Journal of Oil and Gas Research Reviews(JOGRR)

Sulaimanyah Oil and Minerals Directorate Ministry of Natural Resources, Iraq

Publications

• Research Article   
  New Origin of Thalassinoides Burrows (Gastropod Dwelling Structures) in the Qamchuqa Formation (Lower Cretaceous), Kurdistan Region, Northeastern Iraq
  Author(s): Imad Mahmood Ghafor, Zryan Sardar Tahir, Javadova A* and Kamal Haji Karim
  
  This study documents the first significant occurrence of Thalassinoides ichnofossils in the Lower Cretaceous Qamchuqa Formation of northeastern Iraq. Preserved in coarse detrital limestones, terrigenous carbonates, and mixed sediments, these burrows are associated with coastal to shallow-marine ichnofacies, particularly Skolithos and Cruziana. Extensive burrow networks—horizontal tubes with vertical or inclined shafts—show features like eccentric swellings at branch points and smooth walls, ranging from 5 to 20 mm in diameter. The burrows exhibit backfill structures, indicating active construction by tracemakers. Decapod crustaceans, possibly crayfish like Hoploparia, are the likely producers. Notable findings include crab trackways and gastropod trails up to 0.5 m long, among the longest invertebrate cursorial traces known. The presence of lateral movement features sugges.. Read More»
  

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