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The changes of the tectonic boundary locations between the stable and unstable shelf on different version of the tectonic maps of Iraq is discussed. It is found that the location of the boundary varies due to philosophy and the type of the geological parameters. It is used the stratigraphic, geophysical, structural, geochemical, hydrological and others information in delineating the boundary. The deep crustal structures obtained by using gravity data show that the boundary shifted toward the west by about 100 km in southern Iraq. According to the review, and when taking in consideration all the geological and geophysical parameters from the lower crust to the earth surface, it is believed that the boundary is not a line but it is a tectonic crustal zone. This zone represents a transition zone between the main two regions of the platform in Iraq, and it is segmented to many subzones by transverse faults. In addition, it is believed that the data of the parameters of shallow geology confirm the eastern side of the main zone, while the lower crustal structures confirm the western side of the main zone.

Four hundred and seventy eight gravity base stations in Iraq were used to obtain a new local theoretical gravity equation. The obtained equation was used to construct a Bouguer anomaly map of Iraq depending on the available gravity base stations. This map was compared with the Bouguer map constructed for the same stations using the international formula (1930). Good similarity in shapes and locations of the anomaly were observed, while the   gravity anomaly values in the new map were increased by about 30 mGal. The eastern zero gravity contour line of the new obtained gravity map coincides with the western  boundary of the tectonic Mesopotamian zone, while the main negative  gravity values coincide with the Mesopotamian area, which contains most oil fields in eastern Iraq. All negative gravity anomaly areas coincide with the deepest basement rocks (the sedimentary basins) in Iraq. The obtained results are very valuable in geological applications.