Petrography study of the recent sediments in Hareer's region at Basrah Governorate -Southern Iraq

Abstract

Two sites of Hareer's region is located in the southern part of Iraq, specifically in the northern Basrah Governorate. The sites are at a depth of 5 meters. The results of heavy mineral analysis showed that there are fifteen types include; Opaque grain (Iron Oxide), Chlorite, Muscovite mica, Biotite, Orthopyroxene, Clinopyroxene, Amphibole (Hornblende and Actinolite), Epidote, Garnet, Kyanite, Staurolite, Zircon, and Tourmaline. On the other hand the light minerals and the results of the mineral analyses revealed that they were primarily composed of rock fragments, with a variety of quartz minerals, feldspar minerals, evaporate minerals, clay-coated grains, and trace amounts of unidentified minerals. The abundance and diversity of heavy minerals indicate the diversity of the sources of the parent rocks, such as igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. The large amount of opaque and small amount of other minerals in the study area samples is due to the oxidation process where many of the ferromagnesian minerals such as pyroxenes, and hornblende decompose to form iron oxides (e.g. hematite, limonite). Light minerals were visible as irregular, sharp, or occasionally semi-sharp crystalline forms, which suggests that the sources were close by and that the light minerals originated from the sedimentary basin or within it through the processes of deposit erosion and re-deposition. The study area, which is a part of the Undissected Arc, is primarily distinguished by a high content of quartz (mono- and polycrystalline quartz, including chert), and feldspar, which can occur in fluvial environments.

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Petrography study of the recent sediments in
Hareer’s region at Basrah Governorate - Southern
Iraq
To cite this article: K J Al-Sudani et al 2024 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 1300 012014
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3rd Scientific Conference of Iraqi Desert Geology (IDGC 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1300 (2024) 012014 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1300/1/012014
Petrography study of the recent sediments in Hareer's region at
Basrah Governorate -Southern Iraq
K J Al-Sudani a, B N Albadran b, A S Y Al-hadadi a*, M H Al-Jaberi a and J R Pournelle
c a Department of Geology, College of Science-University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq b Almaaqal
University, Basrah, Iraq c University of South Carolina School of Earth, Ocean, and
Environment,
ȗǣ 
Abstract
Two sites of Hareer's region is located in the southern part of Iraq, specifically in the northern Basrah
Governorate. The sites are at a depth of 5 meters. The results of heavy mineral analysis showed that there
are fifteen types include; Opaque grain (Iron Oxide), Chlorite, Muscovite mica, Biotite, Orthopyroxene,
Clinopyroxene, Amphibole (Hornblende and Actinolite), Epidote, Garnet, Kyanite, Staurolite, Zircon, and
Tourmaline. On the other hand the light minerals and the results of the mineral analyses revealed that they
were primarily composed of rock fragments, with a variety of quartz minerals, feldspar minerals, evaporate
minerals, clay-coated grains, and trace amounts of unidentified minerals. The abundance and diversity of
heavy minerals indicate the diversity of the sources of the parent rocks, such as igneous, metamorphic and
sedimentary rocks. The large amount of opaque and small amount of other minerals in the study area
samples is due to the oxidation process where many of the ferromagnesian minerals such as pyroxenes, and
hornblende decompose to form iron oxides (e.g. hematite, limonite). Light minerals were visible as
irregular, sharp, or occasionally semi-sharp crystalline forms, which suggests that the sources were close by
and that the light minerals originated from the sedimentary basin or within it through the processes of
deposit erosion and re-deposition. The study area, which is a part of the Undissected Arc, is primarily
distinguished by a high content of quartz (mono- and polycrystalline quartz, including chert), and feldspar,
which can occur in fluvial environments.
