Determining the Tectonic Implication Derived from Geophysical Data of Bahr An-Najaf Basin, SW Iraq

Abstract

Free-air gravity, magnetic and topographic data derived from satellite imagery are used to study the main geological structures and features in the Bahr An-Najaf Area SW Iraq. A comparison between this map and gravitational and magnetic maps along with two profiles, each one on a map for the same location and direction. Both profiles show a decrease in values in the eastward direction of the two maps. The total magnetic intensity data of the study area are converted to reduction to pole data and drawn as a magnetic map. It is clear from the reduction to pole map that the rates of uplift and subsidence that occurred in the basement rocks are due to the faults in the Bahr An-Najaf region. The location of the Bahr An-Najaf Depression coincided with the negative anomalies on both the free-air gravity map and the reduction to pole magnetic map. Both maps are also used to define the important faults in the area, especially the Abu Jir Fault.