 11.5km in the middle
below the saddle . Such interpretation suggests that the Anah – Qala-Desa
fault system has been active during the L.Paleozoic times (see Fig3.2 where
the basement is affected by the Furat faults system as given by the seismic
refraction line of Brew et al . , (1997).

The third possible interpretation is a combination of the above two

models . (Fig 4.10) The source of the gravity low of the saddle is explained
here by both the faulting of the Anah graben at shallow depths and also the
deep faulting of the basement . The increase thickness of the U.Creataceous
low density rocks within the Anah graben has reduced the average density
within the graben to 2.45gm.cm‾³ as compared with the average for the
Mesozoic of 2.55gm.cm‾³ .
The third possible solutions , the first may be more preferable as it
shows similarities to the thicknesses of U.Creataceous rocks of Anah 2 .
However , the solution in Fig(4.10) is also reasonable as it fits with
seismic evidence described in chapter three where the area is affected by
two movements : Anah Qala Deiza faults which led to the depression of the
basement and also it's renewed activation on the shallower succession that
led to the thickening of the U . Creataceous .

٦٦
٦۷
B- Profile SS:
This profile is taken across Swab anomaly in a SW – NE direction ,
Fig(4.6) . It shows a positive anomaly of about 10.5mgl . It is a broad
anomaly with a half – width of some 12km . Assuming, a spherical source
for the anomaly , the half – width relation would suggest a depth to center
of 15-16km. This is clearly an intrabasement feature .

Assuming the basement to be uniform with density 2.77gm.cm‾³

which may corresponds to gneissic metamorphic rocks (Schon ,1994) and
assuming the intrusive mass to be coming from the lower crust with a
density of 2.82gm.cm‾³ which lies between the values used by various
authors for basic igneous rocks (Moony and Bleifuss,1953) , the contrast is
therefore 0.05gm.cm‾³ . Taking in account the discussion in chapter three
on the basement depth and hence the sedimentary column thickness which
reaches some 8.5km in this location with uniform density of 2.68gm.cm‾³
(chapter three), then the modeling procedure has produced the subsurface
structure shown in Fig (4.6) . The programme used is the 2.5 dimensional
modeling which approximate the source to the three dimension.
.
The section suggests that the igneous mass was intruded after the
deposition of the lowermost Cambrian (infracambrian) . Thus , the top of
the mass has formed part of the basement surface where the later Cambrian
rocks were deposited .

٦۸
٦۹
C . Profile L L :
This profile is taken in SW to NE direction across the gravity depression
between the two main anomalies :
G and S – the area we refered to as saddle .The anomaly shown in Fig(4.7)
is symmetrical with about 4mgl amplitude which is a maximum due to the
effect the nearby Ghada source .(note position of L L on Fig 4.5) .
The sedimentary column thickness is considered to increase from about 8
to 9km in the northeasterly direction .With the same density used for the
various rocks as in the previous profiles , the model shows the saddle is
caused by deepening of the igneous mass some 3km below the basement
surface . The amount of deepening of the igneous mass below the saddle is
approximately equal to that seen in Fig (4.10) . However , in the section of
Fig(4.10) the effect of Anah graben with it's low density U.Creataceous fill
has to be introduced to account for the greater anomaly difference between
the S and G masses and the saddle .

D . Profile G G :
This profile is taken across Ghada anomaly in a SW to NE direction Fig
(4.8) .The anomaly is symmetrical with a maximum amplitude of 12mgl
with half – width of 13-14km . Once again , with this half – width , the
depth to the center of the source must lie deep within the basement . The
densities and the thicknesses of the sedimentary cover are used as discussed
in chapter three suggest an average density for the basement rocks of
2.77gm.cm‾³ which may corresponds to gneissic metamorphic rocks
(Schon ,1994) . The igneous mass given a density of 2.82gm.cm‾³ which
lies between the values used by various authors for basic igneous rocks
(gabbro,basalt,daibase) (Moony and Bleifuss,1953).The contrast used is
therefore 0.05gm.cm‾³.The average sedimentary rocks density (chapter

۷۰
three) is taken to be 2.63gm.cm‾³ . This value is slightly less than it is at
Swab area due to the fact that the two locations belong to two different
subzones : Rutba subzone and Jezira subzone . In any case , as the top of
the basement is nearly horizontal in both locations , no anomaly is expected
from the density difference of the sedimentary column . The sedimentary
thickness is shown to be about 7.2km . The Ghada igneous mass is shown
to intrude the lowermost part of the Cambrian rocks and thus it's top form
an elevated part of the floor where later rocks are deposited on .

