Recommendation for A Practical Log-based Stratigraphic Framework for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq*

Chengjie Liu1, Robert Alway2, David J. Moreton2, Adnan Samarrai3, and Fatah Hmasalih3

Search and Discovery Article #30487 (2017)**

Posted February 20, 2017

*Manuscript received January30, 2017; accepted February 1, 2017

**Datapages © 2017 Serial rights given by author. For all other rights contact author directly.

1
ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Houston, Texas (chengjie.liu@exxonmobil.com)
2
ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Spring, Texas
3
Ministry of Natural Resources, Kurdistan Regional Government, Erbil, Iraq

Abstract

Significant inconsistency exists in designating lithostratigraphic units and nomenclature usage for subsurface stratigraphy among Kurdistan
operators, resulting in adverse business impacts. Using well log and lithology data from recently drilled wells provided by the MNR (Ministry
of Natural Resources) of KRG (Kurdistan Regional Government), three composite reference sections were generated for the north, central and
south subregions of KRI (Kurdistan Region of Iraq), respectively. In addition, representatives from major Kurdistan operators and the MNR
have collectively built consensus on log-based pick criteria for 14 key stratigraphic horizons, which are sequence-chronostratigraphy in nature
and can be easily and consistently picked and correlated across the KRI. These key surfaces and associated megasequences are graphically
illustrated with real log curves, and their pick criteria are concisely summarized. Historical lithostratigraphy names have been maintained while
some lithostratigraphy units are grouped and elevated to group status to indicate a close genetic relationship (i.e., depositional megacycle).
With these 14 horizons serving as anchor points for regional correlation and calibration, the Kurdistan operators will have a common ground
for data-sharing while continuing to benefit from the flexibility for making picks at subordinate levels when dealing with specific field or
reservoir-scale stratigraphic intervals. The reference materials provided in this report will lead to a more consistent subsurface lithostratigraphy
framework and benefit all Kurdistan operators. It also becomes clear that future study on Kurdistan subsurface stratigraphy should focus on
clear and unified designation of fundamental lithostratigraphy units (i.e., formations), their log characters, high-resolution chronostratigraphic
control, regional lithofacies variation, and integration with seismic survey data. This will lead to a deeper understanding of facies relationship,
sequence stratigraphy architecture, reservoir quality and distribution, and ultimately to the establishment of refined unified regional and sub-
regional stratigraphic framework(s).

Introduction

The current Kurdistan stratigraphy framework is largely based on outcrops exposed in the Zagros and early exploration wells drilled prior to
1950s, mostly in the Mesopotamian Basin. Most of the lithostratigraphy units were established over half a century ago and initially documented
in unpublished TPC/IPC (Turkish Petroleum Company established in 1912 was renamed Iraq Petroleum Company in 1929) company internal
reports. Results of these studies were later summarized and made publically available with the publication of the monumental LSI (Lexique
Stratigraphique International or Stratigraphic Lexicon of Iraq; van Bellen et al., 1959). Although later workers (e.g., Chatton and Hart, 1960,
1961; Buday, 1980; Jassim and co-authors in Jassim and Goff, 2006; Aqrawi et al., 2010; among many others) have refined, revised, and
reinterpreted some existing lithostratigraphy units or even established some new units, the stratigraphy framework published in the LSI remains
the primary reference for the entire country of Iraq, including the KRI (Kurdistan Region of Iraq).

Increased exploration activities in the past decade in the KRI have led to influx of new data. Especially, drilling of deep exploration wells with
modern logging tool suites and seismic survey generated new types of data covering areas where no wells had previously been drilled, allowing
high-resolution stratigraphic correlation and tracking of depositional styles and facies variation. Meanwhile, new data from different facies
belts and a diversity of operators have inevitably resulted in increased discrepancy in applying and interpreting existing stratigraphic
nomenclature. Inconsistent stratigraphy framework and practice have resulted in adverse impacts on business and operations, and there is need
for consensus both in nomenclature usage and recognition criteria. In light of such issues, a stratigraphy workshop was held on August 3-4,
2016, in Erbil on behalf of the MNR aiming to bring the operators together to collectively construct a consistent stratigraphic framework that
can be used in practical applications for current and future operations in the KRI.

Most of the Paleozoic to Middle Jurassic stratigraphic units are regionally homogenous and separated by natural breaks, i.e., depositional
hiatuses. They can be correlated across the entire region based on log and lithologic characters with high confidence. Facies variation and
lithologic heterogeneity become more obvious for Upper Jurassic and younger sediments where only major sequence boundaries are prominent
across the entire region. Significant facies variation led to establishment of sub-regionally restricted lithostratigraphy units and correlation of
these units across the entire region based on log characters alone is often less unambiguous.

In this study, pick criteria are presented for recognizing major lithostratigraphy boundaries with easily recognized log characters, obvious
lithologic change, and major sequence boundaries or their correlative surfaces (Figure 1). Lithology and log-based pick criteria for 14 key
surfaces as major anchor points for stratigraphic correlation and calibration are recommended and illustrated with real well data from the KRI.
Operators drilling various stratigraphic intervals in different areas to target specific reservoirs may need to subdivide these megasequences into
subordinate units with higher order surfaces based on appropriate criteria. This flexibility is necessary for successful operation, and it provides
convenience for internal communication; however, it is not possible to practically enforce across the entire region. The 14 key surfaces
discussed in this work provide a robust framework for confining and calibrating strata at subordinate levels, allowing easy communication and
data-sharing while permitting individual flexibility at field and/or reservoir scale.

It must be noted, however, that the sole purpose of this work is to provide unified, consistent, practical and log-based pick criteria and graphical
references for major lithostratigraphic surfaces with real examples from wells in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It is not an attempt to do
lithostratigraphy or sequence stratigraphy study, though these should be the focus of future work.
 Database

The framework is presented as three composite type sections representing the north, central and south regions of the KRI, with each section
being constructed from 3-4 wells within the respective subregions (Figure 2). The framework focuses on practical recognition of major
lithostratigraphic boundaries, and reference sections have been developed to remove any structurally altered thicknesses, such as repeat
sections. Not all data were available to allow all dip-related stratal thickness to be restored back to true stratal thicknesses. Nevertheless, all
picks are lithostratigraphy horizons based on log characters and lithologic change; stratal thickness should not be considered as a major
criterion for picking lithostratigraphic boundaries, though comparing log curve trends and stratigraphy contexts is always an essential practice
for conducting log correlation.

This work will present pick criteria for the key lithostratigraphic surfaces identified, which are primarily based on wireline log characters,
recognizing that these are the primary data used for real-time operational decisions and post-drill analysis. In some cases, a significant
boundary is poorly defined on wireline log data alone and requires additional data that is not always available to every operator, such as
biostratigraphic, radiometric, and strontium stable isotope age data, to define the surface. In these cases, references are provided as additional
criteria. The framework has been kept at a high level to avoid field specific differences in pick criteria.

The northern composite reference section is made from 3 exploration wells (Well 1-3) in the area northwest of the Greater Zab River (Figure
2). It represents the most comprehensive section (from Ordovician to Neogene) among all three composite sections. The deep section beyond
the Middle Triassic has largely been unpenetrated outside of the northern area.

The central composite is made from splicing two wells (4 and 5) north of the Little Zab River with reference to a third well (6) south of the
Little Zab River (Figure 2). The south composite is spliced from four sections (Well 7-10, and two sidetrack sections in Well 7) in the SE
Kurdistan High Zagros. Both the central and south composite sections have terminated in the Upper Triassic. The Upper Triassic to Middle
Jurassic can be readily correlated with the North Composite (Figure 3). The Cretaceous and Paleogene in central and south composite sections
exhibit significant stratal thickness and log character change between equivalent intervals from the northern region due to facies variation.
These differences will be discussed in the following respective sections.

Stratigraphy Inconsistency

Prior to 2003, there was very limited exploration drilling activity in the Kurdistan Region, resulting in a paucity of subsurface technical data
specific to the significant discoveries in older sediments. In addition, there was virtually no seismic data collected, and when wells and seismic
data were available, they came generally from areas in or close to the existing oil fields, such as the Kirkuk area, and avoided the more
mountainous regions (Mackertich and Samarri, 2014). Moreover, getting access to existing subsurface data is often extremely difficult.
Therefore, much of the subsurface stratigraphy continues to be based on field observations and unpublished IPC internal reports on a few early
(1930-1950s) exploration wells summarized in the LSI (van Bellen et al., 1959), which has proven to be an invaluable source of data on the
lithostratigraphy of Iraq.
The Kurdistan outcrops played a major role in the establishment of Iraqi stratigraphy published in the LSI (van Bellen et al., 1959). According
to LSI, the Iraqi stratigraphy framework is composed of over 60 lithostratigraphy units. Among them, over 40 are from outcrops exposed in
Kurdistan, the remaining are either from outcrops in the rest of Iraq, or wells mostly from the lowlands (predominantly South Iraq) drilled in
the 1930-1950s (van Bellen et al., 1959). Outcrops have great advantage for understanding the stratigraphy in many aspects. However, they are
often very difficult to correlate with subsurface sections for lack of well logs and with little visual graphic illustration. Missing or repetition of
an interval due to incomplete exposure or shift of section and obscuring lithology due to subaerial diagenesis, especially dissolution of
evaporites, are additional obstacles.

Subsurface sections, especially those described from old wells, pose their own challenges. Low-quality log data, commonly with only SP
(spontaneous potential) and RES (resistivity) curves in old IPC wells, and structural complexity make it even more difficult to correlate
between outcrop and subsurface sections. Data restriction and quality limitation in addition to individual experience have led to inconsistent
stratigraphy nomenclature and practice. Figure 4 illustrates examples of inconsistent lithostratigraphy frameworks extracted from reports of
various operators, and Figure 5 demonstrates a real example of two competing lithostratigraphic frameworks for the Lower-Middle Jurassic
interval in Well 1.

Obviously, an inconsistent lithostratigraphy framework and practice will have adverse business impacts: communication and data sharing
among co-venture partners and between operators and government agency, in addition to asset assessment, drilling operations, and field
development. Consequently, there is need for a consistent and log-based practical stratigraphy framework for correlation. Influx of new and
high quality subsurface data in the last decade makes this needed improvement possible. The next section describes and illustrates pick criteria
for 14 major stratigraphy surfaces with three regional reference sections based on modern log data, lithologic characters, and sequence
stratigraphy interpretation, with biostratigraphic and strontium stable isotope age constraints as supplementary criteria. Except when dealing
with synonyms or ambiguous description, every effort is made to honor the historical definitions of lithostratigraphy units and stratigraphy
framework established in the LSI (van Bellen et al., 1959) and subsequent revisions (Chatton and Hart, 1960, 1961; Buday, 1980; Jassim and
co-authors in Jassim and Goff, 2006; Aqrawi et al., 2010; among others). Interested readers should refer to these materials for description of
type sections and historical evolvements.