Keywords: Petrography, Heavy and Light Minerals, Hareer's region, Basrah Governorate
1. Introduction
Study area is located in the southern part of Iraq, north of the Arabian Gulf, and depending on the
physiographical divisions of Iraq, it is located within the Delta Plain sector [1]. The study area is located in
the southern part of the Iraqi marshes, specifically in the north of Basra Governorate, known as the Hareer's
region. [2] divided the Basrah province into two regions, the eastern region, or what is known as the
sedimentary plain region, and the western region, or what is known as Marwah Al-Batin region. The
sedimentary plain area is described as being flat, consisting mainly of clay and silt deposited by the Tigris,
Euphrates and Shatt al-Arab rivers, and it constitutes an area of 45% of the province of Basrah [3]. The Iraqi
marshes are unique in a balanced ecosystem, as they occupy large areas of the sedimentary plain in southern
Iraq. The geographical location of the Mesopotamia basin, which mediates between the eastern mountains
and the Arab plateau on the western side, helped to form two low basins that extend longitudinally parallel
to the rivers of the Tigris and Euphrates. one east of the Tigris and the other west of the Euphrates. The
Tigris and Euphrates receive sediments dredged during the rivers' long march as well as dusty sediments
carried by the wind. This is one of the most important deposits in the region. North westerly, south easterly
and south westerly winds beat the region, as it blows. The region is affected by dust storms that contain high
levels of soil and dust with fine sizes, the thickness of which reaches 8 meters / 1000 years, and whose
source is either local soils or transferred from neighbouring countries [4]. The aim of this study is
distinguishing the sedimentary environment of the study area and the source of the sediment from which the
minerals came.
1

3rd Scientific Conference of Iraqi Desert Geology (IDGC 2023) IOP Publishing
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2. Materials and Methods
Ten samples collected from two locations were picked for sampling in order to accomplish the study's aim
(Fig.1). The first location (site 1) is at Longitude and Latitude 47◦ 41 ˋ 11.4 ˋˋ E and 30 ◦ 36ˋ 54.1 ˋˋ N and
the second location (site 2), which is situated at Longitude 47◦ 41 ˋ 33.8 ˋˋ E and Latitude 30 ◦ 36 ˋ 67. 4
ˋˋN. By employing a galvanized metal tube driven into the sediment one meter by one meter by a
mechanical vibrator, the first borehole was drilled in site one and the second borehole was drilled in site two
at a depth of around 5m below the ground surface of the area. In the laboratory, the tubes of the cores were
cute a length for both sides to open their longitudinally. The first step involved creating a detailed visual
description of the sediments, which included their texture, colour, and any existing sedimentary structures
(Figs. 2). According to the variations in sediment colour, the heavy and light minerals were separated using
Griffiths and Carver methods [5] and [6] at the Marine Sciences Center, University of Basrah.
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3rd Scientific Conference of Iraqi Desert Geology (IDGC 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1300 (2024) 012014 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1300/1/012014
Fig.1: Map of studied area
3. Results and Discussion
3.1 Heavy minerals
Heavy minerals showed that there are fifteen types include; Opaque grain (Iron Oxide), Chlorite, Muscovite
mica, Biotite, Orthopyroxene, Clinopyroxene ,Amphibole (Hornblende), Amphibole (Actinolite), Epidote,
Garnet, Kyanite, Staurolite, Zircon, and Tourmaline.
-Iron oxides group
Iron oxides in site one ranging between 37.7-41.7% with an average 39.12%, while in site two is ranging
between 37.2-42.8% with an average 39.4%.
-Ultra-Stable Group
This group was found in the study area is represented by three minerals: Tourmaline and Zircon.
Tourmaline Mineral
It is characterized by forms rounded - sub rounded crystalline with brown to yellowish brown colour (Fig.3).
With an average 5.08% and 5.02% of sites one and two respectively.
Zircon Mineral
Zircon mineral in this the study with form a semi-round colorless granule (plate 1). With an average 5.72%
and 5.82% of sites one and two respectively.
Muscovite Mineral
Muscovite available in pale green (Fig.3). The results of the analysis recorded a rate of 6% and 6.44% of
sites one and two respectively.
