Structural and geomorphological study of Bradost, Chinara, Shireen and Sare Musa anticlines, Iraqi Kurdistan Region

The Bradost and Chinara mountains are two well-known geomorphic features in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR), forming two anticlines, besides Shireen and Sare Musa anticlines, which are located north of the Bradost anticline, all four anticlines trend NW – SE. The four anticlines are dissected by the Greater Zab River that swings along its course within the anticlines due to tens of very old landslides and/or plunges. The four studied anticlines are dissected by different thrust faults, which extend for a few kilometers. The thrust faults trend NW – SE; however, locally they deflect from the main trend. The Lower Jurassic rocks are the oldest exposed rocks in the studied area, whereas the rocks of the Bekhme Formation form the carapace of the Bradost and Chinara anticlines. Different structural and geomorphological features were interpreted from satellite images and those which are accessible were checked in the field, all of them indicate the four anticlines exhibit lateral growth. We have measured different aspects to elucidate the type of folds. The four anticlines are Detachment folds, with shallow decollement, which ranges in depth between (100–250) m.