Scientific Quarterly Journal of Geosciences

Scientific Quarterly Journal of Geosciences

Geometry and Kinematic Analysis of Young Normal Faults in Southeast Tabriz

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors
M. Mohajjel
A. Cholgoly
Department of Geology, Tarbiat modares University, Tehran, Iran
10.22071/gsj.2010.57323
Abstract
Abundant normal faults were locally developed in Pliocene-Quaternary detritus and pyroclastic sediments of Sahand volcano in southeast Tabriz. Well exposed normal faults are synthetic and antithetic, horst and graben and half graben structure systems, drag folds and roll-over anticlines were produced by normal faults. The average strike of these faults changes from dominant N-S in east to ENE- WSW in west. Dip of the fault planes changes due to layer competency and rotated older normal faults and layers were cut by later normal faults. In some cases vertical gashes were produced along fault planes and filled by the sediments of upper strata due to extension. Oversteps and bends also occur along normal faults in cross-section. Field investigations indicate that the syn-depositional extension occurred in Pliocene- Quaternary. Style and growth of normal faults in local distinct area in southeast Tabriz indicate that they were possibly produced by local extension (releasing zone) in relation with dextral strike-slip displacement of North Tabriz Fault.
Keywords
Tabriz fault
Normal fault
Syn-depositional extension
Pliocene- Quaternary sediments
Local extension
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