Biotite Mineral
Biotite showed in brown colour (Fig.3). With an average 6.03% and 6.3% of sites one and two respectively.
3
b-Site 2
a-Site 1
Fig. 2: Lithology of site one and two.

3rd Scientific Conference of Iraqi Desert Geology (IDGC 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1300 (2024) 012014 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1300/1/012014
Chlorite Mineral
Chlorite mineral found in a yellow greenish (Fig.3) with an average 9.42% and 9.06% of sites one and two
respectively. The highest percentage was in AH3 (9.9) and the lowest in BH1 (8.4).
-Un-stable Minerals group
Amphibole Minerals: These minerals include Hornblende and Actinolite.
A- Hornblende Mineral
The hornblende appeared in a dark green colour (Fig.3) It has a percentage rate of 5.15% and it ranges from
2.3% to 6.5%.
B- Actinolite Mineral
Actinolite mineral in site one ranging between 1.7-2.9%, with an average 2.42%, while in site two is
ranging between 1.7-2.7%, with an average 2.12% (Table 2). Actinolite mineral was found in the form of a
light green subhedral crystal (Fig.3).
Pyroxene Minerals Group: These minerals include Clinopyroxene and Orthopyroxene.
A- Clinopyroxene Mineral
B- Orthopyroxene Mineral
Pyroxene was observed of incomplete faceted granules of light green colour (Fig.3), with a range of (0.7-
3.1) %, with an average 1.91% of study area.
Metastable Group Minerals
Included in this group are the minerals Garnet, Epidote, Staurolite, and Kyanite.
A-Garnet Mineral
It appears in granules semi-round with specific faces and high edges, light pink colour. Garnet granules
showed in a (Fig.3). With an average 4.68% and 4.46% of sites one and two respectively. The highest
percentage was in AH4 (5.7%) and the lowest in BH3 (4%) (Table 1).
B-Epidote Mineral
Epidote mineral was found in a yellow-greenish (Fig.3). At a rate of 6.66% and 6.56 of sites one and two
respectively (Table 1). C- Staurolite Mineral
Staurolite mineral was found in brown, often reddish or blackish, With an average 2.76% and 3.16% of sites
one and two respectively (Table 1).
D-Kyanite Mineral
Kyanite mineral appeared colourless with Light brown spots (Fig.3), with an average 1.02% and 1.24% of
sites one and two respectively. The highest percentage was in AH4 (1.7%) and the lowest in BH3 (0.8%)
(Table 1).
3.2 Light minerals
Light minerals studies focused on the mineralogical study of the main components of study area (all types of
quartz, feldspar and rock fragments, carbonate, chert, evaporates, and coated grains) (Table 2), (Fig.4).
Quartz
Two types of quartz were recognized, monocrystalline and polycrystalline quartz.
A- Monocrystalline quartz
Monocrystalline quartz represents the major quartz type that observed in all studied samples.
Monocrystalline quartz in site one ranging between 15.3-19.3%, with an average 17.2%, while in site two is
ranging between 16.3-20.4%, with an average 18.2%. Monocrystalline quartz grain is sub rounded in shape
(Fig.4).
B- Polycrystalline Quartz
Polycrystalline quartz grain is rounded to sub rounded in shape (Fig.4). Polycrystalline quartz ranging
between 2.4-5.1% and 3.6-6.3% of sites one and two respectively with average 3.78% and 5.16% of sites
one and two respectively (Table 2).
Feldspar
Feldspar minerals are divided into two groups' alkali feldspar and plagioclase feldspar.
a-Alkali feldspar: These minerals include microcline and orthoclase.
- Microcline
The average of microcline in site one 3.4%. While in site two 4.1%. Microcline grains are sub rounded to
sub angular in shape (Fig.4).
- Orthoclase
Orthoclase grains are euhedral in shape (Fig.4). The average of Orthoclase in site one 3.4%. While in site
two 4.1% (Table 2).
