Facies analysis of the Kurrush Formation, Gharian area Jabel Nafusah

Abstract

This paper presents the  facies and depositional environment of the early Mesozoic Kurrush Formation. The Early Mesozoic records of northern Gowdwana were influenced by sea level-changes during the opening of the Neotethys Ocean. These records are clearly noted in the north-western parts of Libya, which were located on the tectonically active subsiding margin during rifting, and subsequently the opening of the Neotethys Ocean basin. These records include the Triassic sedimentary facies of the so-called Kurrush Formation in the Gharian area in Jafarah / Nafusah region. Field work in the area, and petrographic studies in the area have indicated that the Formation consists of red micaceous sandstone, mudstone, and siltstone facies overlained   mainly by carbonate rocks of Al Aziza Formation. These facies  might have been deposited in transitional environment , possibly of delta plane.  This study is intended to investe the possible influence of the tectonic activity on the depositional environment of the Kurrush Formation in the area