Microfacies and paleoenvironment of Bakhma Formation sequences, Hiran/Shaqlawah region, northern Iraq

Bekhma Formation consists of sequences of limestone and marly limestone. Petrography determined the nature of the rocks and their contents of skeletal and non- skeletal components, including the planktonic foraminifera (Heterohilx, Hedbergella, Asterigerina Globigerinoides Globotruncana), and the benthic foraminifera represented by the genera (Nodosaria, Textularia, Rotalina, Bolivina) as well as the appearance of A few ostracodas, and echinoderms. The formation divided into four microfaces are Lime Mudstone Microfacies, Lime Wackestone Miceofacies, Lime Packstone Microfacies and Lime Grianstone Microfacies, the Miceofacies is divieded into eight Submicrofacies, depending on the results of microfacies and the content of fossils that determined the depositional environment of the formation extending from the edge of the deep shelf. to the open sea shelf