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3rd Scientific Conference of Iraqi Desert Geology (IDGC 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1300 (2024) 012014 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1300/1/012014
b- Plagioclase feldspar
Plagioclase feldspar in site one ranging between 1.7-2.7%, with an average 2.22%, while in site two is
ranging between 1.7-2.9%, with an average 2.24%. Plagioclase grains are angular to sub angular in
shape (Fig.4).
3.3 Carbonate minerals
Carbonate minerals are angular to sub rounded in shape (Fig.4). Carbonate minerals in site one ranging
between 21.2-31.8%, with an average 28.72%, while in site two is ranging between 27.4-32.4%, with an
average 29.82% (Table 2).
3.4 Rock Fragments:
These include Chert fragments, igneous rock fragments, metamorphic rock fragments, and Mudstone
rock fragments.
a- Chert rock fragments
Chert rock fragments in site one ranging between 7.7 – 10.7%, with an average 8.8%, while in site two is
ranging between 8.4-12.7%, with an average 10.34% (Table 2). Chert grains are sub angular to rounded in
shape (Fig.4).
b- Igneous rock fragments
Igneous rock fragments are sub rounded to sub angular in shape (Fig.4). Igneous rock fragments in site
one ranging between 2.5-3.4%, with an average 2.92%, while in site two is ranging between 2.5-3.3%, with
an average 2.9% (Table 2).
c- Metamorphic rock fragments
Metamorphic rock fragments in site one ranging between 3.2-3.9%, with an average 3.48%, while in site
two is ranging between 2.7-3.7%, with an average 3.18% (Table 2). The shapes of these grains are
elongated (Fig.4).
d- Mudstone rock fragments
Mudstone rock fragments in site one ranging between 2.7-3.8%, with an average 3.44%, while in site two
is ranging between 2.4-3.8%, with an average 3.12% (Table 2). Mudstone rock fragments are sub rounded
to sub angular shape (Fig.4).
3.5 Evaporates minerals
Gypsum grains are rounded, unhedral (Fig.4). Evaporates minerals in site one ranging between
8.211.7%, with an average 10.3%, while in site two is ranging between 7.9-10.2%, with an average 8.6%
(Table
2).
Coated clay
Coated clay in site one ranging between 1.7-2.7%, with an average 2.32%, while in site two is ranging
between 2.4-3.1%, with an average 2.7% (Table 2).
Light Muscovite
Light muscovite in site one ranging between 3.4-3.9%, with an average 3.84%, while in site two is
ranging between 3.2-3.9%, with an average 3.48% (Table 2).
Table 1: Heavy Minerals percentage (%) of Hareer's region.
Sites
1
AH1 1 38.4 4.2 6.3 3.2 2.7 0.7 2.8 6.9 2.8 0.8 4.2 6.2 6.2 8.6 6.8
AH2 2 39.2 5.7 5.3 3.1 2.6 0.9 1.9 6.4 2.7 0.9 5.1 7.8 6.3 9.4 7.9
AH3 3 41.7 4.9 5.9 2.8 2.7 1.6 1.7 5.8 2.6 0.9 4.2 6.9 5.6 9.9 6.7
AH4 4 37.7 5.9 5.4 3.5 2.9 1.9 2.9 6.4 2.9 1.7 5.7 6.7 6.3 9.5 5.8
AH5 5 38.6 4.7 5.7 3.3 3.1 1.6 2.8 6.3 2.8 0.8 4.2 5.7 5.6 9.7 2.97
Average 39.12 5.08 5.72 3.18 2.8 1.34 2.42 6.36 2.76 1.02 4.68 6.66 6 9.42 6.03
Sites
2
BH1 1 42.8 5.2 6.2 2.9 1.9 0.8 1.8 6.2 3.3 1.6 4.9 5.9 6.7 8.4 6.9
BH2 2 37.9 5.8 5.3 2.7 1.7 1.2 1.7 6.7 3.1 1.2 4.2 6.8 6.8 9.8 7.1
BH3 3 40.3 5.2 6.4 2.4 2.9 0.8 1.9 5.2 2.8 0.9 4 6.9 5.8 9.3 6.6
5
lende)
Hornb
(
Actinol
(
pyroxe
Clino
(
pyroxe
(
Ortho
Biotite
Chlorite
Muscovite
Epidote
Garnet
Kyanite
Staurolite
hibol
Amp
hibol
Amp
xene
pyro
xene
pyro
Rutile
Zircon
Tourmaline
Mica
Meta-Stable
Unstable
Ultra-stable
Opaques
Depth (m)
Sample NO.
