Fracture Analysis in the Outcrops of the Qara Chauq Anticlines, Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt of Kurdistan Region in Northern Iraq

The Zagros Fold and Thrust belt is one of the world's most prolific petroleum provinces. Most hydrocarbon reserves are stored in naturally fractured reservoirs such fracture systems can therefore have a significant impact on reservoir performance. Fractures important paths for fluid flow carbonate reservoirs. Fracture data were collected outcrops Kirkuk Group Oligocene age around Qara Chauq South North anticlines located near Oil Field. studied formations outcropping main units Bai Hassan fields. In surrounding fields, production comes mainly from primary porosity with assistance secondary created by dolomitization, karstification, dissolution, vugs fractures. attributes orientation, density length. results show that fractures formation not uniformly distributed due to massive lithologic nature lack well bedding. Furthermore, orientations clear relationship local fold axis outcrops. NW-SE set perpendicular axis. However, some do any relation folding. These may formed pre-folding or post folding stage. Other exhibit symmetrical maximum horizontal stress direction. comparative analysis outcrop underlines importance representative analogue modelling strategies.