Petrogenesis of metabasalt rocks in the Bulfat complex, Kurdistan region, Iraqi Zagros Suture Zone

Metabasaltes are exposed in the Bulfat complex north of Qaladeza that is a part of the Northwestern Zagros Suture Zone (NZSZ).Petrographic and geochemical study of metabasaltes have been conducted in order to provide insights into the origin and evolution of magmatism found at Neotethyian subducted plate margins and to determine their protolith nature and geodynamic setting. The whole rock chemistry indicates basalt to andesite composition for the metabasaltes. The geochemical investigation strongly suggests that the metabasaltes are derived from calic alkaline basalt and were emplaced in arc tectonic setting.