Sites

3rd Scientific Conference of Iraqi Desert Geology (IDGC 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1300 (2024) 012014 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1300/1/012014
BH4 4 38.8 4.6 4.9 2.9 2.5 1.6 2.7 6.8 3.5 1.4 4.3 7.8 6.4 9.2 5.2
BH5 5 37.2 4.3 6.3 2.8 2.8 1.4 2.5 5.9 3.1 1.1 4.9 5.4 6.5 8.6 5.7
Average 39.4 5.02 5.82 2.74 2.36 1.16 2.12 6.16 3.16 1.24 4.46 6.56 6.44 9.06 6.3
Table 2: light Minerals percentage (%) of Hareer's region.
Sites 1 AH1 1 16.5 5.1 2.8 2.9 2.4 21.2 10.7 3.4 3.4 3.5 8.2 1.7 3.9
AH2 2 19.3 3.6 3.7 3.3 2.6 31.8 7.9 2.5 3.2 2.7 9.4 2.4 3.6
AH3 3 17.7 3.1 3.4 1.9 1.7 30.7 8.1 2.8 3.9 3.4 11.7 2.7 3.7
AH4 4 17.2 2.4 3.9 2.4 1.7 28.4 7.7 3.4 3.5 3.8 10.9 2.2 4.6
AH5 5 15.3 4.7 3.2 3.2 2.7 31.5 9.6 2.5 3.4 3.8 11.3 2.6 3.4
Average 17.2 3.78 3.4 2.74 2.22 28.72 8.8 2.92 3.48 3.44 10.3 2.32 3.84
Sites 2 BH1 1 20.4 6.3 4.2 2.8 1.8 30.3 8.4 2.5 2.7 2.4 10.2 2.5 3.4
BH2 2 18.2 4.8 3.6 3.6 2.4 29,5 10.4 2.9 3.7 3.5 7.9 2.7 3.2
BH3 3 16.3 5.6 3.7 3.5 2.9 32.4 12.7 3.3 3.2 3.8 8.4 2.4 3.9
BH4 4 17.4 3.6 4.6 2.3 1.7 29.2 8.9 3.1 3.4 2.8 7.9 3.1 3.5
BH5 5 18.7 5.5 4.4 4.2 2.6 27.4 11.3 2.7 2.9 3.1 8.6 2.8 3.4
Average 18.2 5.16 4.1 3.28 2.24 29.82 10.3 2.9 3.18 3.12 8.6 2.7 3.48
6
Sites
Sample NO.
Depth (m)
Monocrystalline
Quartz
Polycrystalline
Quartz
Feldspar
Microcline
Feldspar
Orthoclase
Plagioclase
Feldspar
Carbonate
Minerals
Chert Rock
Fragments
Igneous Rock
fragment
Metamorphic
Rock Fragments
Mudstone Rock
Fragments
Evaporates
Coated Grains
Light Muscovite

3rd Scientific Conference of Iraqi Desert Geology (IDGC 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1300 (2024) 012014 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1300/1/012014
Fig. 3
1-Opaque grain (Iron Oxide) 2-Chlorite 3-Muscovite mica 4-Biotite 5-Orthopyroxene
6Clinopyroxene 7-Amphibole (Hornblende) 8- Amphibole (Actinolite) 9-Epidote 10-Garnet
11Kyanite 12-Staurolite 13-Zircon 14 and 15-Tourmaline.
