Ages and Correlation of Cenozoic Strata of Iraq

Cenozoic strata are important reservoirs and seals for oil and gas in Northeast Iraq. Correlation of these strata traditionally<br>has been lithostratigraphic, with formations placed within a general age framework based mainly on larger benthic<br>foraminifera. However, the age ranges of many of these fauna are long, and in some cases the fauna are specific to<br>depositional environments, thus limiting their utility in basin-wide correlation. In addition, many of the Miocene-Oligocene<br>rocks are unfossiliferous, including evaporites, which precludes the application of biostratigraphy.