Characterization of some Quaternary Deposits in Wadi Al kuf (Sector1), Tansolukh Area, Al

The study area sector (1) is located in the northwestern part of Al Jabal Al Akhdar region. The study was conducted in Wadi Al kuf of Tansalukh area. In this region, Quaternary laminated carbonates rich in pebbles and red soil horizons, the focus of the study, overlay Tertiary rocks. The purpose of the present study is to investigate sequence characteristics, position and lithologic features of such occurrences. Stratigraphically, the study area consists of five Formations ranging in age from Middle Eocene to Late Miocene.  The stratigraphic correlation between measured sections (numbered 1 to 5) indicates that the northern sections (3 & 5) are predominantly composed of stratified red soil layers, while the southern sections (1, 2 and 4) are mainly composed of debris-flow deposits underlain by relatively coarse-grained materials of bedrock suggesting deep river incision at this vicinity.  The geologic record preserved in surficial deposits in some localities of Wadi Al Kuf is greatly common between most wadies in Tansolukh area, suggestting that the rivers draining the northwestern slopes of the main escarpments had broad flood plains. The relatively wide and flat valley floor of Wadi Al Kuf (NW side between escarpments) suggests that the stream level in this Wadi have been stable throughout the Late Quaternary.  The presence of numerous local bedrock exposures along the studied profiles indicates that the river incised much deeper than their present level. Additionally, the local presence of deeply weathered debris-flow deposits at or near the level of present drainage also suggests that the Late Quaternary fluvial down cutting has been modest.