Marine Geophysical Study to Explore the Seafloor Bathymetry and Geological Features at the Iraqi Corridors, Northwestern Arabian Gulf

The study area is located at the Iraqi coastal side, north of the Arabian Gulf (where the Al-Faw Grand Port is constructed). Marine geophysical surveys using a multi-beam echosounder, sub-bottom profiler, and side-scan sonar were conducted. The objectives were to map the bathymetry of the seafloor and the nature and thickness of the underlying layers of the bottom to 40-m depth and validate the port for sea navigation and reception of ships. The side-scan sonar data identified wrecks related to vessels or scouring caused by fishing activities. In this technique, four profiles (P1, P2, P3, and P4) were surveyed using a sub-bottom profiler to obtain additional detailed information about the area between these profiles with the assistance of borehole data, which was used for drilling in Khor Abdullah. Two types of anomalies (features) were identified in these clips (profiles). The first anomaly can be explained as an ancient river course buried under the sediments of the bottom during transgression and regression periods composed of marine sediments and remains of organisms. The first anomaly identified in these profiles of sub-bottom data represents the subsidence that occurred on the eastern breakwater. The closest interpretation is the exits of an old channel. The second feature observed in P4 (extends from 1.5 to 2 km) may be caused by Early Cambrian intruded salt diapirs.