Diagensis and Factor Analysis of Sandstones of Injana Formation in Selected Sections Northern Iraq

Abstract

Three sections of Injana Formation are studied in selected areas at Northern Iraq. Tewenty seven samples of sandstone are chosen for point counting and diagensis studies. The classification of these sandstone beds are feldspathic litharenite. A diagenetic study elucidates the presence of carbonate, iron oxide, clay and silicate cements, as well as compaction, replacement, recrystallization and alteration processes. Factor analysis shows three main factors controlling the distribution of mineral and rock fragments in sandstones reflecting the type of source rocks and the maturity of the sandstone beds. The first is diagensis , the second is metamorphism of the source rocks, while the third factor is the mechanical erosion of the source rocks. The study of minerals and factor analysis indicate an acidic igneous rocks affected by differential metamorphism of the source rocks with sedimentary rock (carbonate and clastic) and immature texture of sandstone rocks.