Sedimentary and Environmental Properties of Selected Areas in the Southern Marine Environment of Iraq

Abstract

The southern coast of Iraq features a diverse environment composed of Khors, deltas, and gulfs. Studying the characteristics of sediments in these regions is essential. A study was conducted on the characteristics and sources of sediments and the environmental factors affecting them in seven selected locations in the marine environment of southern Iraq. The sedimentary analysis indicates that there are four textures: sand, silt, mud, and sandy silt. Silt was the dominant component in all samples, reaching 88% except for Khor Shytianah, where sand reaching 90%. Additionally, the sediments were transported over long distances, resulting in a decrease in grain size as they moved away from their source. The cumulative frequency curves further indicate similar depositional processes across the region, with the appearance of the size range (Ø) 1) suggesting that grains are transported by suspension. It was found that the percentages of total organic carbon (TOC %) were highest in the Shatt Al- Basrah region at 2.5%, and lowest in sand at Khor Shytianah at 0.0.4 %. The results of the acidity function pH reveal that the studied region has an alkaline environment pH reached to 8.85.  Moreover, there is an inverse relationship with particle size and salinity and conductivity. The results indicate that the area is a regressive deltaic estuary system. This study enhances understanding of the region’s geology and the current environmental conditions of this ecologically sensitive area in southern Iraq, especially considering recent climate and urban changes. It provides essential baseline information for future environmental management and monitoring efforts.