The occurrence of early and middle miocene rocks (Euphrates, Dhiban and Jeribe formations)‎ in Ashdagh mountain, Sangaw area, Sulaimaniyah vicinity, NE Iraq

Abstract EN

The stratigraphy of Ashdagh anticline is insufficiently described previously by geologists; hence the present study describes and differentiates the Oligocene units from Miocene units in the aforementioned mountain.

The differentiated rocks in Ashdagh anticline are Early and Middle Miocene units of Euphrates, Dhiban and Jeribe formations, which are located between the overlying Middle – Late Miocene rocks and the underlying Oligocene rocks (Kirkuk Group).

These units may have been previously mentioned as possible exposed rocks, like Euphrates and Jeribe formations, but Dhiban Formation has not been mentioned before.

For ascertaining these formations, stratigraphy, lithology and fossils content are utilized.

The Euphrates Formation consists of two lithologies: sedimentary breccia (6 m thick), which may have been brecciated by solution, and about 3 m of limestone contains Borelis melo melo index fossil.

Jeribe Formation consists of grey limestone, which is slightly marly, about 2 m thick and contains Borelis melo curdica.

Dhiban Formation consists of anhydrite and chalky limestone, about 2 m thick.