Petrology
Leila Maleki; Nematollah Rashid Nejad-e-Omran; Abdolrahim Houshmandzadeh; John Cottle
Abstract
In this article, metabasic and gneissic rocks of Gelmandeh and Zamanabad mountain (Boneh-Shurow complex, Saghand region) have been used for U-Pb dating. Analyses of zircon crystals yielded concordant U–Pb ages with weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 545.4 ±3.6 Ma (MSDW=1.7) for garnet amphibolite, ...
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In this article, metabasic and gneissic rocks of Gelmandeh and Zamanabad mountain (Boneh-Shurow complex, Saghand region) have been used for U-Pb dating. Analyses of zircon crystals yielded concordant U–Pb ages with weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 545.4 ±3.6 Ma (MSDW=1.7) for garnet amphibolite, 541.2 ± 4.4 Ma (MSDW=1.8) for metagabbro, 541.3 ±3.5 Ma (MSDW=0.26) for quartz-feldspatic gneiss and 549.2 ± 2.6 Ma (MSDW=0.28) for amphibole- biotite gneiss. The studied zircon crystals has continental, crustal nature and show a strong affinity to magmatic zircons in Chondrite-normalized patterns. The ages that approximately ranges between 541-549 Ma are interpreted as the Crystalline age of the garnet amphibolite and gneissic parental magma. These ages previously assumed as the timing of peak-metamorphism of the Boneh-Shurow garnet-amphibolite and emplacement ages for the granitic precursor of gneissic rocks.
Stratigraphy and Palaeontology
Ali Jalali; Hamed Yarahmadzahi; Mehran Arian; Abdollah Saidi; Seyed Mohsen Aleali
Abstract
The Shishtou section is located in the north of Tabas Ghezelin and Asselian sequences of Zaladou formation with 60 m thickness are divided into five units, includes sandstone, limestone, shale, sandy limestone and limestone. The lower boundary of the Gzhelian deposits with disconformity on top of the ...
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The Shishtou section is located in the north of Tabas Ghezelin and Asselian sequences of Zaladou formation with 60 m thickness are divided into five units, includes sandstone, limestone, shale, sandy limestone and limestone. The lower boundary of the Gzhelian deposits with disconformity on top of the Moscovian deposits of the Abshani formation. The upper boundary of these deposits with the Tighe-Madanou formation is continuous. The assemblages of fusulinids in the Shishtou section such as Ruzhenzevites-Rauserites-Triticites are identified in the upper part of Gzhalian previously reported from equal deposits in Darvaz, Fergana, Southern Urals, Donetsk and Carnic of Alps, as well as, Central Iran, Central Alborz and Sanandaj-Sirjan zones. Also, different species of Sphaeroschwagerina, Pseudoschwagerina and Likharevites, which illustrate the Asselian age, represent the Carboniferous-Permian boundary in the studied section and allow for comparability with other structural-sedimentary zones of Iran, including Central Iran , Central Alborz (Doroud Group) and Sanandaj-Sirjan zone. This equivalence expresses the transgressive of sea level in different parts of Iran in the late Carboniferous and early Permian periods. In Shishto section 15 genera ,35 species and 2 subspecies of Fusulins have been identified, some of which are reported for the first time from Iran.
Petrology
Niloofar Nayebi; Dariush Esmaeily; Soroush Modabberi; Ryuichi Shinjo
Abstract
Anomaly 21A, as a part of Bafq iron-apatite ore metallogenic district, is located in Central Iran, and encompasses wide spectrume of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. The igneous rocks that show narrow geochemical variations and dominantly plot in the monzonite to monzodiorite fields, are ...
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Anomaly 21A, as a part of Bafq iron-apatite ore metallogenic district, is located in Central Iran, and encompasses wide spectrume of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. The igneous rocks that show narrow geochemical variations and dominantly plot in the monzonite to monzodiorite fields, are plotted in the calc-alkaline and high-K calc-alkaline affinities. Geochemical data are characterized by enrichment LILE and LREE as compare to HFSE and HREE, respectively, and depletions in Nb-Ta-Ti imply the mantle-derived melts modified by subduction components. The isotopic signatures of Anomaly 21A samples, e.g., (87Sr/86Sr)i, εNd(t)=, imply the dominant mantle signature. Their initial Pb isotopic composition of study rocks are 18.87 to 20.32 for (206Pb/204Pb), 15.72 to 15.84 for (207Pb/204Pb), and 40.74 to 42.32 for (208Pb/204Pb). The isotopic modellings show less than 4% incorporation of melt-derived subducted sediment into the mantle wedge or variable degrees of contamination by upper continental crust. We suggest partial melting of a sub-arc mantle melt that has been metasomatized by slab-derived sediments and interacted with continental crust en-route the shallower surface as the premise of the geodynamic of Central Iran.
