RESISTIVITY PROPERTY OF LIMESTONE ROCKS OF SOME GEOLOGICAL FORMATION IN PARTS OF IRAQI KURDISTAN REGION-NE IRAQ

Ezzaden N. Baban**
** Teacher College, Sulaimani University, Kurdistan region, Iraq

Bathtiar K. Aziz*
* Geology Dept., College of Science, Sulaimani University, Kurdistan region, Iraq

Abstract
To evaluate limestone rocks in hydrogeological point of view and indicating optimum resistivities for dry and wet conditions an electrical resistivity study was performed in 34 villages surrounding Sulaimani, Kirkuk and Arbil cities. About 181 VES points were conducted using Shlumberger configuration. The authors selected six geological formations composed of limestone rock for this purpose. The field data was interpreted manually by Using Ebert method and by the aid of computer using IPI2win and Resixplus software. The optimum ranges of resistivity magnitudes have been determined for these geological formations in both wet condition (Forming aquifers) and dry condition (forming aquicludes). Among the studied formations Pilaspi, Sinjar and Aqra are appearing to be most suitable for making aquifers. Others such as Kometan, Balambo and Qamchuga Formations are frequently aquicludes.

Keywords:-Resistivity prospecting groundwater,carbonate rocks.

Introduction
The use of geophysics for both groundwater resource mapping and for water quality evaluations has increased dramatically over the last 10 years due to the rapid advances in microprocessors and associated numerical solutions, [1]. The resistivity method is carried out to solve more problems in hydrogeological fields and in both types of aquifers alluvium and karstic carbonate rocks. Some uses of the method for determination of depth, thickness and boundary of an aquifer are [1], [2], and [3], determination interface between saline and fresh water performed by [4] and [5], porosity and hydraulic conductivity of aquifer by [6] and [7], hydrogeological mapping in karsts by [8], contamination issue by [9]. Although the resistivity method has some limitation especially when the ground inhomogeneties and anisotropy are presented,[10]. The depth of penetration is proportional to the separation between the electrodes, in homogeneous ground, and varying the electrode separation provides information about the stratification of the ground, [11]. Two types of resistivity meters were used, Terrameter SAS-4000 and Terrameter SAS-300C that are very applicable for prospecting of groundwater in sedimentary environment, [12]. Limestone rock is considered as one of the most important non-clastic aquifer in the world for storage of gas, oil and water. It is characterize by consisting of high

percentage of fracture, joint and cracks as well as numerous voids, galleries and cavities formed due to high ability of carbonate rocks to the process of dissolving by ground water movement. The limestone rocks are widely spread in Iraqi Kurdistan region forming several great important aquifers for both oil and water in many places. Shortage of drinking water in the last three years attract our attention to perform

an electrical resistivity surveying on most of those geological formations consisting of limestone rocks such as Pilaspi, Sinjar, Agra, Kometan, Qamchuga and Balambo Formations cropped out in (34) villages and small towns, Table (1). They are located on plunge, crest, and limbs of many large and small anticlines trending NW-SE. Fig (1).

Table (1) Distribution of sites on the geological formation

Name of geological formation Pilaspi Formation Tangisar Glazarda1 Hanara
Zhaly darband Kani Shaitan1

Sinjar Formation Glazarda2 Gawradeh

Kani Shaitan2

Aqra Formation SoraQalat Khalan Darbandok Shosh

Kometan Formation Khalakan Chaq-Chaq Azmir Sedar1 Goza Raqa Darbarula Surdash

Qamchuga Formation Gawrade Sedar2 Sose Sharsten Sofian

Balambo Formation Qawella Kotramar Geldara Garmadara Mirmam

Name of the villages

Qalasoora2 Daq

Qalasoora1 Sofisan
Barda Azaban

Fig. 1 Location map of the studied area.

Description of Geological Formations 1- Pilaspi Formation

Described for the first time by (Less, 1930) in type locality in Pilaspi area located at southeastern part of high folded zone. type area of limestone showing elements of Upper Eocene cycle, in shallow lagoon environment. The formation consists of two parts. The Upper part is well-bedded, bituminous, chalky and crystalline limestone with bands of white chalky marl and with chert nodules towards the top. The lower part shows well bedded hard porous, or vitreous bituminous or white, poorly algal reef facies, and shoal nummulitic facies. The thickness reaches 176m in its type area; in other area thickness is variable, usually between 100-200m.The Formation had been deposited under variable According to [13] it was deposed in late lower Eocene-

environment conditions. The lower contact of the formation is unconformable with Kolosh Formation and characterized by intense repetition of interfigaring between them. The Upper with contact Gercus is also clastic

fossiliferous limestone with algal or shell section. The thickness of the formation varies roughly between 100-200m, Table (2).

unconformable

Formation, Table (2).

