HYDROGEO.&HYDROCHEM.OF AL-BASRAH& ABADAN QUADRANGLES

Abstract

Al-Basrah and Abadan Quadrangles are covered by recent deposits, Dibdiba Formation out crops and some outcrops of Zahra Formation on small scale. The area is located mainly within the unstable shelf, except the South western part which is located within the Stable shelf – Sanam Mountain is considered the most important structural feature within the area. The area is characterized by plain topography. The slope of the area is mainly in the northwest direction. The climate of the area is considered as a part of arid and semi-arid climate which is characterized by hot and dry summer and cold winter with low rainfall. Recent deposits and Dibdiba formations represent the first aquifer within the area, in addition to a mixed is presented by recent deposits and Dibdiba formations. Recent deposits represent the main aquifer within east of the area, while Dibdiba Formation represent the main aquifer within western parts of the area. Mixed aquifers presented within central parts of the area. Dibdiba formations are characterized by two layers containing water. The general groundwater flow is from the south toward north, northeast and east. Marsh areas, Shatt AL-Arab and Zubair are considered the discharge zones within the quadrangle. Groundwater quality is chloride mainly with sulphate water within the area between Safwan and Zubair cities. Groundwater is classified according to salinity into four types: slightly brackish water, brackish water (two subclasses) and salty water. Water origin is mainly meteoric according to the hydrochemical parameters, mostly groundwater in the area is not suitable for human use, but can be used for irrigation purposes according to Iraqi experiments in this direction, groundwater is mostly not suitable for stock except in some regions.