E . Profile Lb-Lb :
This profile taken in NW-SE direction over the saddle area ,Fig(4.10).
This section shows one of the possible interpretations of the saddle
anomaly as given in section 4.4.2. .

۷۱
۷۲
۷۳
۷٤
۷٥
4.5 The Anah graben anomaly :
The anomaly has been described earlier (section 4.3.2) .It is a linear
anomaly stretches all along the E-W course of the river Euphrates between
Anah and Abo Kamal and continues westward in Syria along the same
line.It shows two types of anomalies :
a- Where the graben is wide ,as seen in the vicinity of the saddle and near
Anah anomaly is mainly a broad low with , at places ,a superimposed
narrow elongated high .
b-Where the graben is narrow as seen in it's most parts , only elongated
narrow highs are accomadated .

The lows of the wide part of the graben are believed to be related
to thick accumulation of U. Creataceous marls that are observed in well
Anah -2 . While the superimposed high is thought to be caused by the
inversion of the L.Tertiary rocks . Such interpretation is attempted by
Sishwar (1983) when the anomaly interpreted is some three mgl . He used a
density of (2.45gm/cm³) for U . Creataceous in the middle of the graben
against Jurassic and Triassic dolomites and anhydrites of (2.65gm/cm³)
outside.The density contrast used in the present interpretation of the -11mgl
is -0.12mgl gm.cm‾³ for the graben fill consisting of U.Cretaceous only of
2km thick,Fig(4.11). .

The interpretation of the long gravity high is interpreted as due to anticline

(the Anah anticline ) caused by the inversion of the Oligocene and Eocene
(density 2.62 gm/cm³) that makes the core of the anticline Fig(4.12) .

At the saddle area , which is another wide part of the graben , the
situation is slightly more complicated . It is affected on either side by
prominent highs : Swab and Ghada highs .It may also be affected in
unknown and unclear way by the faulting along the Syrian part of the

۷٦
Euphratis fault zone .An attempt to interpret the gravity low of the saddle is
shown in Fig(4.10) . This model implies the existence of thick U .
Cretaceous sediments in a rifted basin at shallow depth as well as deep
seated faulting causing the increase of the L . Paleozoic thickness . This
interpretation seems consistent with seismic section of Brew et.al. (1997)
reproduced her in Fig (3.2) , chapter three .

Other interpretations of the wide part of the graben are given and
discussed in section (4.4.2) .The narrow parts of the graben all along it's
length contain successive elongated , sharp , closed anomalies Fig
(4.4b)Their average half –width is three km and their maximum amplitude

is about 2mgl . As such , their average depth of source is about 3km .

Modeling of some of these anticlines are given in Fig (4.12).
The negative anomaly observed on the westernmost end of the graben
seems related to some other nearby structure whose effect is seem in the
observed gravity map Fig (4.3b) and not included in the present study .
The Anah graben , as represnted in this interpretation , seems to
origionally a line of weakness due to faulting during the Pre-Mid Cambrian
and Paleozoic times . During the Cretaceous the movement is rejuvenated
in a form of tension due to plate movement . The movement has led to
rifting and basin formation .
In the late Tertiary times , the movement along the line becames a
compression leading to inversion of late graben fill.

۷۷
۷۸
4.6 Aeromagnetic Interpretation :
The aeromagnetic map shown in Fig (4.2) is described in section
(4.2) . The anomaly is believed to belong to the Ghada igneous mass . It
consists of a southern main high with other smaller highs extending
towards the southeast .It also consists of a main northern low which has
a clear extension towards the southeast . A sharp gradient between the two
parts is clearly seen on the map of Fig (4.2) having a N30W trends.
Al-Najjar (1999) has attempted an interpretation of the anomaly but the
attempt has been unsuccessful due to the fact that only the positive part of
the anomaly has been considered .
In the present study the two parts of the anomaly described above
are taken into consideration. .

Care is taken in chosing these parts . The southern part consists of a

main high with other minor highs giving a southern elongation . The
northern part occurs south of Abo Kamal and is a magnetic low with an
elongation towards the south .( See the map of Fig (4.2)) .The profile of
Fig(4.13c) is taken across the strike of the two parts of the anomaly . The
southern part is a high and has a maximum contour value of 5075gamma .
The northern part is a low and has a minimum contour value of
4945gamma . This arrangement of the anomaly parts in this area where the
total earth's magnetic field is about 50000gamma and inclined at some 50
down would indicate that the igneous source (Ghada) is magnetized by
inducation from the present earth's field .