Stratigraphy Surfaces and Pick Criteria

Key stratigraphy surfaces are selected based on their regional consistency, sequence and tectonostratigraphic significance, and economic
importance. A major stratigraphic package is genetically related and bounded by two surfaces. In most cases, a surface represents a major
change in depositional style reflecting either a major reversal of eustatic trend or a particular phase of tectonic evolution. In fact, most key
surfaces discussed in this work are megasequence boundaries, i.e., major hiatuses or their correlative surfaces. Each surface will be discussed
as it is related to its stratigraphic significance and pick criteria. Three concise summary tables are provided for recommended pick criteria
(based on log characters, lithology, lithofacies, age constraints, and sequence stratigraphic significance, etc.) for the most commonly picked
lithostratigraphic units.
To graphically demonstrate characteristics of each major surface, well log curves and lithology interpretations are illustrated. As shown in
Figure 5, the first track of log curves contains GR (Gamma Ray) and SP (Spontaneous Potential) logs. The second track includes resistivity
(RES: RESD for deep and RESS for shallow resistivity) curves. The third track displays the DTC (compressional wave travel time) and RHOB
(neutron density). For some wells, one or more types of log data for part or the entire section is missing. In addition, log-curve variation should
be considered as qualitative since casing and different logging tool suites likely affected absolute value. The lithology interpretation track may
include one of three types of derived lithology data. One of them is lithology derived from mineral composition (clay, dolomite, calcite, and
anhydrite) calculated from well logs (e.g., the Paleozoic-Jurassic in the north composite). Another is lithology description from ditch cuttings
(central and south composite sections). The last is petrographic observation from thin sections either from sidewall cores or most commonly
from cuttings at 10-15m composite sample spacing (e.g., the Cretaceous and Paleogene in the north composite). Lithology/mineralogy legends
are labeled on the right column in Figure 5 and followed by all other figures in this work.

Chia Zairi Formation

Only a few deep exploration wells in Kurdistan penetrated the entire Chia Zairi Formation. Chia Zairi Formation was established in an outcrop
on the north flank of the Ora Fold in North Kurdistan, where it attains a thickness of 811m. Its upper contact with the overlying Mirga Mir
Formation is continuous; however, it is marked by a lithologic change from clean limestone to argillaceous carbonate. At the base of Chia Zairi
Formation is a prolonged hiatus separating the basal transgressive shale from the underlying carbonate of the Harur Formation (van Bellen et
al., 1959), as the Ga’ara terrestrial sandstone is absent from Kurdistan. Its contact with the underlying Harur Formation is a hiatus and a change
from clean carbonate with low GR and high RES to silty-calcareous claystone with high GR, low RES, and low RHOB. The top of Chia Zairi
Formation is a consistent log-curve pick from a clean limestone with low GR, high RES, and fast DTC to the claystone or argillaceous
carbonate at the base of Mirga Mir Formation with higher GR, lower RES and slower DTC. The well log criteria and lithology characters are
illustrated in Figure 6 and summarized in Table 1.

The Chia Zairi Formation is 900m (MD – measured depth) in Well 2, but decreases to 655m in Well 1. It is composed of three argillaceous-
sandy to clean carbonate cycles with decreasing gross thickness (Figure 6). The chronostratigraphic range of the formation is from Middle
Permian to the Induan Stage of the Lower Triassic (Jassim et al., 2006).

Geli Khana Formation

The Geli Khana - Kurra Chine contact in the type section (Ora outcrop in North Kurdistan) is a disconformity with “a 3.5m thick laminated
ferruginous dolomite with streaks of black chert and nodular hematite” (van Bellen et al., 1959). This may be easily observed in outcrops but
difficult to recognize in subsurface. Therefore, the pick for the top of Geli Khana Formation is often inconsistent: at the base of anhydrite of the
overlying Kurra Chine Formation or at the contact between the thinly bedded carbonate and massive, clean limestone. The former is a sequence
stratigraphic approach (sequence boundary), and it is more easily recognized from log curves (change from low and serrated GR to clean, low
GR, and low to very high RHOB) and lithology description. The latter approach is an economic consideration, i.e., to place the carbonate seal-
anhydrite reservoir pair in the same lithostratigraphy unit - the Kurra Chine Formation. Most of the Kurdistan Stratigraphy Workshop
participants prefer to adopt the latter approach (A), though all agree that the base of the anhydrite is a more significant sequence stratigraphic
surface (B) (see Figure 8). This study presents both alternative scenarios to represent the group decision and the preference of the authors of
this work.

The basal contact with the underlying shale of the Beduh Formation is recognized from well log as a higher GR, higher RES, and faster DTC
due to increase in carbonate. The upper contact with the basal Kurra Chine Formation is a change from low and clean GR and low RHOB to
higher serrated GR and increase in RHOB (scenario A). The lithologic and log characters of the Geli Khana Formation and the stratigraphic
contexts are graphically illustrated in Figure 7 and summarized in Table 1.

The Geli Khana Formation is 575m in the outcrop type section. With the current definition (scenario A), the thickness of the formation in
subsurface ranges from 471m in North Mesopotamian Basin (Atshan-1) to 610m in Well 1 and up to 905m (unadjusted MD) in Well 2 in north
Kurdistan. The formation can be conveniently subdivided into the lower and upper parts. The lower part is argillaceous to sandy carbonate with
thin anhydrite interbeds, and the upper part is clean and massive carbonate.

The Geli Khana Formation is widely considered as restricted to the Middle Triassic (van Bellen et al., 1959; Aqrawi et al., 2010). This is
confirmed by the earliest Carnian strontium age for the basal Kurra Chine anhydrite in North Iraq and Syria (Grabowski and Liu, 2010).

Kurra China Formation

The Kurra Chine Formation was also established from an outcrop on the north flank of the Ora Fold in North Kurdistan (van Bellen et al.,
1959), and it was reached in several exploration wells across Kurdistan.

The upper contact with the overlying Baluti Formation is a major lithologic change from massive or interbedded anhydrite and carbonate with
low GR, low RES, high RHOG, and fast DTC to black shale-anhydrite-carbonate interbeds with high GR, low RHOB, and slow DTC (Figures
8 and 9). This can be correlated across the region. The contact is more gradational in central and south regions than in north Kurdistan. The
pick criteria are illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, and summarized in Table 1.

The thickness of the Kurra Chine Formation is 834m in type section. In subsurface, it ranges from 742m to 1036m (all MD) in north and
central Kurdistan. The thickest is 1327m in Well 1 where a section is likely repeated. When thickening from dipping or repetition is adjusted,
the true thickness of the formation ranges from 700m to 950m in Kurdistan, though it may reach over 1700m (MD and unadjusted) in some
Mesopotamian basin wells according to Jassim et al. (2006). Caution should be applied when extreme thickness occurs in structurally complex
region, such as Kurdistan. Nevertheless, restoration to true thickness requires additional data, such as dipmeter reading, seismic survey,
borehole image, and stratigraphic correlation. Very often, such data are not available.

The age of Kurra Chine Formation is suggested to be Late Triassic by van Bellen et al. (1959). Aqrawi et al. (2010) revised it to Carnian-
Norian age. Strontium stable isotope age-dating of the formation by Grabowski and Liu (2010) produced earliest Carnian age for the basal
anhydrite and middle Norian age for the upper anhydrite from wells in North Iraq and Syria.
Baluti Formation

The Baluti Formation was also established based on a north Kurdistan outcrop (van Bellen et al., 1959). The top of Baluti Formation is a
regional marker, obvious lithologic change from underlying coastal plain shale or marginal marine shale-carbonate interbeds to shoal carbonate
of the basal Sarki Formation. The log characters for the Baluti Formation include serrated and low GR, low RES, low RHOB, and slow DTC,
as illustrated in Figure 9 and summarized in the Table 1.

Some previous lithostratigraphic and age assignments to Baluti Formation are controversial. Multiple argillaceous intervals above and beneath
the currently designated Baluti Formation have been assigned to “Baluti Shale.” However, the key criteria for the formation are the thickest
argillaceous rock with highest GR, low RES, low RHOB, and slow DTC. There are other argillaceous rocks with similar log character Upper
Triassic-Lower Jurassic interval, but they are much thinner than the Baluti Formation, as demonstrated in Figures 8 and 9.

The thickness of Baluti Formation is 36m in type section and 53m in Sirwan outcrop in SE Kurdistan. In subsurface, it is 34-87m in the north
region but increases to 90-140m (all measured depth) towards south Kurdistan. Lithologically, the north sections are sandier and more
argillaceous than in the central and south sections (Figure 9).

The palynomorph assemblage from the type section of Baluti Formation was interpreted as Carnian age by Hanna (2007). An identical
palynomorph assemblage from the Jebel Kand-1 Well, however, was interpreted as Norian by Al-Kobaysi (2011). Strontium stable isotope age-
dating of the upper Kurra Chine Formation anhydrite in Atshan-1 well and its regional equivalents (Mulussa in Syria and some more recently
drilled Kurdistan wells) generated Carnian age for the lower part and middle Norian ages for the upper part of Kurra Chine Formation, and the
overlying basal Sarki (Butmah) Formation is late Norian (Grabowski and Liu, 2010). These confine the Baluti Formation to the middle-late
Norian of the Late Triassic. This is consistent with the palynological study by Al-Ameri (cited by Aqrawi et al., 2010).

Sarki Formation

The Kurdistan Stratigraphy Workshop recommended replacing “Butmah Formation” with “Sarki Formation” because the uppermost Butmah
Formation in the type section (Butmah-2 Well) was faulted out (van Bellen et al., 1959), and controversy arose from change in definition by
later workers, as summarized by Buday (1980).

The Sarki Formation was established based on an outcrop in north Kurdistan for the predominantly carbonate interval between the top of Baluti
Formation and the base of Adaiyah Formation of the Sehkaniyan Group (discussed below). The top of the Sarki Formation should coincide
with the base of overlying Adaiyah Formation, which, however, was defined at the base of the third anhydrite bed cluster in its type section in
the Adaiyah-1 Well (van Bellen et al., 1959). This lithologic pick can be easily correlated with the north composite in north Kurdistan wells. It
becomes more difficult to follow for central and south regions due to increased number of thinner anhydrite beds, especially when RHOB and
DTC log curves are missing (Figure 10). In the north composite, the change in GR curve is subtle across the Sarki-Adaiyah contact. A higher
RES and intervals of high RHOB reflecting anhydrite beds are observed for the Adaiyah Formation. Trends in log curves can also be applied
for stratigraphic correlation of argillaceous-evaporite-carbonate cycles in south and central regions. The log-based pick criteria are graphically
illustrated in Figure 10 and summarized in Table 2.

The stratal thickness of the Sarki Formation is relatively uniform. It is 303m in outcrop type section, 397m in north composite and 432m in
south composite. The slightly thinner thickness in outcrops is probably partially caused by dissolution of evaporite, and the thicker subsurface
section (>538m in Butmah-2 Well) is likely due to dipping beds or section repeat.

The age of the Sarki Formation can be constrained with biostratigraphy and strontium stable isotope ages. The upper Sarki Formation contains
Early Jurassic larger benthic foraminifera (Siphovalvulina colomi, Haurania deserti, Amijiella amiji, etc.) and yields Sinemurian strontium age.
The Rhaetian (latest Triassic) larger benthic foraminifer species (Triasina hantkeni) is consistently found in the massive clean carbonate in the
lower Sarki in outcrops and from several exploration wells. The basal part of the lower Sarki contains Aulotortus spp. without Triasina sp. and
yields late Norian strontium age (Grabowski and Liu, 2010). Therefore, the Sarki Formation ranges from the late Norian of Triassic to
Sinemurian of the Early Jurassic.