2- Sinjar Formation
The type locality from Jeble Sinjar Mountain near Mamissa village was described by Keller (1941). The formation consists in its was first described by Bennett in (1945), from the Aqra anticline of the high folded zone, Northern Iraq. Lithologically, it is composed of limestone, silty or sandy limestone, locally silicifed and dolomitized occasionally impregnated with bituminous materials. The thickness of the formation ranges from 100m to about 200m. The age of the formation is of Maastrichtian. It is of The Aqra limestone Formation

3- Aqra Formation

reef, shoal reef, and detrital for reef limestone. In Sulaimani-Qalachwalan area it is represents as tongue within the Upper Part of Tangero Formation, the boundary

between them is gradation, Table (2).

4- Kometan Formation
It was described by Dunnington (1953) for the first time. The type locality of the

formation appears in Kometan Village. It is composed of light gray, hard massive and highly jointed limestone, which is partly silicified, and some time in some parts chert concretions have been identified. The age of Kometan Formation is probably related to the Turonian-Lower Santonian and it is probably deposited in deep neritic open sea environment. The total Thickness of the formation is about (100-160) m, Table (2).

fine

crystalline,

well

bedded,

blue

ammonitiferous limestone locally siliceous and radiolarian limestone with intercalation of olive green marl and dark blue shale. The age of the formation is probably related to the Valanginian - Turonian and it is probably deposited in a marine deep bathyal and offshore pelagic sediments, Table (2).

Interpretation Qualitative interpretation 5- Qamchuga Formation

Most of the high ridge of mountains in Kurdistan region is made up of Qamchuga limestone formation. Its age is return to lower Barrimian to upper Albian. The formation is divide into two parts, lower Qamchuga limestone composed of massive limestone with silt and quartz consistent, may be dolomatized in some part. The thickness of lower part ranges between (250300) m. The upper Qamchuga part hard compact limestone has thickness range between (50-250) m. A first appraisal of an area s hydrogeologically can often be obtained by merely looking at the shapes of the field curves and the ranges of apparent resisitivity values. Comparison of curves leads to the recognition of the type curves and enable the curves to be divided into groups. Each group may represent specific conditions, geologic so all or the

hydrogeologic

sounding curves, (181 VES), can classified into the following groups: 1- The field curve of the geological formations; Pilaspi, Sinjar and Aqra characterize by the dominant of H & HK-types, Figs (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6), H-type refers to very low resistive layer appears

6- Balambo Formation
Wetzd first described it in 1947 From Sirwan valley. The total thickness of the formation is about (400-550) m.

at intermediate electrode spacing. While in the others three formations, Kometan, Balambo and Qamchuga H and HKtypes are appearing in two locations only, Figs (7, 8, and 9).

Lithologically, the formation composed of

2- The H, A and AA-types of field curves are very common and largely appears in the Kometan, Balambo and Qamchuga formations. They are denoting to great resistive layer at large electrode spacing. 3- KH-type field characteristic curves are of also a

calculates a synthetic curve with up to ten layers using linear filters. Inverse modeling provides a best-fit model in least squares sense through iterative ridge regression to adjust the parameters of the starting model. Also the quantitative interpretation denote to the same division of the geological

feature

Kometan,

Qamchuga and Balambo Formations and it is not appear in the first three geological formations. 4- The four-layer cases is dominant in all locations and it is cover %75 of the field curves. Others (3-layers and 5-layers) are forming %25 of the total field curves. The qualitative interpretation denote to the classification of the geological formations into two groups according to shape of the field curves. The first are Pilaspi, Sinjar, and Aqra formations, the second group are Kometan, Qamchuga, and Balambo formations.

