Geomorphological indication of lateral growth in three anticlines, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

The Iraqi Kurdistan Region (KRI) is characterized by tectonic activity due to its location in the northern and northeastern parts of Iraq, situated within the northeastern part of the Arabian Plate. The ongoing collision between the Arabian and Eurasian Plates along a convergent boundary has led to the development of numerous anticlines with varying shapes and sizes. This study focuses on three specific anticlines—Qara Boutaq, Korek, and Mateen—located in distinct tectonic zones (Low Folded, High Folded, and Imbricate, respectively). Our objective is to determine whether these anticlines exhibit lateral growth or otherwise. To achieve this, we employed satellite imagery to identify structural and geomorphological features associated with lateral expansion; accordingly, we have recognised 7 different indications, which include en-echelon plunge, water gaps, wind gaps, abandoned alluvial fans, radial valleys, axial valleys, fork-shaped valleys, and inclined valleys. Our findings indicate that all three studied anticlines indeed demonstrate lateral growth.