The Impact of Tectonic Setting on Distribution of Kolosh Formation during Paleocene –Lower Eocene in Northern Iraq

Abstract

This study covered most of Kolosh Formation exposure areas in northern Iraq. Description of the lithology and measuring the actual thickness of the Formation from exposures and well logs were performed. The isopach map of the Formation was constructed. The sedimentation of the Formation was affected by the tectonic activity of the northeastern edge of the Arabian plate during the closure of the Neo-Tethys Ocean. The tectonic setting outlined the depozone of foreland basin system and controlled the variation of the deposits of the Kolosh Formation along the orogenic front (It revealed that there are more than one basin of deposition). The deviations of the depocenters of the Kolosh deposit basins from the current folds are depicted. The counterclockwise rotation of Arabian plate and its oblique collision with   Iranian plate as well as the rejuvenation of the basement faults during the peak of the orogeny might cause such deviation.