formation after correlating resistivity data with the geological column of wells drilled in 13 villages under consideration.The first group, Pilaspi, Sinjar, and Qamchuga, appears in both wet (aquifer) and dry (aquiclude) condition. While the second group, Kometan, Qamchuga, and Balambo, appears only in dry condition. A about (41) VES points on Pilaspi formation have been analysed, the optimum resistivity of the Pilaspi formation to be aquifers ranges between (28.6-90.3) ohm.m, Table (1), when the same formation is aquclude has

resistivity changes between (91 to 400) ohm.m. The overlap has been observed for

Quantitative interpretation and discussion

All the field curves are interpreted manually using Ebert method by partial curve matching with a set of standard master curves of two layer cases. Also by the aid of computer and using two different types of software (IPI2win and ResixPlus). They are forward and inverse modeling program for interpreting resistivity sounding data in terms of a layered earth. Forward modeling

both wet and dry condition at resistivity equal to about 90 ohm.m, due to the influence of the depth of the bedrock and how mach the soil cover take into account to effect the lowering and raising the

resistivity.

The Sinjar formation is also

consider as an excellent aquifer if structure, elevation, and hydrogeological situations are suitable. The interpretation of (27)

soundings denote that the formation also appears in both wet and dry conditions,

when it is aquifer has resistivity ranges between (27-75) ohm.m, while aquclude Sinjar display a wide range of resistivity vary from (99.7 to 2500) ohm.m, Table (2). Akra-Bekhma formation is considered as a weak aquifer that is clarified through several wells was drilled in some of the villages under study. The main reason return to the large quantity of the bituminous materials disseminated through most of fracture, joint, and voids exist in the rock. Analysis of (22) sounding on Akra Formation show that the convenient magnitude for wet condition is range between (31-86) ohm.m, while

of resistivity range between (110-5000) ohm.m. On the light of above information and the recent wells were drilled in some villages locate on these formation the authors conclude some factors cause to dryness of the second group: 1- They are not confined as the first group from topand bottom by impermeable bed, Table (2). 2- Most of their fractures and joints are cemented by calcite and other minerals. 3- Mostly they are forming a ridge of mountainous area, their elevations are too large with respect to the adjacent area that cause to rapid movement of

resistivity has magnitudes of (150-400) ohm.m represent dry condition of the formation. The second group of formations, which are Kometan, Balambo and Qamchuga, are studied through (91) sounding points, all field curves had been denoted to the aquclude characteristics of these rocks in all selected sites of the study although these sits has differ structural, geological and

groundwater to the low relief are by gravity. 4- The high dip angle of these rocks also leading to migration of their water content along the bedding plane. 5- Kometan and Balambo formations have little ability to dissolving, so cavities, voids, and galleries are not a

characteristic feature and rarely been seen in them. While Qamchuga

hydrogeological

conditions.

Kometan

formation has (38) soundings they show wide range of resistivity of (200-2045) ohm.m. While the (26) sounding on the Balambo formation show the resistivity of about (250-2500) ohm.m for the dry condition. The interpretation of (27)

formation is caverns rocks but due to its large thickness characterise by low level of groundwater table.

Conclusion
1- Only ten locations denote to the existence of groundwater (aquifers) from the total

soundings on the highly fracture and caverns Qamchuga formation denote to wide range

34 locations under consideration. Others 24 locations are dry (aqucludes). 2The geological formation can be

approximately 200 m. This is ensuring through several failure deep wells in the two mentioned formations.

classified into two groups, the first is Pilaspi, Sinjar and Akra formations. They have been aquifer in some sites under investigation where structural situations conditions and are hydrogeological and been

References
1. Lashkaripour, G,R., 2003: investigation condition of by An groundwater geoelectrical

suitable,

aquclude in others. The second group is Kometan, Qamchuga, and Balambo

formation they are aqucludes in all sites and under different geological

resistivity method: A case study in Korin aquifer, SE Iran,Journal of spatial Hydrology, Vol.3,

conditions. 3- Optimum resistivity for Pilaspi formation to be aquifer is (28.6-90.3) ohm.m, for Sinjar is (27-75) ohm.m, and for Aqra is (31-86) ohm.m. While those formations have been aqucludes when the resistivity ranges between (91-400) ohm.m, (99.72500) ohm.m, and (150-400) ohm.m respectively. Table (8). 4- From the total (181) sounding, All the geological aqucludes formations approximately have above been the

No.1, PP1-5. 2. Young, M.E., de bruijin, R.G., and Salim, I.A., 1998: Exploration of an alluvial aquifer in oman by time-domain sounding, electromagnetic Hydrogeology

Journal,6, PP383-393. 3. Gnanasunder, D., and Elango, L., 1999: Groundwater quality

assessment of a costal aquifer using geoelectrical techniques, journal of environmental

resistivity exceeds (100) ohm.m in different depths and different geological, structural conditions. 5Kometan and Balambo formations and hydrogeological

hydrogeology, Vol.7, No.2, PP18. 4. El-Waheidi, M.M., Merlanti, F., and Pavan, M., 1992:

investigated in (12) sites, about (64) sounding were performed all denote to the disability of these rocks to be aquifer at least to investigation depth of

Geoelectrical resistivity survey of the central part of Azraq basin, Journal of applied geophysics Vol. 29, PP125-133.

