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

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.