**3. Materials and methods**

This study is based on the stratigraphic and petrographic analysis of Paleocene sedimentary sequences of the well-exposed section in the Badelyan area NE Iraq (**Figure 2**). A total of 170 m thicknesses were studied and logged, which is located directly beneath the suture of the Zagros thrust belt. The field works cover the measurement of bed thicknesses and the total thickness of section. Moreover, litho and facies types, sedimentary structures, sedimentary sequences, and bed extensions are identified and measured. The field works of the measured section, lithological description, thickness variations, and stratigraphy of the sequences are studied and summarized in **Figure 2**. Descriptions of field features accompanied by the results of microscopic studies have been used for facies analysis and paleoenvironmental construction. For subsequent studies, a total of 50 hand specimens were collected. Sampling intervals were generally between 1 and 3 m. Additional data, including macroscopic rock descriptions and ichonological data, have been studied as well as trace fossils in the field work.

Petrographic facies analyses were carried out in 45 thin sections and reported all mineralogical constituents, matrix, and cement types. Detailed photomicrographs

#### **Figure 2.**

*The stratigraphic section shows different stratigraphic units of the Kolosh formation in Badelyan area, NE Iraq.*

are picked up for all mineralogical details. Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals used to point to the types of minerals in the photomicrographs are followed [12]. The sandstone classification of Ref. [13] as well as the provenance and tectonic setting of Ref. [14] cannot be applied because of the high content cf. 25% of olivine and pyroxene grains.