7

3rd Scientific Conference of Iraqi Desert Geology (IDGC 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1300 (2024) 012014 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1300/1/012014
Fig. 4
1-Monocrystalline 2-Polycrystalline 3-Feldspar (Orthoclase) 4- Feldspar (Microcline)
5Plagioclase feldspar 6-Carbonate minerals (Limestone) 7- Carbonate minerals (fossils)
8Carbonate rock fragments (Shells) 9-Evaporite grain (Gypsum) 10-Chert 11-
Metamorphic rock fragments (Schist) 12-Mudstone rock fragments 13 and 14-Coated
grain 15Muscovite mica.
Separating and diagnosing the minerals in the studied samples showed that there are fifteen types of the
heavy minerals, the abundance and diversity of these minerals indicate the diversity of the sources of the
parent rocks, such as igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Thus, it is suggested that the studied
heavy minerals aggregates are derived from sedimentary rocks (mono or multi cyclic), metamorphic, and
acidic, basic igneous rocks. Opaque heavy minerals are the main component in all from the study area
samples it is represented by iron oxides, with a rate of 39.26%.ȏȐ Confirmed the increase of opaque
minerals in beach sand dunes and derived from sediment recycling processes ȏͺȐ.
8

3rd Scientific Conference of Iraqi Desert Geology (IDGC 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1300 (2024) 012014 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1300/1/012014
The presence of chlorite, pyroxene, hornblende, iron oxide minerals and biotite is evidence that basic and
ultra-basic, igneous and acidic igneous rocks have mainly contributed to processing the sediments of the
study area, as mentioned in ȏͻȐ.
As for tourmaline and zircon minerals, they are minerals derived from reworked Sediments from
windmoved sediments, and the evidence for this is their appearance in round-shaped crystals ȏͺȐ
And the fact that these minerals come from the weathering of ancient rocks, which can remain for several
sedimentary cycles, and the possibility of the emergence of new deposits by the process of scattering
(reworking) of the ancient sediments. Thus, it can be considered as evidence of the occurrence reworking of
sediment. On the other hand, the rutile mineral indicates the composition of the source rocks, as it is
characterized by a richness of elements titanium, which is a stable element; therefore, it is suggested that it
is derived from the felsic rocks ȏͳͲȐǤ
The minerals muscovite, biotite, and chlorite, which are concentrated in the study area, that is, in the
direction of Shat al-Arab, and this was confirmed by ȏȐ.
In areas close to the study area, the percentage is high compared to what we found in our study area, and
this means that the increase is in the direction of the Shatt Al-Arab.
The group of unstable minerals was represented by amphiboles and pyroxenes, as they constitute a major
constituent of heavy minerals, which can give a good indication of the proximity of sediment sources. The
presence of these two minerals indicates rapid erosion, with the help of the region's dry climate, which
causes mechanical corrosion occurring and the lack of chemical erosion ȏͻȐ.
ȏͳͳȐ Confirmed that hornblende and pyroxene is an indicator of the dominance of mechanical erosion of
the rocks and evidence of arid climate in the past. On the other hand, hornblende may be concentrated in
fine sand deposits, as confirmed by ȏͳʹȐǤ The mineral Epidote was found with pale yellow granules that
tend to be greenish, semi-circular, and these types are rich in with iron ȏͳ͵ȐǤ
And because of the similarity of the main mineral groups reached in this study with the major heavy mineral
groups in the study of ȏͳͶȐ in the Shatt Al-Arab region. Whereas, this match in heavy mineral aggregates
indicates the possibility transmission of sediments are in this area by the influence of river and tidal
processes. This is indicated by ȏͳͷȐthat the Epidote is found in higher proportions in the ancient than the
modern sediments of both rivers. These sediments moved to the region from the influence of the Shatt
alArab by transport processes of tidal currents and discharge of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers at the
midHolocene sea level drop ȏͳȐ. As for the study of light minerals, the results of the mineral analyzes
were presented, and they were in the first place, The rock fragments, followed by an array of quartz
minerals, feldspar minerals, evaporate minerals, clay-coated grains, and trace amounts of unknown
minerals. Where it found diversity in rock fragment minerals, represented by sedimentary, metamorphic and
igneous rocks, which dominated the proportions of the region's sediments, with an average of 72.9%.