5. Choudhury, K., Saha, D.K., and Chakraborty, Geophysical water alluvial, P., study in of for a 2001: saline costal applied

Isparta, Turkey, Environmental Geology, Vol.40, PP725-731. 10. Matias, M.J., 2002: Squar array anisotropt resistivity measurements and

intrusion Journal

sounding

geophysics Vol. 42, PP189-200. 6. Yadav, G.S., and abolfazli, H., 1998: Geoelectric soundings and their relationship to hydraulic parameters in semiarid regions of Jalore, NW India, Journal of applied PP35-51. 7. Troisi, S., Fallicos, C., Straface, S., and Migliari, of E., kriging 2000: with geophysics Vol. 39,

interpretation, Journal of applied geophysics Vol. 49, PP185-194. 11. Dahlin, T., 2001: The development of DC resistivity imaging Computers

techniques,

geoseinces, Vol, 27, PP10191029. 12. ABEM, Instruction manual, 1998: Terrameter Consult SAS-4000, Company, Nitro

Bormma,

Application

Sweden, P84. 13. Buday, T., and Hak, J.,1980: The geological survey of the western parts of the western desert, Iraq, SOM Lib, Baghdad, Unpublished.

external drift to estimate hydrulic conductivity from electrical

resistivity data in unconsolidated sediment near Montana Uffugo, Italy, Hydrogeology Journal,

Vol.8, PP856-367. 8. Sumanovac, F., and Weisser, M., 2001: Evaluation of resistivity and seismic methods for

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disposal site : a case study from

Kani Shaitan-VES-15

Zhalay Darband-VES-3

Sofisan-VES-2
Qalasoora-VES-6

Qalasoora-VES-6

Sofisan-VES-2

Tangisar-VES-1

Fig(2) Field curves of Pilaspi Formation A- Wet condition

Barda Azaban-VES-2 Hanara-VES-3

Glazarda-VES-2

Fig(2) Field curves of Pilaspi Formation B- Dry condition

Kani Shaitan-VES-4 Daq-VES-2

Fig (4) Field curves of Sinjar Formation A- Wet condition

Gawradee-VES-2

Qalasoora-VES-4

Glazarda-VES-1

Fig (5) Field curves of Sinjar Formation B- Dry condition

Darbandok-VES-1

Khalan-VES-4

Sora Qalat-VES-1

Fig (6) Field curves of Aqra Formation B- Wet condition

Shosh-VES-1

Fig (7) Field curves of Aqra Formation B-Dry condition

Table (3) Pilaspi Formation A- Wet condition

Location Kani Shaitan Qala Soora Sofisan Tangisar Zhalay Darband Latitude Longitude 35 38 26 44 58 09 35 27 34 45 20 09 35 28 49 45 07 21 35 26 23 45 17 53 37 27 30 45 08 25 Elevation (m) 998 1068 859 962 755 Dip Strike 220/35 N50W 210/17 N30W 230/55 N50W 170/20 N80E 235/35 N35W (Ebert Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 50-62 44 79.1 71.1 62.5 25-45 59.4 32.1 65 105 (Computer Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 50.5-58.9 28.6 90.3 64.5 65.1 52-56.5 68.5 30.6 70.5 104.1

Table (4) Pilaspi Formation B- Dry condition

Location Barda Azaban Glazarda Hanara Latitude Longitude 35 51 28 44 55 55 35 26 25 45 23 26 35 18 11 45 16 08 Elevation (m) 562 1220 1140 Dip Strike 030/17 N35W 050/44 N35W 220/40 N40W (Ebert Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 3791-400 122.1 99 88-200 39 35 (Computer Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 89-320 127.9 92-200 33-126 36.7 35.5

Table (5) Sinjar Formation A- Wet condition

Location Daq Kani Shaitan Latitude Longitude 35 15 20 44 45 33 35 38 50 45 00 15 Elevation (m) 648 930 Dip Strike 170/35 N80E 220/35 N50W (Ebert Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 28.6 30-75 12.5 25-80 (Computer Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 32 27-68.5 9.7 29.1-91

