Biostratigraphy of Yamama Formation in Faihaa Oil Field, Southern Iraq

The Yamama Formation was studied in three wells (Fh-1, Fh-2, and Fh-3) within Faihaa oil field, south Iraq. Thin sections were studied by using the polarizing microscope examination in order to determine microfossils and biozone. Thirty-five species of benthic foraminifera were recognized, including four index species. In addition, twelve species of calcareous green algae were recognized, including two index species. Other fossils that were recognized in Yamama Formation include Gastropoda, Bryozoa, Coral, Rudist, and Pelecypoda. Six biozones were observed, which are Charentia cuvillieri sp. (Range Zone of Berriasian age), Psudochryalidina infracretacea sp. (Range Zone of Berriasian age), Pseudocyclammina Lituus sp. (Range Zone of Valanginian age), Nezzazata Perforate sp.andChoffatella sp.(Assemblage Zoneof Berriasian-Valanginian age), Desycladales Green Algae- Cylindroporella sp. (Range Zone of Early Cretaceous- Berriasian age), and Desycladales Green Algae- Salpingoporella cf. circassa sp. (Range Zone of Valanginian age). According to these biozones, the age of Yamama Formation was distinguished to be the Berriasian-Valanginian.

COVID-19 IN IRAQ, THE RURAL INITIATION (AL-MUTHANNA PROVINCE AS AN EXAMPLE)

A sustained pneumonia outbreak associated with a novel coronavirus named acute respiratory coronavirus 2 syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) was identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019 which was later called COVID-19. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported in Najaf/ Iraq on 24th February. This paper provided some information on COVID-19 infection in the Province of Al-Muthanna / South Iraq, which was then statistically analyzed and concluded. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections were reported by the Iraqi Ministry of Health in the Province of Al-Muthanna. The first foci started and the first dead infected individual was from Hilal which refers mainly to the role or rural places in starting and transmission of COVID-19 in Iraq. Many of the infections resulted in non-traveling persons because they were contaminated by contact (96%). Therefore, contact is perceived to be the best-recognized form of transmission. It was also reported that infections in Soweir District of Samawah City were the highest (45%) compared to other areas of the region. They should also be observed, however, that the steps to enforce and monitor the curfew are directly related to the direction of the City Centre because the more they drive away from the city centers, the less stringent the procedures. Infections were focused between the ages of 20 and 50 years old, as that is the expected result because these ranges are at the core of active age groups including social and sports events.

Current status of Iraqi artisanal marine fisheries in northwest of the Arabian Gulf of Iraq

The study was conducted to analyze the fish landings from Iraqi artisanal marine fisheries, northwest Arabian Gulf from January 2017 to December 2019. The monthly data of fish landings were collected from the main landing site at Al-Fao port, south Iraq and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 35 taxa in 18 families were identified in the artisanal catches, in addition to two species of shrimps. The highest total landings were 11,944 t in 2018 and 11,305 t in 2019. The annual total landing of the marine fisheries increased by 270% during 2017-2019 as compared with the annual landing during 2008-2016. Threadfin bream contributed 14.1%, followed by river shad (11.1%) and mullets (11.1%), whereas shrimps formed 15.2% to the total catch. The overall values of biomass diversity of fish ranged from 1.82 in 2017 to 2.85 in 2018. There were 320 registered fishing boats motorized by 65 to 950 hp. Multi gears fishing were observed. The trends of the landings of all fish groups were increased substantially, except river shad, threadfin bream and shrimps. The study suggests some of the management measures must be put into place, especially for the river shad in the regions of their migration reproductive and the nursery.

Topography and Climate of Iraq

Iraq is located between geographic coordinates 33 00 N, 44 00 E, and occupies a total area of 437,072 square kilometers. Land forms 432,162 square kilometers while water forms 4,910 square kilometers of the total area. Iraq is bordered by Turkey from the north. Iran from the east, Syria and Syria from the west, and Saudi Arabia and Kuwait from the south. Iraq can be divided according to the nature of the land terrain into 4 regions (Mountain Region, Plateau and Hills Regions, The Mesopotamian plain and Jazera and Western Plateau). The climate is mainly of continental, subtropical semi-arid type. The mountain region is of Mediterranean climate. In general, rainfall occurs from December to February or November to April in the mountain region. During winter the average daily temperature is about 16oC dropping at night to 2oC with possibility of frost. In summer however, it is very hot with an average temperature of over 45oC during July and August dropping to 25oC at night. Keywords: Topography, Climate, Iraq.