And the shapes of these grains are a good indication of nature of the sedimentation and transport distances
ȏͳȐ. These minerals appeared in irregular, sharp, or sometimes semi-sharp crystalline forms, which
indicates the proximity of the sources and that it originated from within the sedimentary basin by the
processes of erosion of the semi-solidified carbonate deposits and their re-deposition.
According to ȏͳͺȐ the scarcity of metamorphic rocks in the supply source due to transportation. As for the
igneous rock fragments, they were distinguished by their dark colours and the shape of their grains, which
are circular and sharp, this indicates that the transportation distance is close and that it is derived from
reworking sediments. Also, the results showed polycrystalline quartz grain shapes, which indicates diversity
of sources, as the presence of monocrystalline quartz alongside polycrystalline quartz is a good indication of
a different source. And that the proportion of monocrystalline is greater than that of polycrystalline, due to
the poor stability of granules Polycrystalline quartz during the transfer process ȏͳͻȐ.
This increase also reflects on transport of grains in more than one sedimentary cycle ȏʹͲȐǤ This is
consistent with the study of ȏͶȐ which confirms that sedimentation in more than one sedimentary cycle is
a characteristic inherent in the appearance of monocrystalline quartz grains. Which is characterized by a
9

3rd Scientific Conference of Iraqi Desert Geology (IDGC 2023) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1300 (2024) 012014 doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1300/1/012014
variety of roundness from round to sharp, as well as the presence of impurities such as mica and iron oxides
is characteristic of re-deposited monocrystalline quartz.
The origin of these deposits is either volcanic or weathered rocks or storm deposits dusty, and then the
monocrystalline quartz is of igneous, felsic, volcanic and terrestrial origin
Polycrystalline quartz probably refers to sources of plutonic igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks, such as
schist, gneiss, and Metaquartzite is derived from a variety of sources ȏͺȐǡ ȏͻȐ.
Feldspar is one of the main minerals in the group of light minerals found in studied area sediments, as the
feldspar minerals include two groups of alkali feldspars (orthoclase and microcline) and sodium feldspar
(plagioclase). The round grains in which feldspar appeared indicate a dry climate, as ȏͻȐmentioned that the
round grains indicate a dry climate, or the sharp grains indicate a humid climate.
On the other hand, it is considered as an indication of the length of time available and thus the rates of
erosion; Hence, it is strong evidence of the intensity of wind activity ȏʹͳȐ, and this is clear evidence of the
dryness of the climate during sedimentation processes. In this study, the proposed diagram was used by ȏʹʹȐ
as shown in (Fig.5) to determine the origin of the dominant source sediments at the time of sedimentation by
determining the tectonics of the source area. The study area is located within Undissected Arc, this happens
when they contain varieties of quartz (mono- and polycrystalline quartz, including chert) and feldspar, It is
mainly characterized by a high content of unstable rock fragments such as volcanic fragments, this can
occur in fluvial environments.
Fig.5: Determination of source area tectonics to determine the origin of the dominant source sediments at the
time of sedimentation by ȏʹʹȐ
4. Conclusion
The disaggregation of igneous and metamorphic rock pieces, along with rapid erosion of the source
area and rapid deposition, may be the causes of the increase in weight% in the samples from the studied
area. The distribution of heavy minerals is affected by several factors; it includes processes such as
weathering, transfer factor hydrodynamics, and diagenetic process. The shapes of heavy minerals found in
the study area are indicators of corrosion intensity. The study area is located within Undissected Arc; it is
mainly characterized by a low content of quartz (mono- and polycrystalline quartz, including chert) and
feldspar, this can occur in fluvial environments.
10

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