THE GEOLOGY OF AIN AL-FARAS QUADRANGLE SHEET NO.I-38H-SW

Abstract

The map area is built up of Neogene sedimentary rocks ranging in age from Middle Miocene to Late Miocene, with different types of Quaternary sediments. Geomorphologically, the map area located within Mesopotamian Plain, as such, it is dissected by many shallow valleys with their tributaries leading to hilly and badland morphology, anyhow, the geomorphological units are of denudational, fluvial, evaporation and Solution origin. The main Geodynamic processes are represented in weak chemical weathering, while sheet erosion, act as main erosion factor followed by, but to a lesser extent, rill and gully erosions. Drainage pattern of the area are of parallel, dendritic and closed valley patterns. Structurally, the map area lies within the Mesopotamia foredeep of the outer platform in Mesopotamia subzone. Hydrogeologically, AL-Tharthar Lake and the rain water, are the main source of surface flow in the map area, Ground water level in the map area is shallow along Al-Tharthar Lake’s bank. The direction of the ground water is towards the lake. Economically, the main significant raw materials within the map area are: Claystone, gypsum