Sehkaniyan Group

The Kurdistan Stratigraphy Workshop agreed to adopt Sehkaniyan (Formation) and elevate it to Sehkaniyan Group to include the Alan-Mus-
Adaiyah Formations. The Sehkaniyan Formation was established from an outcrop on Surdash Anticline in Sulaimaniya, NE Kurdistan (van
Bellen, et al., 1959), where the formation is 180m of predominantly carbonate, with brecciated dolostone and limestone interpreted as due to
dissolution of anhydrite. In subsurface, the equivalent interval is divided into three lithostratigraphic units, Adaiyah, Mus, and Alan formations
in ascending order, all based on exploration wells in north Mesopotamian Basin.

The Alan Formation was initially established in the Alan-1 Well for the 55.5m massive evaporite (anhydrite and halite) immediately beneath
the Sargelu Formation (van Bellen et al., 1959). However, an unpublished IPC report, dated 1961, extended its base to include an additional
31m of anhydrite and carbonate. The thickness of Alan Formation ranges 70-160m in most Kurdistan wells, with the exception in one well
(Well 4) represented by the central composite where a 241m massive anhydrite is observed (Figure 11), which is very likely due to structural
thickening. In NW Kurdistan Dohuk and beyond, the evaporite is gradually replaced by carbonate.

The top of Alan Formation is easily picked at the top of massive anhydrite (regardless of the anhydrite interbeds in the lower part of the
overlying Sargelu Formation) with very low and clean GR, high RHOB, and fast DTC log curves, as illustrated in Figure 11 and summarized in
Table 2. It can be recognized across the entire region although carbonate increasingly replaces evaporite towards NW Kurdistan. The Alan
Formation is restricted to the middle-late Toarcian of Early Jurassic by strontium stable isotope age-dating (Grabowski and Liu, 2010). It is
separated from the overlying Sargelu Formation by an obvious hiatus of likely Aalenian age.

The type section for the Mus Formation is in the Butmah-2 Well for the 57m limestone beneath the Alan anhydrite (van Bellen et al., 1959). It
is a widespread and uniform shallow, open marine peloidal packstone and/or grainstone (23-57m in thickness), often not dolomitized,
representing a condensed interval in an overall evaporitic lowstand part of a megasequence. The log characters for the formation include low
and clean GR, low RES, low RHOB and fast DTC (Figure 11).

The type section for the Adaiyah Formation is in Adaiyah-1 Well for the 90.5m anhydrite-carbonate section (van Bellen et al., 1959), with the
top placed at the anhydrite beneath the Mus carbonate. Its base is at the contact with the underlying Sarki Formation, usually at the base of the
third evaporite cluster in north Kurdistan (Figure 11). The RHOB data is missing in both central and south composite sections where anhydrite
interbeds become more numerous but thinner; GR and RESS/RESD trends from the Adaiyah-Mus contact and lithology description from
cutting samples can be used for recognizing the base Sarki-Adaiyah contact. The stratal thickness of Adaiyah Formation is regionally consistent
(68-88m) when known structural thickening is removed.

Sargelu and Naokelekan Formations

The Sargelu and Naokelekan formations both contain world-class source rocks and are potential reservoirs. Therefore, they are separated in
some works but lumped together in others, causing confusion in correlation. The top of Naokelekan Formation is consistently picked at the top
of the most organic-rich shale with highest GR (Figure 12 and Table 2). The Sargelu-Naokelekan contact is at the base of the most organic-rich
shale in the south composite. Nevertheless, the number of thin organic-rich shale beds increases in the central and north composite section. This
contact can either be placed at the base of all organic-rich shale (A) or alternatively at the base of the second organic-rich shale (B in Figure
12).

The type section for the Naokelekan Formation in Rowanduz outcrop in northeast Kurdistan is only 14m thick, composed of an organic-rich
calcareous shale, a thin “mottle beds of limestone” with ostracods and ammonites, and then an extremely bituminous shaly limestone or organic
shale (“coal horizon”) with thin shelled pelagic bivalves (Bositra spp. or “filaments”) in descending order. The thickness of Naokelekan
Formation ranges from 14-39m in subsurface in Kurdistan. The thicker Naokelekan Formation is probably due to inclusion of additional
organic-rich shale and limestone interbeds, which can be alternatively placed into Sargelu Formation, as scenario A suggests in the north and
central composite (Figure 12).

The Sargelu Formation was established in an outcrop in Sulaimaniya District in northeast Kurdistan, where it is 115m thick (van Bellen et al.,
1959). The formation is easily recognized as between the “coal beds” of lower Naokelekan and the massive anhydrite of the Alan Formation.
The upper part of Sargelu Formation contains abundant thin-shelled bivalves (Bositra spp.). Rhynconellid brachiopods, and the Middle Jurassic
planktonic foraminifera (Conoglobigerina spp.) also occur in cleaner limestone beds deposited in open marine environment.

The Sargelu Formation is a deepening upwards megasequence consisting of marginal to shallow-marine carbonate with anhydrite interbeds in
the lower part, a condensed intrashelf basinal organic-rich argillaceous limestone in the middle, and a highstand middle to deep shelfal clean
limestone in the upper part. The thickness of the entire unit varies from 79-257m (MD) in subsurface sections. Very commonly, the cleaner
limestone accounts for the major part of the increased stratal thickness of the formation (Figure 12). Probably, this is due to higher carbonate
productivity and creation of more accommodation in some areas.
The age of Sargelu Formation is Bajocian-Bathonian of Middle Jurassic. The age of Naokelekan Formation has not been well determined,
likely from the Callovian to Oxfordian, with possibility of early Kimmeridgian (van Bellen et al., 1959; Aqrawi et al., 2010).

Gotnia Group

Following the rationale for the establishments of Shiranish, Kolosh and Pila Spi groups discussed below, this study proposes to elevate Gotnia
(Formation) to group status to include several lithostratigraphic units (Gotnia anhydrite, Barsarin carbonate-anhydrite, and Najmah carbonate)
representing different lithofacies of the Upper Jurassic. The contact between Gotnia Group and overlying Chia Gara Formation (shale) varies
from continuous to disconformity. In any case, this surface can be consistently picked by an abrupt change from low to high GR, high to low
RHOB and fast to slow DTC (Figure 13 and Table 2).

While all workers agree that Barsarin and Gotnia are age-equivalent lithofacies variations, there exist different views regarding the
relationships among Gotnia/Barsarin, Najmah and Naokelekan Formations, especially, the correlation of Najmah Formation with other Upper
Jurassic formations. The suggested relationship of Najmah Formation with other lithostratigraphic units include: 1) age-equivalent to the entire
Naokelekan Formation (van Bellen et al., 1959; Aqrawi et al., 2010); 2) age-equivalent to Naokelekan and lower part of Gotnia/Barsarin in
north and west Iraq (van Bellen et al., 1959; Jassim and Buday, 2006a); and 3) age-equivalent to Barsarin and Naokelekan combined (Buday,
1980).

The relationship among these lithostratigraphic units can only be resolved with high-resolution chronostratigraphic age constraints
(biostratigraphy and stable isotope age-dating), correlation of closely spaced well sections with high-quality well log curves, and more
importantly seismic survey data. These are beyond the scope of this work. Nevertheless, the top of Gotnia Group provides a reliable horizon to
embrace all scenarios for regional correlation. The age of the Gotnia anhydrite was determined as from late Kimmeridgian to middle Tithonian
from strontium stable isotope (Grabowski and Liu, 2010). As a whole, the Gotnia Group is probably from the Oxfordian to middle Tithonian.

The Gotnia Formation in Kurdistan is the thickest in the north skirt of the Najmah Platform, where its upper part is massive anhydrite and the
lower part is sandy to clayey carbonate with anhydrite interbeds. Farther to the northwest, the anhydrite is increasingly replaced with
carbonates. In central and southeast Kurdistan, the amount of anhydrite significantly decreases or is entirely replaced with thinly bedded
peloidal packstone or grainstone. “Barsarin Formation” is applied to these basin-filling carbonates. Najmah Formation is a shallowing-upward
carbonate unit. Its basal part contains thinly laminated silty to argillaceous carbonate with radiolarian beds and thin-shelled pelagic bivalves,
representing basin-slope deposition. The middle part contains shelfal limestone with echinoid and occasional planktonic foraminifera. The
upper part is upper ramp or open platform limestone containing Late Jurassic, larger benthic foraminifera and green algae. Very rarely, traces
of anhydrite are observed in petrographic thin sections in middle to upper part, such as in Well 3. The thickness variation and lithofacies of
these three Upper Jurassic formations are illustrated in Figure 13, and pick criteria for the respective units are listed in Table 2.
Chia Gara Formation

The type section for Chia Gara Formation is also in north Kurdistan and it is 21m thick (van Bellen et al., 1959). The base of Chia Gara
Formation is consistently picked at the contact between the organic-rich or bituminous shale and the underlying Gotnia Group, being either
anhydrite of Gotnia Formation, the thinly bedded peloidal grainstone of Barsarin Formation, or the thick, shallow-marine carbonate of the
Najmah Formation (Figure 13). The top of Chia Gara Formation can be easily picked at the base of Garagu Formation in north Kurdistan,
where the Garagu Formation (shallow-marine clean limestone with larger benthic foraminifera, small benthic foraminifera and green algae of
Valanginian age) is present. It becomes increasingly difficult to correlate the top of Chia Gara Formation where the Garagu shallow-marine,
clean limestone changes to Sarmord facies (deep shelf to slope, argillaceous limestone) in central Kurdistan, and then transitions to Balambo
basinal facies (pelagic radiolarian ooze and marl) in SE Kurdistan. Nevertheless, the Chia Gara Formation is a more argillaceous unit and
contains more detrital components than its overlying formations. High GR, low RES, low RHOB. and slow DTC are log characters when
comparing with the underlying Gotnia Group and overlying Qamchuqa Group (Figures 13 and 14 and Table 2). Presence of calpionellids
indicating Tithonian-early Valanginian age is additional criterion for Chia Gara Formation. Relationship of Chia Gara with Karimia, “Lower
Sarmord” and Makhul formations was well summarized by Buday (1980). It is a complex issue and beyond the scope of this work.

Although it is absent from the Mosul High and vicinity areas due to non-deposition and/or erosion, Chia Gara Formation is widespread in the
rest of Kurdistan. Its thickness increases from ~20m in north to over 200m in SE Kurdistan. The basal part of Chia Gara Formation has source-
rock potential.

The Chia Gara Formation contains ammonites and calpionellids, in addition to abundant radiolaria. Its stratigraphic range is well defined as
from the middle Tithonian to early Valanginian.

Qamchuqa Group

The Lower Cretaceous stratigraphy hierarchy is complex, multiple nomenclature systems, and synonyms exist due to greater facies variation.
The interval from the top of Chia Gara Formation to the top of Qamchuqa Group was divided into Karimia (as facies variation of upper Chia
Gara), Garagu, Sarmord and Qamchuqa formations in LSI (van Bellen et al., 1959).