Petrology
Niloofar Nayebi; Dariush Esmaeily; Sourosh Modabberi; Ryuichi Shinjo; Reza Deevsalar; Bernd Lehmann
Abstract
Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes and whole-rock geochemical analyses were carried out on plutonic rocks of the Chadormalu district to constrain the magmatic history of the Cadomian orogeny of the northern Gondwana margin during Late Precambrian–Early Paleozoic times. Despite the similarities in the geochemical ...
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Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes and whole-rock geochemical analyses were carried out on plutonic rocks of the Chadormalu district to constrain the magmatic history of the Cadomian orogeny of the northern Gondwana margin during Late Precambrian–Early Paleozoic times. Despite the similarities in the geochemical data, i.e., calc-alkaline affinity, enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, K, and Cs), and depletion in high field strength elements, e.g., Nb, Ta, P, Ti, and rare earth element patterns, bulk rock Sr-Nd isotope data rull out the co-magmatic nature of investigated basic (gabbro) and felsic (granite) magmas. Sr-Nd isotopic data (e.g., ɛNd(t)= -3.6 to +1.8) along with rather high (207Pb/206Pb)t attest to the crust-dominant, and mantle-derived melts for the granitoids and gabbros, respectively. The investigated zircons yielded the older ages for the gabbroic samples. The extensional tectonic regime is followed by slab retreat or delamination brought flare-up of the oldest arc-related igneous rocks and interacted with Cadomian basement to form the investigated granitoid melts. The gabbroic rocks show geochemical and isotopic disruption and elevation of L-MREE/HREE ratios on the chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns; interpreting the evidences of mantle heterogeneity and interaction with Paleoproterozoic basement.
Stratigraphy and Palaeontology
shahram navavajary; Iraj Maghfouri Moghaddam; Ali Reza Shahidi; Hamid Nazari
Abstract
Oligo-Miocene rocks are deposited between Pyrenean and Pasadenian orogenic phases. This rocks in central Iran back arc deposits are named Qom formation. There are well developed outcrops of Qom formation at the North of Central Iran zone. In order to study microbiostratigraphy of the formation, Three ...
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Oligo-Miocene rocks are deposited between Pyrenean and Pasadenian orogenic phases. This rocks in central Iran back arc deposits are named Qom formation. There are well developed outcrops of Qom formation at the North of Central Iran zone. In order to study microbiostratigraphy of the formation, Three sections, north west of Darjazin town , Bonak mount and Arvaneh were selected. In these sections Qom formation with discontinuity overlays the Lower Red formation and with the same quality under the Late Miocene Conglomerate with intercalations of Sandstone, which is equivalent to the Upper Red Formation is placed. The main lithological composition of the Qom Formation in the study area alternates between layers of limestone and Marl with intercalations of siliciclastic rocks. Members and submembers of the Qom formation type area are not visible in this area and can only based on the lithological characteristics divide to local units. Based on bentic foraminifera and other microbiostratigraphical data, Qom Formation age in north west-west of Semnan (Darjazin-After zone), which is located in the Central Alborz structural- sedimentary zone, is early Miocene epoch and Burdigalian stage, which is the equivalent of Borelis melo curdica-Borelis melo biozone.
Petrology
kiamars hosseini; Majid Shahpasandzadeh
Abstract
The Late Neoproterozoic-Early Cambrian albite-bearing metasomatite, rhyolites and rhyodacites predominantly constitute the host rocks of the Choghart magnetite-apatite deposit in Central Iran. The geologic evidences show three types of albites in the host albite-bearing metasomatite. The performed mineralogical ...
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The Late Neoproterozoic-Early Cambrian albite-bearing metasomatite, rhyolites and rhyodacites predominantly constitute the host rocks of the Choghart magnetite-apatite deposit in Central Iran. The geologic evidences show three types of albites in the host albite-bearing metasomatite. The performed mineralogical and geochemical investigations display enrichment of REE-Y-Ti-Th in the pink and fleshy red albites, whereas the white albites are barren without any ore mineralization. The concentration of REE-Y-Ti-Th-U bearing minerals along the fractures, the variation of Th/U ratio and result of stable isotopes studies of the calcites syn-paragenesis with the abiltes reveal the involvement of mixed magmatic and high-midium temperature hydrothermal processes play an important role in the ore genesis. The similarity pattern of the REEs and trace elements in different types of abilte-bearing metasomatite and rhyolite manifest the origin of REE-Y-Ti-Th mineralization as the rhyolitic-rhyodacitic magmas, related to a continental/oceanic subduction zone. According to this research, tectono-magmatic setting of the albite-bearing metasomatite in the Choghart deposit is suggested as a Calc-alkaline magmatism, associated with the active continental margin and oceanic island arcs.