To attempt an interpretation of the anomaly , the value of the zero

line must be decided . To achieve that , a standard anomaly drawn over a
two – dimensional source of rectangular cross-section under similar
magnetic conditions is plotted on Fig (4.13) .
The strike of a 2D source affects the relative ratio of the positive and

۷۹
the negative parts of the anomaly (Grant and West ,1973) .If the source is
striking N-S , the induced anomaly would be , under the present field
direction and inclination , mainly a magnetic high . Any devation from the
north would reduce the high and increase the low . If the strike becomes E-
W , then the observed anomaly would be symmetrical with the high equals
the low and the center of the source would lie immediately below the center
of the anomaly. .
In the present case , the strike is off the north by 30º , the ratio
between the high and the low will be an intermediate value between the
above two strike directions .Accordingly , the zero line can be established .

The actual Ghada magnetic anomaly is drawn at (b) of the same

Fig (4.13b) . It can be seen that the two anomalies are very close in shape
except that the Ghada anomaly is border. As such the zero line of 5000
gamma is chosen through comparison with the standard anomaly . As such
the positive is +65gamma and the negative part becomes -40 gamma.The
positive side is bigger than the negative one because the strike of the
anomaly deviates from the north some 30degress . If the strike trend E –W
the anomaly would be symmetrical with the positive value equals the
negative value. .
The anomaly is modeled in Fig (4.13c). A close fit can be seen
with the observed anomaly of the Ghada igneous source is located at a
depth of 7.3km with horizontal top outcropping with some elevation above
the surface of the basement . .
The magnetic succeptibility used in the model is 0.0025 emu.cm‾³
which according to Mooney and Bleifuss(1953) lies within the rang of rock
types such as basalt , gabbro and diabase . The contrast used is

۸۰
۸۱
۸۲
therefore 0.0012emu.cm‾‾³ .The basement susceplibility is taken to be
0.0017emu.cm‾³ which according to (Mooney and Bleifuss ,1953),(Evans ,
1991) suggest a possible gneissic composition . These susceptibilities are
close to those used by Najjar (1999) ,Abdah (2002) . .

It is comforting to note that the same igneous source with the same
depth, dimensions and location fits both the gravity and the magnetic
anomalies of Ghada .

۸۳
4.7 Comments on the sedimentary thickness and tectonics:

Seismic evidence (reflection and refraction ) results in Ghada area

(Al-Najjar ,1999) and Swab area (Brew et . al.,1997) in addition to
evidence from boreholes AK-1and Swab-1 and present gravity and
magnetic interpretations have helped in producing an approximate structure
contour map to the top of the basement ,Fig(4.14) .
The contour values south of Anah graben are based on
that constructed by Al- Najjar (op.cit) after modifying them by adding the
thickness of the successions between the Burj formation and the base of the
Cambrian which averages about 700-900m .The contours north of the Anah
graben are based on the depth values obtained from the southernmost part
of the refraction section of Brew et . al (1997) as well as the gravity and
magnetic modeling of the present study .

The basement in Ghada area tends

to shallow up from 7.6km towards the location of the Anah graben . The
contours become much deeper below the actual graben . In the Syrian part
of the area , the contours reduce in value starting from Khlesia high west
wards becoming at their largest over the Euphrates fault zone , then
gradually and smoothly , the basement becomes shallower .reaching a
value of of 8km in the westernmost side of the area . The outcrops of both
Swab and Ghada masses at the base of the sedimentary column are shown
on the map .
The Anah – Qalat Dizeh falut is according to Jassim and
Goff (2006) is a prominente transversal fault originated during the late
Precambrian and was reactivated repeatedly during the Phanerozoic . It's
E-W extension in Iraq has produced the Anah graben that contains over
2000m of U .Cretaceous sediments as compared with 300m outside the
graben .

