The State of the Main Basement Features of the Western Desert of Iraq, A New Look

Abstract

The reduction to pole of the aeromagnetic map of the western desert of Iraq has been used to outline the main basement structural features. Three selected magnetic anomalies are used to determine the depths of their magnetic sources. The estimated depths are obtained by using slope half slope method and have been corrected through the application of a published nomogram. These depths are compared with previous published depth values which provide a new look at the basement of the western desert in addition to the thickness map of the Paleozoic formations. The results shed light on the important of the great depths of the basement structures and in turn the sedimentary cover to be considered for future hydrocarbon exploration