The “Qamchuqa Limestone Formation” was established by Wetzel in an unpublished company report in 1950 (van Bellen et al., 1959) based
on an outcrop in Qamchuqa, Sulaimaniya in central Kurdistan. It became obsolete because its basal part probably includes the Garagu
Formation, and the rest was subdivided into the Middle Sarmord, Lower Qamchuqa, Upper Sarmord and Upper Qamchuqa formations by
Chatton and Hart (1960, 1961) followed by revisions by Buday (1980), among others. This study adopts the subdivision of the Lower
Cretaceous into the Garagu, Lower Sarmord, Lower Qamchuqa, Upper Sarmord and Upper Qamchuqa formations in ascending order.

In terms of sequence stratigraphy, the Lower Cretaceous contains three shallowing-upward megasequences (Karimia-Garagu, Lower Sarmord–
Lower Qamchuqa, and Upper Sarmord–Upper Qamchuqa). The tops of Lower and Upper Qamchuqa Formations are each truncated by a major
hiatus, whereas the top of Garagu Formation is stratigraphically continuous. This work focuses on the pick criteria for the tops of Lower and
Upper Qamchuqa formations, following the definition of Chatton and Hart (1960) and Buday (1980).

Lower Qamchuqa Formation

Most of Kurdistan operators treat the Lower Qamchuqa Formation as age and facies equivalent to the Shuaiba Formation established from
Zaibair-3 Well in South Iraq, which has been widely adopted in the eastern states of the Arabian Gulf. It is a massive shallow-marine carbonate
of Aptian age and unconformably overlain by Nahr Umr Formation in the type section (van Bellen et al., 1959). Following this definition, the
Lower Qamchuqa (synonymous to Shuaiba) Formation is picked in the north and central composite sections for the massive shallow- to
marginal-marine carbonate. Thickness of the Lower Qamchuqa Formation ranges from less than 20m to 149m, mostly 40-80m in north and
central Kurdistan. It is absent from Mosul High area and changes facies to Sarmord shelfal-slope limestone facies before transitioning to
Balambo basinal facies (radiolarian ooze) farther downdip in SE Kurdistan, where the thin, clean carbonate probably correlates with the Lower
Qamchuqa (Figure 14).

The top of Lower Qamchuqa Formation is a major sequence boundary, with a hiatus or correlative surface separating the underlying Lower
Qamchuqa from the overlying Upper Sarmord (equivalent to Nahr Umr Formation in south Iraq) or directly from the Upper Qamchuqa
Formation where the Upper Sarmord Formation is missing. This surface is usually marked by a basal Upper Sarmord coastal-plain shale or
shallow-marine argillaceous-sandy limestone with higher GR, low RES, and low RHOB (Figure 14).

The Shuaiba Formation is Aptian age in central and south Iraq (Aqrawi et al., 2010). The massive, clean limestone in Lower Qamchuqa
contains similar larger benthic foraminifera and algal assemblage in several north Kurdistan wells and outcrops, as found in Shuaiba type
section (van Bellen et al., 1959).

Upper Qamchuqa Formation

The upper part of the Qamchuqa type section established by Wetzel (1950 in van Bellen et al., 1959) was designated by Chatton and Hart
(1960) as Upper Qamchuqa Formation. It has been considered as Albian age and equivalent to the Mauddud Formation in south Iraq (Aqrawi et
al., 2010; Jassim and Buday, 2006b). The Upper Qamchuqa Formation is a widespread shallow-marine carbonate in north and central
Kurdistan and transitions to Balambo basinal facies (planktonic foraminifer wackestone) in the southeast. A deep shelf-slope facies (Upper
Sarmord) belt probably exists between the Qamchuqa facies in the central and northwest and Balambo facies in the southeast. Balambo
Formation can be divided into the lower and upper parts by a change from radiolarian to planktonic foraminifera wackestone which took place
approximately in the early part of late Albian.

Thickness of the Upper Qamchuqa Formation ranges from 68m to 322m in measured depth, with the majority in 150-220m range. The shallow-
marine carbonate of the Upper Qamchuqa Formation commonly became coarse crystalline, saddle dolomite with reservoir quality in north and
central Kurdistan. However, “saddle dolomite” should not be used alone as the sole criterion for the Upper Qamchuqa. Formation of saddle
dolomite due to hydrothermal activity occurs in multiple carbonate formations throughout the Triassic-Paleogene in Kurdistan.
At the top of Upper Qamchuqa Formation is a hiatus separating it from the overlying fossiliferous deep-shelf carbonate Dokan or Kometan
Formation in central and north Kurdistan. Its lower contact is either a hiatus, directly overlying Lower Qamchuqa or older strata, or continuous
with the Upper Sarmord Formation. Because of the unconformable upper contact, the log criteria for this pick are a sharp increase in GR, a
decrease in RHOB, and slower DTC, as demonstrated in Figure 15 and summarized in Table 3.

The thickness of the Upper Qamchuqa Formation ranges from 150-323m in subsurface for central and north Kurdistan. The youngest age of the
Qamchuqa in type section is considered as Albian (van Bellen et al., 1959; Buday, 1980). In Kurdistan wells, most of the Upper Qamchuqa
Formation became saddle dolomite, and few identifiable microfossils were recovered. This study does not rule out the possibility that part of
the Upper Qamchuqa Formation extends into Cenomanian.

Shiranish Group

From the top of Upper Qamchuqa Formation to the top of Cretaceous, more than 10 lithostratigraphy names occur in literature. They can be
grossly lumped into two megasequences, the Campanian-Maastrichtian (Bekhme/Aqra, Shiranish, and Tanjero) and Cenomanian-lower
Campanian (upper Balambo, Dokan, Gulneri, Kometan, Mushorah, Mergi, and Gir Bir). Both megasequences probably deserve group status
but the current well data are inadequate for the subdivision. The Kurdistan Stratigraphy Workshop decided to pick the top of Shiranish Group
and leave the internal subdivision for future work.

Because the top of Shiranish Group coincides with the uppermost Cretaceous, it is easily picked with biostratigraphic analysis for the
occurrence of Cretaceous planktonic and larger benthic foraminifera (globotruncanids, heterohelids, siderolitids, orbitoids, etc.) and/or
nannofossils. However, log character variation is less consistent across the region due to facies variation from deep-shelf planktonic
foraminifera wackestone (Shiranish Formation) to upper ramp or reefal limestone (Bekhme or Aqra Formation) or fine, marine clastics
(Tanjero Formation). In addition, facies boundaries are time-transgressive, and log-character change reflects only facies variation. For example,
the influx of marine clastics (Tanjero Formation) started in early Maastrichtian in High Zagros area but did not reach the Foothill Zone in north
Kurdistan until the early Paleocene. In fact, differences between Tanjero and Kolosh or Shiranish and Aaliji formations are more age than
lithology (van Bellen, 1959; Jassim and Buday, 2006c). Nevertheless, the Upper Cretaceous-Paleogene transition is still marked by a subtle GR
log shift reflecting reduction in carbonate productivity due to the mass extinction event and relative increase in clay minerals (Figure 16 and
Table 3).

The thickness of the Shiranish Group varies significantly, especially in foredeep areas. For example, Tanjero Formation alone in its type
section (Sirwan Valley in SE Kurdistan) is over 2000m.

Kolosh Group

The Paleocene-Eocene sediments display greater facies variation due to uplifting of the hinterland in the proto-Zagros to the east and northeast
of Kurdistan. As a result, multiple lithostratigraphy units were established to reflect various lithofacies. With the same rationale as for the
Upper Cretaceous, two groups are erected to package the various lithofacies of the Paleocene - lower Eocene (Kolosh Group) and middle-upper
Eocene (Pila Spi Group), respectively. The boundary between the two groups is placed at the base of the Gercus Formation, which is a major
hiatus and sequence boundary.

Three major facies belts existed during the Paleocene-early Eocene. To the east and northeast was an uplifted hinterland which was shedding
sediments off to the southwest and west, forming a prograding shallowing-upward clastic sequence of the Kolosh Formation. To the southwest
was the northern Mesopotamian Basin receiving deep shelf to basinal calcareous shale or shaly carbonate of the Aaliji Formation. In between
was a patchy shoal-reefal-lagoonal carbonate facies designated as either Khurmala or Sinjar Formation. Khurmala Formation was established in
Khurmala Dome (Kirkuk-114 Well) in the NW Kirkuk field (van Bellen et al., 1959), and it interfingers with the upper part of Kolosh
Formation. Sinjar Formation was based on an outcrop in Jebel Sinjar area (van Bellen et al., 1959), and it does not directly interfere with the
Kolosh Formation. Sinjar and Khurmala are not easily separated, probably synonymous because both are upper Paleocene - lower Eocene age
and overlain by Gercus Formation. Khurmala is a preferable name for the late Paleocene - early Eocene shallow-marine carbonate in Kurdistan
given its geographic proximity.

The Kolosh Group is a shallowing-upward megasequence from top of Shiranish Group (Top Cretaceous) to the base of Gercus Red Beds
Formation. The base of Gercus Formation is a major sequence boundary and hiatus across the Kurdistan, except in the Foothill Zone near the
Kirkuk Embayment, where age-equivalent rocks are shallow-marine carbonate (Avanah Formation) or deep-shelf argillaceous limestone
(Jaddala Formation). The log characters across the Kolosh-Gercus contact include a sharp decrease in RHOB and a slower DTC, as shown in
Figure 17 and summarized in Table 3.

Pila Spi Group

Lithostratigraphy units included in the Pila Spi Group are Gercus, Avanah, Pila Spi, and Jaddala formations representing alluvial-fluvial
clastics, upper ramp-shoal to marginal-marine carbonate, and deep-shelf-basinal argillaceous limestone, respectively. The top of Pila Spi Group
is a major hiatus, separating the Eocene from various overlying lithostratigraphy units (commonly the Lower Fars) across the Kurdistan, except
for the Foothill Zone where the Eocene (Jaddala) to Oligocene (Kirkuk) transition is gradational (van Bellen et al., 1959; Jassim and Buday,
2006d). Pila Spi Formation has widespread surface exposure in Kurdistan and can be of reservoir quality in subsurface. However, it is only of
economic significance in Foothill Zone, where it is buried beneath biodegradation zone.

The top of Pila Spi Group is easily picked for its carbonate lithology with contrasting log characters (low and clean GR, fast DTC, and
moderate RHOB, Figure 18), where the overlying unit is the Lower Fars Formation (Figure 18 and Table 3). Otherwise, it is readily separated
from either the Kirkuk or Euphrates carbonate (for its Eocene age).

Lower Fars (Fatha) Formation

Various lithostratigraphy units overlie the Eocene Pila Spi Group; they include the Kirkuk and Euphrates Groups (up to 13 formations are
included in these two groups), but most commonly in Kurdistan is the Lower Fars Formation. Euphrates and Kirkuk groups (sensu Buday,
1980) have sporadic occurrence in Kurdistan, and there is limited data for discussing their stratigraphic characterization for this study. This
work instead focuses on the Lower Fars Formation.

The Lower Fars Formation was established in SW Iran and adopted by Busk and Mayo in 1918 for the lower-middle Miocene clastics-
carbonate-evaporite sequence in Iraq (from van Bellen et al., 1959). Jassim et al. (1984, according to Jassim and Buday, 2006e) established
Fatha Formation at Al Fatha Gorge in north-central Iraq to replace the Lower Fars Formation in Iraq. Although Fatha is the more pertinent
name, Lower Fars is kept in this study for nomenclature consistency.

