The Evidences of Neotectonics Activations by using geomorphological Characteristics and Remote Sensing, and use that in Exploration of Oil and Gas: A Case Study in Al-Amghr Valley – Southern Desert of Iraq

The study area is located in the extreme south-west of Iraq, and it forms part of the southern desert of Iraq. The region shows important evidence that confirms the occurrence of Neotectonics activations. The most significant evidence is the change of the large valleys towards its major streams as seen in the river course of Wadi Al-Amghr, which mainstream is ranked 7 according to the mathematical analysis of the ArcGIS program. In the current study, geological, geomorphological, topographic, and hydrological data are used in addition to the remote sensing data and fieldwork. The study results show that the original course of Wadi Al-Amghr is like the course of the rest of the desert valleys in the region (SW - NE) before recent tectonic activities. It is observed that the recent tectonic activation affected Al-Amghr Valley, which changes its stream direction (to the east and west) as its mainstream is divided into two streams when entering Iraq by over 10 kilometers. It is expected that the area is subject to recent tectonic ground uplifting to form a gigantic trap (anticline fold) for oil and gas. Exploration and investigation of various natural resources using remote sensing techniques are an important topic in our time, especially if it leads to the exploration of oil and natural gas, which in turn develops these areas