Stratigraphic Evolution of the Forebulge Depozone, the Paleogene Zagros Foreland Basin, NE Arabian Plate

Summary The Paleogene Zagros Foreland Basin of the NE Arabian plate develops the standard set of depozones that characterizes the foreland basin (DeCelles and Giles, 1996). The forebulge depozone is well marked in NE Iraq by a chain of carbonate banks of Reef-shoal- Ramp facies associations known as the Sinjar Formation. Microfacies analysis, facies interpretation, and regional lithostratigraphic correlation were investigated in 15 measured outcrop stratigraphic sections to reveal the depositional history of the forebulge. Results were developed into a chronostratigraphic evolution model of the forebulge depositional history. This model shows a sequence of the depositional events of the forebulge in terms of bank facies evolution using set of paleogeographic maps developed into five chronostratigraphic stages as follows. Pre-bank Stage (Danian - Selandian) Early bank development (Thanetian) Bank-ramp development ( L. Thanetian - Ypresian) Lagoonal carbonate development (L. Ypresian - E. Lutetian ) Lagoonal dolomitization (Khurmala Fm.) (L. Ypresian - E. Lutetian) An interesting depositional setting might be considered for a potential hydrocarbon play.