The Lower Fars Formation is characterized by thick and multiple cycles of limestone-evaporite-clastics, and it can be further subdivided into
Basal Fars Conglomerates, Transition Zone, Salliferous Beds, Seepage Beds and Upper Red Beds, in ascending order. The lower part contains
more carbonate and evaporite, and the upper part is dominated by multiple cycles of varicolored silty-sandy mudstone, green silty mudstone,
red silt-sandstone, and evaporite. The facies evolution indicates decreasing marine influence.

The Lower Fars Formation can reach over 900m in Kirkuk Embayment, where it is complete (Jassim and Buday, 2006e). However, it is often
incomplete in Kurdistan. The upper contact with the Middle-Upper Fars (Injana) Formation is recognized as the youngest evaporite (gypsum or
anhydrite) with low GR, high RHOB, and fast DTC. Its lower contact varies from a hiatus with various underlying lithostratigraphy units or
(dis)continuous with Jeribe Formation. In any case, the basal part of Lower Fars has the log characters of serrated GR, RES, RHOB, and DTC,
reflecting multiple carbonate-clastic-shale-evaporite cycles, as illustrated in Figure 19 and summarized in Table 3.

The stratigraphic range of Lower Fars Formation has been equivocal, as summarized by Aqrawi et al. (2010). Van Bellen et al. (1959) did not
provide direct evidence for age assignment. They nevertheless placed it in the middle Miocene, likely based on its stratigraphic contexts.
According to Buday (1980), Ponikarov et al. (1967) assigned the formation occurring in Syria to “Middle Miocene Tortonian,” while Tortonian
is the oldest stage of upper Miocene in current standard timescale.

Aqrawi et al. (2010) adopted a late Burdigallan-early Serravallian age from the strontium stable isotope age analysis of Lower Fars in Iran by
Ehrenberg et al. (2007). Strontium stable isotope analysis of anhydrites and limestone from various members of the Lower Fars Formation by
Grabowski and Liu (2009, 2010) provide direct age constraints for the units at various localities in Iraq: the age of Transition Beds is early to
middle Burdigalian, the Salliferous Beds is middle to late Burdigalian, the Seepage Beds is latest Burdigalian, and the Upper Red Beds is late
Burdigalian to middle Langhian. Considering that the youngest Lower Fars usually does not have adequate material (uncontaminated anhydrite
or gypsum) for strontium analysis, it is possible that the Lower Fars Formation can be as young as late Langhian or even early Serravallian.
However, its majority is middle Burdigalian to Langhian. This age assignment is similar to the summary by Aqrawi et al. (2010).

Summary/Conclusion

With well log and lithology data from recently drilled wells the MNR provided, three subsurface composite lithostratigraphy reference sections
for the north, central, and south Kurdistan are established for regional correlation. Representatives from the MNR and major operators in
Kurdistan have built consensus on log-based pick criteria for 14 key stratigraphic surfaces for regional correlation and internal calibration. In
addition, clarification and minor revision were made for some major lithostratigraphy surfaces to reduce stratigraphic inconsistency for current
and future operators.

The Paleozoic penetration is limited to the north Kurdistan. Judging from the similarity between the Paleozoic, especially the Permian, in north
Kurdistan and the rest of eastern Arabian Plate, it is very likely that the Paleozoic in the north composite is representative across the region.
The Triassic to Middle Jurassic is more or less regionally homogeneous and all major surfaces can be consistently correlated with log curves.
The only exception is the Pliensbachian-Toarcian of the Lower Jurassic in NW Kurdistan where carbonate rather than evaporite facies
dominates.

Greater lithofacies variation since the Late Jurassic has frequently led to establishment of multiple age-equivalent lithostratigraphy units,
causing inconvenience for correlation. Several lithostratigraphic units are grouped and elevated to group status to embrace a sequence-
chronostratigraphic packaging to reduce nomenclature redundancy.

Pick criteria for 14 key stratigraphic surfaces are concisely summarized and graphically illustrated with the three reference sections composed
from 10 wells. These key surfaces are major sequence boundaries and can serve as anchor points for calibration and correlation at subregional
scale. Flexibility for subdividing megasequences into subordinate units to meet specific needs/purpose is left for individual operators.

While conducting this work and from discussions with stratigraphers from government agency and Kurdistan operators, it becomes clear that
future study on Kurdistan subsurface stratigraphy should focus on clear and unified designation of fundamental lithostratigraphy units (i.e.,
formations), their log characters, high-resolution chronostratigraphic constraints, and facies variation. More importantly, data from various
disciplines, especially seismic survey data, should be integrated and calibrated. This will lead to a deeper understanding of facies relationship,
sequence stratigraphic packaging, reservoir quality and distribution, and ultimately the establishment of refined unified regional and sub-
regional stratigraphic framework(s).

Acknowledgements

The MNR is thanked for providing well log data for making the three regional reference sections, and permission for data release and
publication of this study. This work is also greatly benefited from discussions with the Kurdistan Stratigraphy Workshop participants, including
Kamal Atroshi, Rachel Dvoretsky, Mirko Looser, Grenville Lunn, Srood Mukhtar, and Kevin Parmassar. Knowledge gained from extensive
regional study and comments by George Grabowski, Katja Hasner, Scott Hubbard, Ben Rendall, Jim Weber, and many others at ExxonMobil
provided reference materials and helped to improve this work. Approval from ExxonMobil for material release is also acknowledged.

References Cited+

Al-Kobaysi YHK, 2011, Palynostratigraphy of Late Triassic-Early Jurassic strat in boreholes Tel-Hajar-1 and Kand-1, northern Iraq:
Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, University of Mosul, Iraq, 213p.
Aqrawi, A.A.M., A.H. Al-Hadidy, A.D. Horbury, and F.N. Sadooni, 2010, The Petroleum Geology of Iraq: Scientific Press, 423p.

Aqrawi, A.A.M., A.H. Al-Hadidy, and A.D. Horbury, 2013, Hydrocarbon potential of the Upper Permian Chia Zairi Formation in Iraq, in M.
C. Pöppelreiter, editor, Permo-Triassic Sequence of the Arabian Plate (Chapter 9): EAGE Publication, p. 77-127.

Buday, T., 1980, Stratigraphy and Paleogeography. Publications of GEOSURV, in I.I.M. Kassab and S.Z. Jassim, editors, The Regional
Geology of Iraq, v.1: Baghdad, 445p.

Chatton, M., and E. Hart, 1960, Review of the Tithonian to Albian stratigraphy in Iraq: Unpublished reports of the Iraq Petroleum Company
Ltd, Palaeontological Department, Kirkuk, IPR/1, 65p.

Chatton, M., and E. Hart, 1961, Review of the Cenomanian to Maastrichtian stratigraphy in Iraq: Unpublished reports of the Iraq Petroleum
Company Ltd, Palaeontological Department, Kirkuk, IPR/2.

Ehrenberg, S.N., J.M. McArthur, N.A.H. Picard, G.V. Laursen, S. Monibi, Z.K. Mossadegh, T.A. Svånå, A.A.M. Aqrawi, and M.F. Thirlwall,
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48/4, p. 727-739.

Grabowski, G. J., and C. Liu, 2009, Ages of Cenozoic strata of NE Iraq (abstract): AAPG Search and Discovery Article 90090 (2009). Website
accessed February 7, 2017, http://www.searchanddiscovery.com/abstracts/html/2009/annual/abstracts/grabowski.htm.

Grabowski, G. J. and Liu C., 2010. Strontium-isotope age dating and correlation of Phanezoic anhydrite and unfossiliferous limestones of
Arabia (abstract): AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90105 (2010). Website accessed February 7, 2017,
http://www.searchanddiscovery.com/abstracts/html/2010/geo_bahrain/abstracts/Grabowski2.html.

Hanna, M.T., 2007, Palynology of the upper part of the Baluti Formation (Upper Triassic) and the nature of its contact with the Sarki
Formation at Amadiya district, northern Iraq: Ph.D. Thesis, University of Mosul, Iraq, 219p.

Jassim, S.Z., and T. Buday, 2006a, Late Toracian-Early Tithonian (Mid-Late Jurassic) Megasequence AP7. in S.Z. Jassim and J.C. Goff,
editors, Geology of Iraq: Dolin, Prague and Moravian Museum, Brno, Czech Republic, p.117-123.

Jassim, S.Z., and T. Buday, 2006b, Late Tithonian-Early Turonian Megasequence AP8. in S.Z. Jassim and J.C. Goff, editors, Geology of Iraq:
Dolin, Prague and Moravian Museum, Brno, Czech Republic, p.124-140.

Jassim, S.Z., and T. Buday, 2006c, Late Turonian-Danian Megasequence AP9. in S.Z. Jassim and J.C. Goff, editors, Geology of Iraq: Dolin,
Prague and Moravian Museum, Brno, Czech Republic, p.141-154.
Jassim, S.Z., and T. Buday, 2006d, Middle Paleocene-Eocene Megasequence AP10. in S.Z. Jassim and J.C. Goff, editors, Geology of Iraq:
Dolin, Prague and Moravian Museum, Brno, Czech Republic, pp.155-168.

Jassim, S.Z. and T. Buday, 2006e, Latest Eocene-Recent Megasequence AP11. in S.Z. Jassim and J.C. Goff, editors, Geology of Iraq: Dolin,
Prague and Moravian Museum, Brno, Czech Republic, pp.169-184.

Jassim, S.Z., and J.C. Goff, editors, 2006, Geology of Iraq: Dolin, Prague and Moravian Museum, Brno, Czech Republic, 486p.

Jassim, S.Z., T. Buday, I. Cicha, and V. Prouza, 2006, Late Permian-Liassic Megasequence AP6, in S.Z. ehren and J.C. Goff, editors,
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Mackertich, D., and A.L. Samarri, 2014, A decade of exploration in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: AAPG Search and Discovery Article #30383
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National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris (Reprinted by GulfpetroLink, 2005).
+
Many of the lithostratigraphic units summarized in the LSI (van Bellen et al., 1959) were first established by TPC/IPC geologists and
documented in internal company reports long before the publication of LSI in 1959. However, most of these reports cannot be publicly
accessed because they were “unpublished company reports.” Discussion of these lithostratigraphy units is mostly referenced through the LSI.
Therefore, the original authors are not credited in this study. Interested readers should refer to the LSI for the vintage of these
lithostratigraphy units.1967
 Chronostratigraphy

; ;

Injana Injana (Mid-Upper Fars)

Fars
Miocene Fatha Fatha (Lower Fars)
(Jeribe)

Euphrat es (Euphrates)
(Kirkuk)
Kirkuk
Pila Spi
Eocene Pila Spi

Kolosh

Kolosh
;
Sh iranish
Shiranish

Cretaceous Qamchuqa
Qamchuqa

Gara)
I I

Jurassic

Sarki

Triassic KUfra Chine

"
Za iri
Chia Zairi Chia Zairi

111 11 111111 11 11

Silurian Disconformity
Akkas
or minor hiatus
443.8

Ordovician
Khabour
485.4

Cambrian

Figure 1. Stratigraphy framework, megasequences, and major mapping horizons for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
 Turkey