۸٤
۸٥
۸٦
5.1 Results:
1- Isolation of the Ghada - Swab anomaly from the observed gravity
map has produced a single anomaly elongated in approximately NW – SE
trend and has two distinct highs : one near Swab – 1 at the Syrian side and
the other near Ak -1 on the Iraqi side .
2- Various interpretations have been discussed as to the origin of the low
between these two highs – saddle .
The saddle is believed to be a result of Anah graben faults as well
as the Euphratis faults zone . Light is thrown on the possible fill of the
graben and the possible thickness of the sedimentary succession below it .
3 - While the Swab anomaly is studied as a gravity anomaly , that of
Ghada is studied both as gravity and as magnetic anomalies . That is due to
the data available . The source of the Ghada anomaly as derived from the
magnetic and gravity interpretations is the same : a basic igneous mass
intruded from the depth into the metamorphic basement forming a doming
part of the surface of the latter . It's top occurs at a depth of 6.8km .

4- Gravity interpretation of Swab high has shown that the anomaly is

caused by a similar igneous mass that is intruded the metamorphic
basement forming a doming at a depth 7.5km .
5 - The two igneous masses merge into one mass at a depth that ranges
between 12.5 -13.5km . .
6- The physical properties collected from various sources giving a density
of 2.82gm.cm‾³ for the igneous mass and density of 2.77gm .cm‾³ for the
metamorphic basement have satisfied all the observed gravity
anomalies . A susceptibility of 0.0025emu . cm‾³ for the igneous mass and
0.0017 for the basement rocks have given a similar source for the Ghada
anomaly as obtained from it's gravity anomaly .
7 - The average density of the sedimentary succession seems to increase
from 2.63gm.cm‾³ at Ghada to 2.68gm.cm‾³ at Swab due to the fact that the

۸٦
two areas belong to two different structural subzones .
8 - Data on the thickness of the sedimentary succession of the sedimentary
succession has proved sufficient to construct an approximate structure
contour map on top of the basement .

5.2 Recommendations :
On the basis of this study result the following recommendation
may be suggested :
1 – The Iraqi side near the international borders requires more geophysical
investigations , especially seismic reflection .
2 – A deep borehole situated within the saddle near the Ghada structure is
suggested . It is believed that this location is underlain by inclined thick
strata that may prove of economic value .

۸۷
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 ‫ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﺨﻠﺺ‬

‫ﺗﺘﻀﻤﻦ ﻣﻨﻄﻘﺔ ﺍﻟﺪﺭﺍﺳﺔ ﺍﻟﺠﺰء ﺍﻟﺸﻤﺎﻟﻲ ﻣﻦ ﺍﻟﺼ�ﺤﺮﺍء ﺍﻟﻐﺮﺑﻴ�ﺔ ﺣ�ﻮﻝ ﺑﺌ�ﺮ ﻋﻜ�ﺎﺯ‪Ak-)۱‬‬
‫‪ (1‬ﻭﺗﻤﺘﺪ ﺷ�ﻤﺎﻻَ◌َ ﻋﺒ�ﺮ ﻣﻨﺨﺴ�ﻒ ﻋﻨ�ﺔ ﻟﺘﺸ�ﻐﻞ ﺍﻟﺠ�ﺰء ﺍﻟﺠﻨ�ﻮﺑﻲ ﻟﺸ�ﺮﻕ ﺳ�ﻮﺭﻳﺎ ﻗ�ﺮﺏ ﺑﺌ�ﺮ‬
‫ﺻﻮﺍﺏ‪(Swab-1)-۱-‬‬
‫ﻭﺗﺘﺄﻟﻒ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﻮﻓﺮﺓ ﻣﻦ ﺧﺎﺭﻁﺔ ﺷﺬﻭﺫ ﺍﻟﺒﻮﺟﻴﺮ ﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﺃﻧﺸﺄﺗﻬﺎ ﺷ�ﺮﻛﺔ)‪ ( I P C‬ﻓ�ﻲ‬
‫ﺧﻤﺴﻴﻨﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻘﺮﻥ ﺍﻟﻤﺎﺿﻲ ﻭﺑﻤﻘﻴﺎﺱ ‪ 1:200000‬ﻭﺑﻔﺎﺻﻠﺔ ﻛﻨﺘﻮﺭﻳﺔ ﻗﺪﺭﻫﺎ ‪ ۱‬ﻣﻠﻐﺎﻝ ‪.‬‬
‫ﻛﻤﺎ ﺗﺘﻀﻤﻦ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎﺕ ﺧﺎﺭﻁﺔ ﺟﻮﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﻤﺠﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﻤﻐﻨﺎﻁﻴﺴﻲ ﺍﻟﻜﻠﻲ ﻟﻠﺠﺎﻧ�ﺐ ﺍﻟﻌﺮﺍﻗ�ﻲ ﻭﺍﻟﺘ�ﻲ‬
‫ﺃﻧﺸ��ﺄﺗﻬﺎ ﻋ��ﺎﻡ ‪ ۱۹۷٤‬ﺍﻟﺸ��ﺮﻛﺔ ﺍﻟﻔﺮﻧﺴ��ﻴﺔ )‪ . (C G G‬ﻛﻤ��ﺎ ﺗﺘ��ﻮﻓﺮ ﻷﻏ��ﺮﺍﺽ ﺍﻟﺪﺭﺍﺳ��ﺔ‬
‫ﻣﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎﺕ ﺑﺌﺮﻳﺔ ﻋﻦ ﺍﻟﺘﺘﺎﺑﻊ ﺍﻟﻄﺒﻘ�ﻲ ﻭﺍﻟﺨ�ﻮﺍﺹ ﺍﻟﻔﻴﺰﻳﺎﺋﻴ�ﺔ ﻟﻠﺼ�ﺨﻮﺭ ﻓ�ﻲ ﺍﻻﺑ�ﺎﺭ ﺍﻟﻤ�ﺬﻛﻮﺭﺓ‬
‫ﺃﻋﻼﻩ ‪.‬‬