Table (6) Sinjar Formation B- Dry condition

Location Gawrade Glazarda Qala Soora Latitude Longitude 35 45 02 45 01 46 35 26 25 45 23 26 35 28 10 45 20 24 Elevation (m) 1420 1145 1134 Dip Strike 285/11 N15E 050/44 N35W 215/35 N35W (Ebert Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 850-1500 105 3600 50 48 64.7 (Computer Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 465-621 99.7 2500 58-97 40.2 66

Table (7) Aqra Formation A- Wet condition

Location Darbandok Khalan Sora Qalat Latitude Longitude 36 39 20 44 23 20 36 40 30 44 22 40 35 46 32 45 26 59 Elevation (m) 760 570 970 Dip Strike 220/40 N35W 220/40 N35W 070/45 N20W (Ebert Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 43.560.5-73.2 90.2 31.1-40.2 86 160.5 60 (Computer Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 44.150.3-81.6 92.9 28.5-36.3 78.2-84.5 168.9 61-73.2

Table (8) Aqra Formation B- Dry condition

Location Shosh Latitude Longitude 36 47 52 43 45 21 Elevation (m) 820 Dip Strike 220/70 N35W (Ebert Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 4.5160.5-473.2 25.2 (Computer Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 150.3-481.6 4.1-25.9

Table (9) Kometan Formation - Dry condition

Location Azmir ChaqChaq Darbarol a Goza raqa Khalakan Sedar Surdash Latitude Longitude 35 33 10 45 29 13 35 36 30 45 23 20 35 29 32 45 31 23 35 30 28 45 31 41 36 01 23 44 50 34 35 58 18 45 04 25 35 50 58 45 06 53 Elevation (m) 1032 789 614 744 1020 645 945 Dip Strike 220/35 N35W 070/35 N35W 220/40 N40W 220/40 N32W 215/48 N55W 050/20 N50W 040/22 N40W (Ebert Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 380-1200 275-1100 230 432 300-930 400-900 630-800 6.8 1-9.5 16.8 50 7 6-32.1 19-71.4 (Computer Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 736-738 239-2045 291 431 200-950 274-721 960 6.3 1.5-83.1 16.9 55.8 8.4 2-108 19.1

Table (10) Qamchuga Formation - Dry condition

Location Gawrade Sedar Sharsten Sofian Sosea Latitude Longitude 35 51 20 45 18 30 35 58 18 45 04 25 36 16 07 44 50 09 36 03 45 45 06 34 35 58 44 48 21 29 Elevation (m) 1120 680 859 940 810 Dip Strike 040/50 N40W 050/20 N50W 050/30 N41W 140/20 N40W 240/50 N38W (Ebert Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 3000-38000 3000-7000 600 130 200-725 45 70-145 17.2 18.1 49.9 (Computer Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 50000 2500 600 110.5 205-492 37.5 173 12.517.3 15.1 35

Table (11) Balambo Formation - Dry condition

Location Garmadara Geldara Kotramar Mirmam Qawella Latitude Longitude 35 30 08 45 36 42 35 31 01 45 39 57 35 30 35 35 43 44 35 50 58 45 06 53 35 27 38 45 46 57 Elevation (m) 984 1240 938 812 1110 Dip Strike 030/55 N30W 040/03 N35W 030/20 N30W 200/12 N50W 048/45 N35W (Ebert Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 2000 250-420 700-1005 500-2500 390-1450 32.4 68.8-79 12.830.4 16.870.8 30.480.8 (Computer Method) Resistivity Depth Ohm.m (m) 2213 252-498 324-953 638-1447 654-1500 31.4 73-76.5 8.7-61.8 11.870.5 24.5

Table (12) Shows range of resistivities for wet & dry condition
Formation Condition Wet Dry Wet Dry Wet Dry Wet Dry Wet Dry Wet Dry Type of the field curve H, HK HKH, HA, HQ H, QH HKH, HA HKH, HA, HK KH KH, AA, HA KH, HA, HK, AK KHA, HA, KA Number of Sites 5 3 2 3 3 1 7 5 5 Optimum Resistivity Ohm.m 38-80 88-400 27-75 99-2500 28-86 150-481 130-2045 110.5-50000 324-2500

Pilaspi Sinjar Aqra Kometan Qamchuga Balambo