North

Iran

6
Central •
South
Iraq
8
•
~ • Well Location
o!
20
!
40
:
60
:
80
:
100km
!

42'OO'E 42' 3lJE 4YOO'E 4Y3O'E 44'OO'E 45°00'E

Figure 2. Location map of well sections contributing to or being used for generating the three composite sections.
 Age
Arabian Eustatic

Erathem

/ Series
(Ma)

System
SEPM60
(2012)
0
Epoch Stage Plate Seq. Trend
(Sharland et al,
2001)
Rise Fall
Sequence

Io1Cala2 North Composite Central Composite South Composite

QUAT. Holoc./Pleis. Ion./Cal./Gela.
S_Kurd_Composite [MD]

Cala1
Ge1 Ge2
2.59
MD GR RESD DTC Lithology_Kurdistan

Pia2 N_Kurd_Composite [MD]

Pliocene Za2 Pia1 1:3000 0.00 gAPI 200.00

1.0000 ohm.m 500,000.0000
140.00 us/ft 40.00

Piac./ Zanc. 5.33

Za1
Me2 1:3000
MD

-1,125.12 mV 385.28
SP RESD

140.00
DT

us/ft 40.00
CU_CAL_DOL_SI_EV_CLAY

0.0000 1.0000
( 75.5)
RESS RHOB

NEOGENE
1.0000 ohm.m 500,000.0000
C_Kurd_Composite [MD]

Messinian 7.25
AP11 Me1
0.00 gAPI
GR

200.00
1.9500 g/cm3 3.0500
RHOB
CU_CAL_DOL_SI_EV

0.0000 1.0000
(-50)
MD GR RESD DTC Lithology_Kurdistan
0.1000 ohm.m 30,000.0000
1.9500 g/cm3 3.0500

Tor2 1:3000 0.00 gAPI 200.00 140.00 us/ft 40.00

10
1.0000 ohm.m 500,000.0000

Tortonian
CU_CAL_DOL_SI

Tor1
RHOB

0.0000 1.0000

11.63 Ng40 Ser3

CU_Cal_Dol
1.9500 g/cm3 3.0500

Serravallian13.82
0

Ser2 0.0000 1.0000

50

Miocene Lan2/Ser1
Ng30
CU_Cal

Langhian 15.97 Bur5/Lan1

0.0000 1.0000

Ng20
Lwr Fars
Lower Fars Lower Fars

Color fill

Bur4
50

Burdigalian
100

Bur3
Color fill

20 Ng10 Bur2
CENOZOIC

20.44
Color fill

Bur1 Color fill

Aquitanian Aq2 Color fill

100

23.03 Aq1 Lower Fars Lower Fars

150

Ch3
Pg50
Chattian
Lwr Fars
Hiatus
Ch2 150

28.1 Ch1
Pg40
200
50

30 Oligocene Rupelian
Ru3
PALEOGENE

Ru2
Pg30
200

100

Claystone
250

Ru1
33.9 Pr3
Pr2
Priabonian Pr1 150
250

Sandy Claystone

37.8
300

Bart1
40 Bartonian
41.2
Lu4 200
300

Lu3 350

Sandy Claystone

Eocene Lutetian Lu2 Pila Spi Grp Pila Spi Grp

Pila Spi
250
350

Lu1
47.8
Sandy Claystone

Pila Spi Grp Pila Spi Grp 400

AP10
(Group)
Yp10
50
Dolostone

Pg20 Yp9 Yp8 300

400

Ypresian Yp6 Yp7 450

Yp5
Yp3 Yp4 350

56.0 Yp1 Yp2 450

Th6
Thanetian Th4 Th5
Dolostone

500

Th3 Th2
59.2
60
400

Th1
Sandy Claystone

Paleocene Selandian Pg10

Gercus Gercus 500

Sel1
61.6 Da4 Khurmala Khurmala
550

Danian Da3 450

Da2 Kolosh Grp Kolosh Grp

66.0
550

Da1
Ma5
K180
600
500

Maastrichtian
Gercus Gercus

70
Kolosh Kolosh

Ma4 600
Claystone

Ma2 Ma3
72.1 Ma1 550

650
Khurmala Khurmala

Kolosh
Cam9 Claystone

K170
650

Cam8 Kolosh Grp Kolosh Grp

Cam7

(Group)
600

Cam6 700

Campanian
80
Cam5 700

Cam4
AP9 Cam3
Cam2
650

750

Cam1
Upper 83.6 Sa3
K160
750

Sa2
Santonian 86.3 Sa1
700

Coniacian K150 Co1 800

90 89.8 Tu4
800

750

Tu3
CRETACEOUS

Turonian K140 Tu2 850

Limestone

Kirkuk Grp?
Tu1
93.9 800
850

Ce5
K130
Shiranish Shiranish

Ce4
Ce3
Cenomanian
Shiranish Grp Shiranish Grp

Shiranish
900

K120 Ce2 850

100
900

Ce1
100.5 Al11
K110
Al10
Al9
Al8
(Group) Kometan
900

Kometan
950
950

Jaddala
Albian K100 Al7

Limestone-Argillaceous
950 1000

Al6 1000
Limestone-Dolom.

110 Al4 Al5

Pila Spi (Group)

Al3
113.0
K90 Al2 Al1
1000

1050
1050

Ap6

Ap5
1050

Limestone-Muddy

1100

1100

120 Lower Aptian K80 Ap4

Kolosh Kolosh
Dolostone

AP8 1100

Gercus
Qamchuqa Grp Qamchuqa Grp 1150

1150 Limestone-Muddy

K70 Ap3
Ap2
Upr Qamchuqa
1150

126.3 Ap1 Siltstone

Barremian K60 Barr4

Barr6
Barr5
1200

Claystone
1200

Khurmala
130 Barr2 Barr3 Shiranish Shiranish

K50
1200

Barr1

Kolosh (Group)
130.8
Claystone

Ha6 Ha7
Ha4 Ha5 Shiranish Grp Shiranish Grp

Hauterivian K40 Ha3

Ha2
1250 1250

133.9 Ha1
Limestone-Dolom.
1250

Va7
Va6
Va5 Va4
Valanginian Va3
K30
1300
1300

Va2 1300

139.4
140
Va1
Be8
K20 Be7
Be5 Be4 Be6
Sandy Carbonate

Berriasian LwrQamchuqa LwrQamchuqa

1350
Limestone

1350

K10 Be3
1350

Lwr Qamchuqa
Limestone-Dolom.

145.0 Be2
MESOZOIC

Be1
Ti5 Limestone

Ti4
1400

1400
1400

Tithonian J110 Ti3

150
Kometan Kometan
Limestone

Ti2
152.1
J100 Ti1
Kim5
1450 1450
Limestone

J90
1450

Kim4
Limestone-Dolom.

Upper Kimmeridgian J80 Kim3

Limestone

J70
Qamchuqa Grp Qamchuqa Grp

Kim1Kim2
1500

1500

157.3 Kim0
J60
1500

Ox7
Limestone

Ox6
ChiaGara ChiaGara

160 Oxfordian J50 Ox4

Ox5
Ox2 Ox3
1550

Kolosh
AP7
Gotnia Grp Gotnia Grp 1550

1550

Ox1
163.5 Ox0
J40
Lime Shale/Marl
Gotnia Gotnia

Call4 Call5
Callovian 166.1
1600

Call3
JURASSIC

Call2 Call1
J30
1600

Call0

Gotnia
Bat4 Bat5
Bathonian Bat2 Bj5 Bat3
1600

Middle 168.3
J20
Bat1
170 Bajocian 170.3 Bj4 1650
Siltstone

Bj3
Bj1Bj2
1650

Clayey Sandstone

Aalenian Aa2 1700

1650

Siltstone

174.1 Aa1 1694.6

Toa7
1700

Limestone

1700

Toa6
J10
1750

Toarcian
180
Toa5
Sandy Claystone

Toa4
1750

Toa2Toa3
LwrQamchuqa LwrQamchuqa
1750

182.7
1800

Toa1 Pi8
Pi7
Limestone

1800

Pi6
Lower Pliensbachian Pi4
Pi5
1850

1800

Pi2 Pi3
190 190.8
Pi1
Si5
Naokelekan
1900
Naokelekan
1850

1850
Clayey Sandstone

Naokelekan
Si4
Sargelu Sargelu

Si3
Sinemurian Si2
1950
1900

Si1
1900

199.3 He3
200
Sargelu
1950

Hettangian He2 2000

201.3 He1 1950

Siltstone

Rh2
2050 2000

Rhaetian Rh1
2000

209.5
Sehkaniyan
ehkaniyan Grp Sehkaniyan Grp

210
2100

2050

No2

Tr80
(Group)
2050

2150

2100

2100

No1
Claystone
2200
Mus Mus
TRIASSIC

Norian
220
2150

Upper Adaiyah
2250

Adaiyah
2150

AP6
2168.6

2200

Sarki
Car4 Sarki
2300

Sarki 2200

228.4 2250

230 Tr70 Car3

2350

2250

Carnian Car2 2300

Tr60 Car1 2400

Claystone

Tanjero
237
Shiranish Group
2300

Lad3

Tr-Jr
2350

Lad2
Ladinian
240 Tr50 Lad1
2450

241.5 An4
Shiranish
2350

Middle Tr40
Boundary
Sarki_Lwr Sarki_Lwr 2400

An3
Anisian
2500

An2
An1 Claystone
Limestone-Muddy

247.1
Tr30
2400

Ol4 2450

Ol3 Ol2
Olenekian
2550

250 Lower 250

Induan 252.2 Tr20 Ol1
In1
Chan3
Tr10
2450

Chan2
Changhsingian
2500

2600

Chan1
254.2
Wu2
Lopingian Wuchiapingian 2650 2550
2500

Wu1
260
ChiaGara ChiaGara

259.8
Cap3
Baluti Baluti

Baluti
2700 2550

2600

Capitanian Cap2

265.1 Cap1
Guadalupian Wordian
Wor3
Kurra Chine
2750
Kurra Chine

2600

Kurra Chine
2650

Wor2
Wor1
268.8
270 Roa2
PERMIAN

Roadian Roa1
2800

272.3
2700 2650

Kun4
Kun3 2850
Barsarin
Kungurian
Naokelekan Naokelekan

Kun2 2750
2700

Kun1 Sargelu Sargelu

279.3
280
2900

Art3 2800

2750

Limestone-Muddy

2950

Artinskian Art2
Cisuralian 2850

2800

3000

Art1
290 290.1
Sak7
2900

P10
2850

Sak6Sak5
Sakmarian
3050
Sehkaniyan Grp Sehkaniyan Grp

Sak4 Sak3
Sak2 Sak1
295.5 2950

As4 2900

As3
Asselian
3100

298.9
AP5 As1
As2
Kometan
300 Gzh3
Gzh2
3000

Gzhelian
3150
2950

Limestone-Muddy
Pennsylvanian

Upr 303.7 Gzh1

Kas3
Kasimovian Kas2
C20
3050

3200

Kas1 3000

307.0
Mos3
310 Mid Mos2
(3250)
3100

Moscovian
Limestone-Muddy

3050

Anhydrite/Gypsum

Mos1 (3300)

315.2
(3300)
3150

Bas7
CARBONIFEROUS

Mus Mus

Bas6
3100

Bas5
Lwr
320
(3350)
(3350)

Bashkirian Bas4 3200

3200

Bas3
Bas2
3150

Bas1
Adaiyah Adaiyah Limestone-Muddy

323.2 Srp8
(3400)
(3400)

Srp7 3250
3250

Srp6
Srp5
3200

Upr
Sarki Sarki

Serpukhovian Srp4
Upper Balambo
(3453)
(3450)

Srp3
330
Srp2 3300
3300

Srp1
330.9 Vis8 (3500)
3250

Vis7

Upr Qamchuqa
Vis6
Limestone-Muddy
Mississippian

C10
3350

3361.5

Vis5 3300
(3550)

Vis4
Visean
340 Mid
(equiv.)?
3400

Hiatus
Limestone-Muddy

Vis3 (3600)

3350

Vis2 3450

Limestone-Muddy

(3650)

Vis1
Sarki_Lwr Sarki_Lwr

346.7
3400

Limestone-Muddy

Tou5 3500

350
Geli Khana Geli Khana Limestone-Muddy

Tou4

Geli Khana
(3700)

Limestone-Muddy

3450

Lwr Tournaisian Tou3

AP4 Tou2 (3750)
3550
Limestone-Muddy

Lower Balambo
3500

Tou1
358.9 D30
3600

(3800)

360 Fam8 3550

Fam7 (3850) 3650

Fam6
PALEOZOIC

Fam5
Famennian
Limestone-Dolom.