‫ﻭﻗﺪ ﺑﻴﻨﺖ ﺍﻟﺘﻔﺴﻴﺮﺍﺕ ﺑﺄﻥ ﺍﻟﻤﺮﺗﻔﻌﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺠﺬﺑﻴﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻛﻞ ﻣﻦ ﻣﻨﻄﻘﺔ ﻏﺎﺩﺓ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺠﺎﻧ�ﺐ ﺍﻟﻌﺮﺍﻗ�ﻲ‬
‫ﻭﺻﻮﺍﺏ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺠﺎﻧﺐ ﺍﻟﺴ�ﻮﺭﻱ ﺗﻌ�ﻮﺩ ﻟﻜﺘﻠﺘ�ﻴﻦ ﻣ�ﻦ ﺍﻟﺼ�ﺨﻮﺭ ﺍﻟﻨﺎﺭﻳ�ﺔ ﺍﻟﺘ�ﺎﻥ ﺗﻈﻬ�ﺮﺍﻥ ﻋﻠ�ﻰ‬
‫ﺳﻄﺢ ﺍﻟﻘﺎﻋﺪﺓ ﻭﺗﺘﺼﻞ ﻣﻊ ﺑﻌﻀﻬﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻋﻤﻖ )‪ (۱۳-۱۲‬ﻛﻢ ‪.‬‬
‫ﺃﻥ ﺗﻔﺴﻴﺮ ﺍﻟﺸﺬﻭﺫ ﺍﻟﻤﻐﻨﺎﻁﻴﺴﻲ ﻓﻮﻕ ﻏﺎﺩﺓ ﺑﻴّﻦ ﺑﺄﻥ ﻣﺼﺪﺭﻩ ﻫﻮ ﺫﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﻜﺘﻠﺔ ﻣﻦ ﺍﻟﺼﺨﻮﺭ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻨﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﺣﻘﻘﺖ ﺍﻟﺸﺬﻭﺫ ﺍﻟﺠﺬﺑﻲ ‪.‬‬

‫ﻭﺗ��ﻢ ﻭﺿ��ﻊ ﺗﻔﺴ��ﻴﺮﻳﻦ ﻣﺤﺘﻤﻠ��ﻴﻦ ﻟﻠﻤ��ﻨﺨﻔﺾ ﺍﻟﺠ��ﺬﺑﻲ )ﻣﻨﻄﻘ��ﺔ ﺍﻟﺴ��ﺮﺝ( ﺍﻟﺘ��ﻲ ﺗﻔﺼ��ﻞ ﺑ��ﻴﻦ‬
‫ﻣﺮﺗﻔﻌ��ﻲ ﻏ��ﺎﺩﺓ ﻭﺻ��ﻮﺍﺏ ﺍﻟﺠ��ﺬﺑﻴﺎﻥ ﺍﻷﻭﻝ ﺗﻤﺜ��ﻞ ﺑﻌﻤ��ﻮﺩ ﺳ��ﻤﻴﻚ ﻣ��ﻦ ﺻ��ﺨﻮﺭ ﺍﻟﻜﺮﻳﺘﺎﺳ��ﻲ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻌﻠ��ﻮﻱ )ﻭﺍﻁ��ﺊ ﺍﻟﻜﺜﺎﻓ��ﺔ( ﻧﺸ��ﺄ ﻧﺘﻴﺠ��ﺔ ﻓﻮﺍﻟ��ﻖ ﻣﻨﺨﺴ��ﻒ ﻋﻨ��ﺔ ﻭﺍﻻﺧ��ﺮ ﻫ��ﻮ ﺃﺷ��ﺘﺮﺍﻙ ﻛ��ﻞ ﻣ��ﻦ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺘﺄﺛﻴﺮ ﺍﻟﻤﺬﻛﻮﺭ )ﺑﺴﻤﻚ ﺍﻭﻁﺄ ﻣﻦ ﻫﺬﻩ ﺍﻟﺼ�ﺨﻮﺭ ( ﻣ�ﻊ ﻣﻨﺨﺴ�ﻒ ﺗﺼ�ﺪﻋﻲ ﺿ�ﻤﻦ ﺻ�ﺨﻮﺭ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺤﻘﺐ ﺍﻟﻘﺪﻳﻢ ﺗﺨﺖ ﺍﻟﻤﻨﻄﻘﺔ ﺫﺍﺗﻬﺎ ‪.‬‬

