Dam Site Investigation in Chokhmakh Area, Sulaymaniyah, KRG, Iraq

The proposed dam is located to the northwest of the Sulaimaniyah City. The site is covered by clay and rock fragments of the Qamchuqa and Sarmord Formations, with a limestone ridge of the Qamchuqa Formation, which has a dip ranging from 80 to 90 degrees. This study aims to investigate the subsurface properties of the Chokhmakh site. 2D-electrical resistivity method is used for the dam site investigation in the Chokhmakh area. Four profiles were conducted, Pr-1, Pr-2, Pr-3, and Pr-4, they have lengths equal to 355 m. The Wenner-Schlumberger configurations were used, and a layer of very high resistivity was detected. It shows a wide range of resistivity due to different components ranging from dolomitic limestone to limestone. A layer of moderate resistivity has also been detected. It represents the marl and marly limestone of the Sarmord Formation, these layers reach to a maximum depth of 64 m. River terraces are detected beneath electrodes. They extend to a depth equal to (5-15) m and are composed mainly of clay with different sizes of limestone and marly limestone pebbles. From a structural point of view, no faults have been detected beneath the surface. Also, the groundwater depth at the dam axis is 36m, and there is no evidence of cavities. So the location is suitable for dam construction.