3600

Fam4 (3900)

Fam3 Baluti
3700

Baluti

370 Fam2
Limestone-Muddy

Lwr Qamchuqa
3650

Upper 372.2 Fam1 (3950)

3750

Fra8
Fra7
Fra6

(equiv.)?
Geli Khana_Lwr Geli Khana_Lwr

Fra5
(4000) 3700

Kurra Chine Kurra Chine

Frasnian
3800

Fra4
380 Fra3
Fra2 (4050)

3750
DEVONIAN

382.7 Fra1 3850

Giv7 Giv6
Giv5 (4100)

Givetian Giv4 3800

Giv3 3900

387.7 Giv1 Giv2 42°00'E 42°30'E 43°00'E 43°30'E 44°00'E 44°30'E 45°00'E 45°30'E 46°00'E
Middle Eif5 Eif6
390
(4150)

Eif4
Eifelian Eif3 3850
Lime Shale/Marl

Turkey
Eif2
37°30'N

393.3 Eif1
37°30'N

(4200)

Ems5

Map Area
3900

Ems4
(4250)

400 Emsian D20 Ems3

(3950)

Beduh
(4300)

Beduh Beduh

Ems2 (4000)

Lower 407.6 Ems1

(4350)

D10
Barsarin
Syria
Mirga Mir Mirga Mir

410 Pragian Prg1

Mirga Mir
410.8
(4050)

Naokelekan
(4400)
37°00'N

Loc4
37°00'N

AP3
Lochkovian
Loc3
Loc2
(4450)

2 (4100)

Sargelu
Loc1
420 419.2
Chia Zairi
Chia Zairi (4500) Chia Zairi

Pri1 (4150)

Pridoli Pridoli S20

North
423.0 Lud3
Ludfordian Lud2 (4550)
SILURIAN

Ludlow 425.6 (4200) Anhydrite/Gypsum

1
Lud1
Sehkaniyan
Gorstian 427.4 Gor1
430 Homerian 430.5
(4600)

Hom2
Wenlock
(Group)
Hom1 (4250)
(4250)
36°30'N

Sheinwoodian
36°30'N

Sh1
433.4
(4650)

Tely4
S15
3
(4291.4)

Tely3
Limestone-Muddy
Limestone-Muddy

(4300)

Telychian Tely2

Iran
Tely1 (4700)

Llandovery 438.5 Aer2

440 Aeronian 440.8

Hiatus
Aer1
S10
(4350)

Rhuddanian
(4750)

Rhu1
443.8
Satina Mbr. Satina Mbr.

Hirnantian 445.2 Hir1 (4400)

Kat7

Sarki
(4800)

Kat6
Kat5
Kat4
450 Katian
O40
Kat3
ChiaZairi_Lwr ChiaZairi_Lwr
36°00'N

(4450)

Upper
(4850)

5
Kat2
36°00'N

453.0
Kat1
ORDOVICIAN

Sandbian
(4900)

4
(4500)

San3
San2
458.4
460 San1
(4950)

6
(4550)

Dar4
Darriwilian O30 Dar3

Central
Middle Dar2 (5000)

Dar1 (4600)

467.3
Dapingian
470
(5050)

Dap2
470.0
35°30'N

(4650)
35°30'N

Dap1
Flo4 (5100)
(5100)

Floian AP2 Flo3

Flo2
(4700)

Flo1
Lower 477.7
O20
(5150)

(5159.1)
Harur
Harur Harur
Harur

480
South
Tre4

Harur 7
(4750)

Iraq
Tremadocian O10 Tre3
(5200)

485.4 Tre2
Ora
(5250)

Ora
(4800)

Stage 10 Tre1

Ora 8
10Cam4
490
Baluti
489.5

* Paleogene strata in south

35°00'N

10Cam3
35°00'N

(4850)
(5300)

10Cam2
Furongian Jiangshanian 10Cam1
494 9Cam1
Cm30
(5350)

composite reflects marginal

(4900)

Paibian 497
9
Pai1
CAMBRIAN

Guzhangian
500 500.5
(5400)

Guz2
10
(4950)

Drumian Guz1
Cm20
marine-shallow marine clastics and Kurra Chine
Epoch 3 504.5 Dru2 (5450)

Dru1 (5000)

Stage 5
Kaista
Dolostone
Kaista Kaista

carbonate. The Paleogene in SE

509
(5500)

510
34°30'N

(5045.6)
34°30'N

• Well Location
Stage 4

Pirispiki
Pirispiki (5550)
Pirispiki

514

Foothill and Kirkuk Embayment is

Epoch 2
Stage 3 AP1 (5600)

Khabour
Khabour Khabour

520 Cm10 0 20 40 60 80 100km

521

deep shelf shaly carbonates (Aaliji,

(5650)

Stage 2 529
Fortunian 541 42°00'E 42°30'E 43°00'E 43°30'E 44°00'E 44°30'E 45°00'E 45°30'E 46°00'E

Jaddala and basinal facies of

Figure 3. Correlation of Regional Stratigraphic Composite Sections for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Kirkuk)
 'A '8 Operator C 01 D
Lower Lower Fars/Fatha Lower Fars/Fatha Lower I
I Je r lbe/Dh lban I ,;ban
I LUe " " '" I
Klrkuk Klrkuk Klrkuk Klrkuk
Pila Sp i
Pi la Spi Pi la Spi/Jaddala Pil a Spi

Khurmala Khurma la Sinjar

Kolosh I' Kolo sh Kolosh
Shiranish
Shiranish Shiranish
,.Aqra/Bekhme
'CJpp;;~;;
~ -- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~::~~~~~~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ,. -- ......... -- .... . ......... . .. -- -- ... . . . . -- . ... . .......
Upper Qamchuqa Upper Qamchuqa
Lower ;;,;o" -"r'~" f --
Lower Q,
lower Qamchuqa Shuaiba

~a
~ord
Lower Chla Gar, Chia Gara Lower Sarmord

Gu",I./B,,,,",ln G0."lo" "'n Gotnlo,

Sarge lu
Upper Sargelu
'" Sargelu
Sargelu
Lower
Alan
Alan Sehkaniyan
I
Mus Upper
A Upper

--..-- But m a h
lower
Butmah
Ba lutl lower
Sa rki

Zewa Dlst'; Sefldar A

Balutl Balutl Balutl

A A
Upper
--:c--
t--- B Ku rra Ch in e
B
- Kurra Chine Kurra Chi ne
Kurra Chin e t--- -
C C Lower
C

~ Upper ~
Upper
Ge li Khan a Geli Khan a Geli Kh ana
Geli Khana
~r ~r ---c
Beduh Beduh Beduh Beduh
Mlrga Mlr Mlrga Mlr Mlrga Mlr Mlrga Mlr

Chla Zalrl Chla Zalrl Chla Zalrl Chla Zalrl

Ga'ara Harur Ga'ara Ga'ara

Figure 4. Examples of inconsistent stratigraphy framework and nomenclature extracted from stratigraphy reports of various operators. Note that any
column is a combination of stratigraphy units picked by several operators.
 SP RESD DTe
Operator MD Operator
1m) Lithology
A Pick B Pick
\
Sargelu I v-evaporite
f v-shale

Naokelekan
Alan Sargelu
v-calcite
Mus
v-dolomite
Adaiyah Alan

)
Sa rki/Butma h ) Mus
Adaiyah
Sa rki/Butma h

Figure 5. Real example of two competing stratigraphy framework and nomenclature applied to the Lower-Middle Jurassic interval in Well 1,
extracted from stratigraphy reports of various operators.
Figure 6. Lithology and log characters of Chia Zairi Formation Figure 7. Lithology and log characters of Geli Khana
in the reference section for the north Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Formation in the reference section for the north Kurdistan
Region of Iraq.
 OJ
b.O MD
<C 1m)
Comments

Baluti Fm.: Black shale

Kurra Chine Fm.:

Multiple (3-4) cycles of
carbonate-anhydrite with
shaly-sandy carbonate
and black shale interbeds

'-
OJ
0..
0..
::>

Alternative Kurra Chine-

----------------
Geli Khana contact (B)
Thinly bedded dolostone
and/or limestone with
reservoir potential
Strati Wo
Geli Khana Top (A)

Geli Khana Fm.:

Upper Part : Clean and
massive limestone

Figure 8. Lithology and log characters of Kurra Chine Formation in reference section for the north Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
 North Central South
MO fo..--F-;.m.-~""'"..--::ihrl
Comments
Iml

Sarki Fm.: Massive

carbonate to argillaceous
ca rbonate-a n hyd rite
interbeds

u Baluti Fm.: Black shale-

Vl
Vl
argillaceous carbonate
ro 0.0 and shale-carbonate-
.... c 0.0
c
I- 'Vi anhydrite interbeds
.... VI VI
.!!!
QJ
c. E E
c. ...,'" ...,'"
::J
'"0.0
"tJ
'"0.0
"tJ
VI
VI

0 E
-' 0
-' ...,
/1 '"
ro
"tJ
0.0
0
-'

Kurra Chine Fm.:

Massive anhydrite or
an hyd rite-ca rbonate
interbeds (upper part)

Figure 9. Lithologic and log characters, stratal thickness, and lithofacies variation of Baluti Formation across Kurdistan.
Figure 10. Lithologic and log characters and stratal thickness variation of Sarki Formation across Kurdistan.
 North Central South
MD ,...0
~
"v MO "
.,V
Comments
1m' ,m , ,m,
(].I
tl.O
«
u
III Sargelu Fm.: Shelf-intrashelf
III
rc ~:;;] basin limestone and organic-
"-
:::J rich argillaceous limestone
~
claystone
~

~= Sehkaniyan Group
~ Alan Fm.: Massive anhydrite

Mus Fm.: Carbonate

U 0.0
C
III
III III Adaiyah Fm.: Interbedded
V1
rc
"-
E
~~ anhydrite and carbonate
:::J
~

