The geochemistry of the sediments supports the petrographic
results. The dominance of the ACM and CIA and,
to a lesser extent, PM geochemical signatures corresponds to
the abundance of lithic fragments as a common constituents
in the carbonate-rich lithic arenites of the studied formations.
Numan (1997) suggested a collisional set-up model for the
evolution of the Miocene Basin in northern Iraq. This model
marks the continental plate tectonic collision between the
underriding Arabian Plate and the overriding Turkish and
Iranian Plates. The Neo-Tethys Ocean was finally closed and
the passive Arabian continental margin collided with the active
continental margins of the Turkish and Iranian plates during
the Eocene and continued through Miocene, Pliocene to
Recent. This collision resulted in extensive folding of the
basement, faults rejuvenation, and isostatic buoyancy. The
paleogeographic setting of northern Iraq was highly affected
by this collision, which had an effect on the accumulation and
disturbance of the sedimentary cover.