‫ﻭﻗ��ﺪ ﺃﺳ��ﺘﺨﺪﻣﺖ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣ��ﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻌ��ﺔ ﻋ��ﻦ ﺳ��ﻤﻚ ﺍﻟﻌﻤ��ﻮﺩ ﺍﻟﺮﺳ��ﻮﺑﻲ ﻣ��ﻦ ﻣﻘ��ﺎﻁﻊ ﺍﻟﺪﺭﺍﺳ��ﺔ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺤﺎﻟﻴﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﺪﺭﺍﺳﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺴﺎﺑﻘﺔ ﻷﻧﺸﺎء ﺧﺎﺭﻁﺔ ﺗﺮﻛﻴﺒﻴﺔ ﻛﻨﺘﻮﺭﻳﺔ ﻟﻘﻤﺔ ﺻﺨﻮﺭﺍﻟﻘﺎﻋﺪﺓ ‪.‬‬
 ‫ﻭﺯﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻢ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻲ ﻭﺍﻟﺒﺤﺚ ﺍﻟﻌﻠﻤﻲ‬
‫ﺟﺎﻣﻌﺔ ﺑﻐﺪﺍﺩ‬
‫ﻛﻠﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﻠﻮﻡ‬
‫ﻗﺴﻢ ﻋﻠﻮﻡ ﺍﻷﺭﺽ‬

‫ﺍﻟﺘﻔﺴﻴﺮ ﺍﻟﺠﺬﺑﻲ ﻭﺍﻟﻤﻐﻨﺎﻁﻴﺴﻲ ﻟﺸﻮﺍﺫ ﻏﺎﺩﺓ – ﺻﻮﺍﺏ‬

‫ﺭﺳﺎﻟﺔ ﻣﻘﺪﻣﺔ‬
‫ﺃﻟﻰ ﻛﻠﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﻠﻮﻡ – ﺟﺎﻣﻌﺔ ﺑﻐﺪﺍﺩ‬
‫ﻛﺠﺰء ﻣﻦ ﻣﺘﻄﻠﺒﺎﺕ ﻧﻴﻞ ﺩﺭﺟﺔ ﻣﺎﺟﺴﺘﻴﺮ ﻋﻠﻮﻡ ﻓﻲ ﻋﻠﻮﻡ ﺍﻷﺭﺽ‬

‫ﻣﻦ ﻗﺒﻞ‬
‫ﻋﻠﻲ ﻋﺒﺪ ﻣﻮﺣﻲ ﺍﻟﺰﺑﻴﺪﻱ‬
‫ﺑﻜﻠﻮﺭﻳﻮﺱ ﻋﻠﻮﻡ ‪۱۹۹٦ -‬‬

‫ﺍﻟﻤﺸﺮﻑ‬
‫ﺍﻷﺳﺘﺎﺫ ﺍﻟﺪﻛﺘﻮﺭ ﺯﻫﻴﺮ ﺩﺍﻭﺩ ﺍﻟﺸﻴﺦ‬

‫ﺗﺸﺮﻳﻦ ﺍﻟﺜﺎﻧﻲ ‪۲۰۰۹ -‬‬ ‫ﺫﻭ ﺍﻟﺤﺠﺔ ‪۲۰۰۹ -‬‬