"-
OJ
~
o
-' Sarki Fm.:
Predominantly carbonate
with anhydrite and shale
or argillaceous
0.0
carbonates
C
'Vi
V1
u E
III
III
rc ....roro
.;:: -0
I- 0.0
0
=> -'

Figure 11. Lithology and log characters and stratal thickness variation of Sehkaniyan Formation across Kurdistan. Note that the thick anhydrite of
Alan Formation in central section is measured depth not adjusted for possible structural thickening.
 North Central South
MD ,...0
~
"v MO "
.,V
Comments
1m' ,m , ,m,
(].I
tl.O
«
u
III Sargelu Fm.: Shelf-intrashelf
III
rc ~:;;] basin limestone and organic-
"-
:::J rich argillaceous limestone
~
claystone
~

~= Sehkaniyan Group
~ Alan Fm.: Massive anhydrite

Mus Fm.: Carbonate

U 0.0
C
III
III III Adaiyah Fm.: Interbedded
V1
rc
"-
E
~~ anhydrite and carbonate
:::J
~

"-
OJ
~
o
-' Sarki Fm.:
Predominantly carbonate
with anhydrite and shale
or argillaceous
0.0
carbonates
C
'Vi
V1
u E
III
III
rc ....roro
.;:: -0
I- 0.0
0
=> -'
Figure 12. Lithologic and log characters and stratal thickness variation of Naokelekan and Sargelu formations across Kurdistan. Note alternative pick
for the Sargelu-Naokelekan contact in the north and central composite sections.
Figure 13. Lithologic and log characters, stratal thickness, and lithofacies variation of the Gotnia Group across Kurdistan.
 North Central South Comments
QI
tID MD !:;-;;;--";'-..-h"",,,,,,..!.riir--.-l titholoGY
« Iml

Upr Qamchuqa Fm.: Shallow

marine carbonate;
III
Upr Sarmord Fm.: Shaly 1st.;
:::J silisiclastics --ilE =:i
o Upr Balambo: Basinal-slope-
OJ
u deep shelf shaly carbonate
...,ro
OJ Lwr Qamchuqa Fm.: Clean
"-
U shallow marine carbonate;
Mid. Sarmord.: Deep shelf-
slope carbonates;
Lwr Balambo.: Basinal-slope
pelagics-hemipelagics

U
Chia Gara Fm.: Organic-rich
III shale at base, argillaceous
III
ro carbonate upward
"-
:::J
--,

"- Gotnia/Barsarin Fm.

OJ
a.
a. Sargelu-Naokelekan Fms.
=>
group:
Alan Fm.: Massive anhydrite
Mus Fm.: Carbonate
:::J Adaiyah Fm. : Interbedded
--,
OJ
anhydrite and carbonate
"0
"0
Sarki Fm.: Interbedded
~, carbonate and anhydrite
"-
OJ
3:
o
--'

Figure 14 Lithologic and log characters and stratal thickness variation of Lower Qamchuqa Formation across Kurdistan.
 North Central South
~ SP RESO OTC
Comments
« MO f;<1"~.Gi.V--.
' ~RE~ss ~,,---,:;r.
;DB '~I.~'I:""I,'"to,,' MD
1m)
SP
eN
RESO
""
DIC
I' ~ '" 'I'~'I" ,::" ",hol?~
~ J mMnm
MD
1m)
SP
I'" GR" "I'.
"SO mc
'"'~"I~'"
HESS RIll!!
Uth'''."
~r"m cumn
1m) "" , "'" "

' 5_ Kometan Fm.: Middle-

deep shelf carbonate;
I '

Upr Balambo: Basinal-

slope hemipelagic shaly
carbonate

I' ~ Upr Qamchuqa Fm.:

<-- Shallow marine carbonate;
1=
, I~
Upr Sarmord Fm.: Shelf
. ~
margin-slope shaly 1st;
I--
_i 1:==
1= Upr Balambo: Basinal-
slope-hemipelagic shaly
~
carbonate
I ~ -, 1==
-
\nerni) , ' carbonate
....
OJ ~
~
o
...J
i
•I,

Figure 15. Lithology, log characters, and facies variation of Upper Qamchuqa Formation in north and central Kurdistan. In South Kurdistan, the age
equivalent becomes basinal, pelagic-hemipelagic Balambo facies, and interregional correlation becomes less confident.
 North Central South
Q) Comments
b.O MO h.,.~;-'.k,~:;"'Im--'!P.'--.i Lithology MD b-f,--d~~",f,~:i-..-I

___
MD

~«~~(m~ll':c~~=-:r~~~~~>~~~~lll~hh="='~~______~(~ml~~~~~~ :~ii~j------t~'m'~rI~~~~~_ !;~~~r-~----------~~~~-;

Aaliji Fm.: Deep shelf shaly
carbonate;
Kolosh Fm.: Interbedded

Vl
:::J
oQ)
u Shiranish Fm.: Deep shelf
ro carbonate (PF wackestone);
...
+-'
Q)

u
C=~

Tanjero Fm.: Interbeds of

0..
marine clastics, shale and
=> carbonate;

~~ Bekhme/Aqra Fm.: Shallow

Vl
:::J ~ marine carbonate
oQ)
u
ro
...
+-'
Q)

u
...
Q)
:;
o
-'

Kometan Fm.: Middle-deep

shelf carbonate;
1===;=1
fi-rl-,LI Upr Balambo: Basinal-slope
hemipelagic shaly carbonate

Figure 16. Lithologic and log characters and stratal thickness variation of Shiranish Group across Kurdistan. Note that Tanjero clastics are present in
south and central section but missing from the north.
 North Central South
w ~'----'---'----r---'-----~-r--~----r---~--~----~-'---'----~--'----
:£ ., 1,= ~- "50 'I" JE.--.j"holo" ., 1,= : ~c..: l '''ho~ ., I'~!'t l'' ' ·-
';:.--1 "holo",
Comments

I--:-;-~'~m'£::j:t~
:=:
u:;
~
Iml
1i ..
r==~::::;,:;:t______~'~ml~::E::*'" 'u" ~om '"'''"

I )' l'
_~ t :t~
c. ~
F-
J f l' i'
Pila Spi Fm .: Shallow marin e
carbonate;
Gercus Fm .: Alluvial red bed ~
"" v ,," .. cldy>LUr e and sa nd ston e
3 If ' Kolosh Group

It. Khurmala/Sinjar Fm.:

Shallow-marginal marine
,
ca rbonat e;
o
ClJ
ro
"-
Kolosh Fm. : Interbed s of
'"
:::J
o marine clastics, shale;
ClJ Khurmala/Sinjar : Carbonate
u
ro
+-'
ClJ _i"~,
~ 1"1 IIIUY
U
claystone

clayey sand-siltstone
'":::Jo
ClJ
u
ro
+-'
ClJ
~

Figure 17. Lithologic and log characters, facies relationship of various lithostratigraphy units of the Kolosh Group, and contact relationship with
underlying and overlying units.
 North Central South
Comments
Lithology

OJ
C
OJ
u Kirkuk Group: Deep shelf-
a reef-back reef carbonate

.~
o

Pila Spi Group

h-c--"-r-II,pila Spi Fm.: Shallow marine

Icarbonate;
_._._. Deep shelfforam
'fie

OJ
C
OJ
u
a
LLJ
...:
~
a
OJ
co
a.. Ij) T

Figure 18. Lithologic and log characters, facies variation of the Pila Spi Group, and relationship with the underlying and overlying units. Note that
deep-shelf carbonate of the Jaddala Formation replaced Pila Spi shallow-marine carbonate in southeast Foothill Zone.
 North Central South
Comments
RESil nrc
~~ ~
~
MD Ulhology MO 1·11l'll ~v l!Il \~ I I~ !FA fl Lithology
(m) i Iml "",~, . ..;:

== :; .;-."
t:D gr<:t gWll.
1 IIll; "'U""'I

~ ~ ~ M-U Fars II Fm.:

[lJ E -+-+f----+--CVl-+--l:~=--~
~---+--+-}-#+--+----=';C~- Fluvia I-alluvial i

~ I~~~_~_-IJ:=
~~ ~ E ~ .L ~~
.::: pj ~ ~ ~ ::; ~ 4 ~ Lower Fars (Fatha) Fm.:
Qj 1,1 '-- "0 ~ ~ -= ;.- ~ Marginal marine cla stics-

LS_3:~---liL---b;$-E~l~
, :
S:l
~, ~ 1\ ~,.
, q ~
i~ ;
~ ,'. evaporite-carbonate

,",,,bed,

~ f " ~ ~
(l)
c
(l)
u
o
i < 1
>- ~
: IJi
~
k· ~
w ~ -:l
(l) ~
c
(l)
u
o(l)
ro
Cl.
If. -~ ~
~~ F
~ I ~ ~ I --= f, ~
~
~
r:i.i~
~=
=- =,

~i,-------+-,>I
] ?-- -~~
-- - . ILr'-,J
! ~3 1r"T"-, Kirkuk Group: Deep shelf-
I ~i> ,~ \ reef-back reef carbonate
t- ' -
L
,-'.

1,---,
~ I~ ,=< ~

Figure 19. Lithologic and log characters of the Lower Fars Formation; note that the south composite is more complete than the central and north
composites, and different underlying stratigraphy units across Kurdistan.
 DTC (Sonic)
Stratigraphic Overlying I GR RES RHOB
Lithology (comp. wave travel
Surface Underlying Rock (Gamma-Ray) (Resistivity) (Density)
time uslft)
Massive carbonate, Very low and
basal Sarki Moderate Moderate high Fast
often oolitic grainstone clean
Baluti Top Black shale and
argillaceous - silty-
Very low,
Baluti sandy mudstone, High, serrated Low, serrated Slow, serrated
with anhydrite and serrated
carbonate interbeds
Kurra Chine Massive to
Top upper Kurra Low - very low High to moderate,
interbedded anhydrite High - very high Very fast
Chine and clean serrated
and carbonate
Thin carbonate beds
basal Kurra Low to moderate,
change upwards to Low and serrated Low to moderate Fast
Chine serrated
anhydrite
Geli Khana Top
Massive carbonate,
Upper Geli Moderate to
predominantly Low and clean Moderate Fast
Khana high , serrated
limestone
Argillaceous carbonate
Lower Geli Moderate, Low to moderate, Low to moderate, Moderate,
with shale and
Geli Khana Khana serrated serrated serrated serrated
anhydrite interbeds
Base
Shale and calcareous
Beduh High Low Low Slow
claystone
Calcareous claystone Low to
MirgaMir to clayey carbonate Moderate, serrated Moderate, serrated moderate Moderate slow
Chia Zairi Top
uppermost Clean massive Moderate high,
Low and clean Moderate high Fast
Chia Zairi carbonate (limestone) serrated
Clayey carbonate
Low-moderate, Moderate,
basal Chia Zairi changes upwards to High Low, serrated serrated serrated
clean limestone
Chia Zairi Base
Clean limestone,
uppermost High and clean
more argillaceous Low and clean Moderate high Slow
Harur to serrated
downward

Table 1. Lithology and log character summary for key Upper Paleozoic - Triassic stratigraphic surfaces.
Table 2. Lithology and log character summary for key Jurassic stratigraphic surfaces.
Table 3. Lithology and log character summary for key Cretaceous to Cenozoic stratigraphic surfaces.