Depositional Properties of the Middle Miocene Fatha Formation, in K Oilfield, Southern Iraq

The Fatha Formation, formerly known as the Lower Fars was deposited in a shallow basin, southern Iraq during Middle Miocene. By using description of cores, we found large heterogeneity lithology; contains mixing limestones, mudstone, marl, marly limestone, sandstone, and gypsum, or anhydrite. In this study, Formation divided into three main units according to lithofacies, namely, marl-anhydrite, addition to, presence thin evaporitic sandstone layers along with formation but thicker marl. X-ray diffraction SEM tests which are accurate methods identify mineralogy enable inference high percent dolomite, calcite, anhydrite; may be attributed environment, some clay minerals such illite palygorskite. petrographic details, microfacies analysis, depositional environment studies led recognition four including wackestone, packstone, grainstone; nine sub were part inner ramp at zones: peritidal, lagoon, shoal.