Ashdagh Anticline shape indications from Western Zagros Fold Thrust Belt in Kurdistan Region (N. Iraq)

Abdulla, Adil Omer; Ameen, Fadhil Ahmed; Sulaiman, Salim Hasan

doi:10.32894/kujss.2025.158808.1203

Ashdagh Anticline shape indications from Western Zagros Fold Thrust Belt in Kurdistan Region (N. Iraq)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Adil Omer Abdulla ¹

Fadhil Ahmed Ameen ²

Salim Hasan Sulaiman ²

¹ Department of Applied Geology, College of Science, Kirkuk University, Kirkuk, Iraq.

² Department of Earth Sciences and Petroleum, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan, Iraq

10.32894/kujss.2025.158808.1203

Abstract

The Ashdagh anticline, located in the Low Folded-Thrust Zone of the northwestern Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, exhibits complex structural geometry influenced by thrust-related deformations. This study uses detailed surface geological observations, manually constructed geological sections, and stereographic projections. Furthermore, the interpreted subsurface seismic data has been utilized to build eight structural cross-sections that traverse the anticline strike. The anticline displays asymmetry, characterized by a steeper forelimb, a narrow crestal area, and a hinge line with convex curvature oriented to the northwest toward the hinterland and southeast toward the foreland depocenter. The main result shows that the variations in fold geometry along the strike are caused by structural segmentation resulting from the Strike-slip and thrust faulting. It also enhances the Comprehension of the folding style and structural framework of the studied area, offering valuable insights into the Tectonic developments of the Low Fold Thrust Zone, within the Western Zagros Fold Thrust Belt.

Keywords

Ashdagh Anticline

Fold analysis, Western Zagros, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Subjects