Study of subsurface features using seismic reflection data in Erbil area, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
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ORIGINAL PAPER
Study of subsurface features using seismic reflection data in Erbil area, Kurdistan Region, Iraq Ezzadin N. Baban & Aram N. Tawfiq & Kakarash I. M. Gardi
Received: 29 January 2013 / Accepted: 19 July 2013 # Saudi Society for Geosciences 2013
Abstract The present study seeks to interpret seismic reflection data for an area measuring approximately about 1,450 km2 within the Erbil plain in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to produce subsurface geological pictures. Thirteen seismic lines were identified by the Iraqi Oil Exploration Company using dynamite sources and then processed; then, a seismic line, BH-15, of around 432.5 km total length was used in this study. Three horizons (reflectors) were selected and identified by tying them directly to Demir Dagh well no. 1, these are H1, a reflector that represents the near top of the Lower Fars Formation; H2, a reflector that represents the top of the Pila Spi Formation; and H3, a reflector that represents the top of the Shiranish Formation. The qualities of the reflectors range between fair and good. All the isochrone and depth maps and 3D view pictures of the reflectors show the same main subsurface structural features trending in a NW–SE direction, namely, Erbil trough, Sherawa trough, and the southeastern plunge of the Demir Dagh anticline. Ninetyfive normal and reverse-type faults trending in a NW–SE direction were detected. Also, the maps show that the reflectors tend to increase in dipping and deepening towards the southeastern and eastern parts.
Introduction The study area is located within the Erbil plain in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. It covers an area of about 1,450 km2 (Fig. 1). Many geophysicist and oil companies studied several parts of the Erbil plain geophysically. Two gravimetric profiles trending NE–SW, running across the extreme corner of the study area, were done by Ahmad (1980). He estimated the basement depth to be around 10.5 km beneath the Demir Dagh. A reconnaissance gravity survey of Iraq was carried out by the Iraqi Petroleum Company. The Bouguer gravity map shows only a narrow strip running across the study area, where the gravity values decreased from −55 mGal (SW) to −70 mGal (NE). Campaigne Générale de Géophysique (CGG) (1973– 1974) performed an aeromagnetic survey of most of the Iraqi territory in 1973–1974. According to their basement depth map of Iraq, the depth of the basement rocks was estimated to be between 6 and 7 km in the south and southwest of the study area. Hamed (1995) interpreted two gravity traverses. He estimated basement depth of about 9 km around the Demir Dagh area and 13–14 km in Erbil city. Ghaib (2001) used potential methods to study the subsurface structure and hydrogeology in a part of the Erbil plain and estimated the basement depth to range from 11 to 13 km.
Keywords Seismic reflection . Geophysics . Zagros fold belt . Erbil . Demir Dagh . Iraqi Kurdistan Geology and tectonic setting E. N. Baban (*) : A. N. Tawfiq Department of Geology, Faculty of Science and Science Education, University of Sulaiman
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