Tectonics
mohammad khalaj
Abstract
Anarak metamorphic complex located east of Nain city. Based on geological, chronological and paleomagnetical data, the complex consists of different metamorphic units from different varity of source. This metamorphic complex also composed of ophiolitic bodies which crop out in the complex as thrust sheets. ...
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Anarak metamorphic complex located east of Nain city. Based on geological, chronological and paleomagnetical data, the complex consists of different metamorphic units from different varity of source. This metamorphic complex also composed of ophiolitic bodies which crop out in the complex as thrust sheets. This study is concerned with structural investigation of metamorphic rocks around Anarak, specially on a Z shape folding in the chahgorbeh mountains. Based on field surveys and microscopic investigations there are at least 3 deformationnal phases in the morghab and chahgorbeh units, all of them occurred in ductile conditions possibly related to “Variscan metamorphism” (late carboniferous). In the basic and ultramafic rocks of chahgorbeh unit, the first deformational phase accompanied with HP/LT metamorphic conditions at amphibolite facies. This phase is accompanied with a relatively low grade metamorphism-green schist facies in the metamorphic pelletic rocks of Morghab and Chahgorbeh units and leads to generation of a low grade (S1) foliation. This phase followed by increasing of intensity of deformation and milonitic foliation and sheath folds developed in the rock units through second phase of deformation. Third phase of deformation continusly affected the pre- deformed rocks in a more low- grade metamorphic and deformational condition than earlier phases.
Petrology
Gholamreza Tajbakhsh
Abstract
Mafic dyke swarms of the Zarigan granitoid in the north of Bafq have intruded the Lower Cambrian volcanic-sedimentary sequence of central Iran. These dykes are lithologically classified as gabbro-diorite and alkali gabbro. The alkaline gabbros are younger and penetrate higher horizons. Geochemically, ...
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Mafic dyke swarms of the Zarigan granitoid in the north of Bafq have intruded the Lower Cambrian volcanic-sedimentary sequence of central Iran. These dykes are lithologically classified as gabbro-diorite and alkali gabbro. The alkaline gabbros are younger and penetrate higher horizons. Geochemically, gabbro-diorites have a tholeiitic to transitional nature with enrichment of LILE, HREE and depletion of Nb and Ta elements. By contrast, alkali gabbros have the sodic alkaline nature, exhibiting Nb-Ta enrichment and high LREE/HREE ratio. Gabbro-diorite magmas are derived from partial melting of sub-continental lithospheric mantle affected by subduction components in equilibrium with spinel lherzolite. On the other hand, the alkali gabbros originate from greater depth and lower partial melting of enriched asthenospheric mantle in equilibrium with garnet lherzolite. These dykes are formed in an intra-arc extension setting associated with subduction of the continental margin. Geometry and mechanism of motion of Posht-e-Badam and Kuh Banan basement faults caused an anticlockwise rotation, crustal fracturing, lithospheric thinning, and stenosphere upwelling of these two faults bounded block.
Economic Geology
Amir Pakizeh; Fardin mousivand; Abdorrahman Rajabi; Sajjad Maghfouri
Abstract
The Nohkuhi copper deposit located at 40 Km Northwest of Kerman, occurred in the Central Iran structural zone (Bafq- Posht-e- Badam block), within Late Precambrian-Early Cambrian volcano-sedimentary sequences. Host sequence of mineralization consists of dominantly black shale, sandstone and dacitic lava ...
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The Nohkuhi copper deposit located at 40 Km Northwest of Kerman, occurred in the Central Iran structural zone (Bafq- Posht-e- Badam block), within Late Precambrian-Early Cambrian volcano-sedimentary sequences. Host sequence of mineralization consists of dominantly black shale, sandstone and dacitic lava of Rizu Series. Mineralization occurred as stratabound (vein-veinlets) and stratiform (bedded) in the three copper- and two iron-manganese horizons. The mineralization in the Nohkuhi area involves four ore facieses including stringer, vent complex, bedded, and hydrothermal-exhalative banded iron and manganese-rich sediments. This mineralization contains primary pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, hematite and pyrolusite. Wallrock alterations are dominated by chloritic and carbonatic-sericitic- silicic. Metal zonation was observed in the deposit. Based on characteristics of mineralization, such as tectonic setting, host rocks, ore textures and structures, mineralogy, metal and alteration zonation, and comparison with main characters of the volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits, the mineralization shows most similarities with the siliciclastic felsic or Bathurst- type deposits.
Stratigraphy and Palaeontology
k. Khaksar
Abstract
This research has described for determinate of Oligo-Miocene Foraminifers at the Do Baradar section. The main aim project was scrutiny age of this Formation and Paleoecology distribution lot of basins have created with big streams between Zagros and Alborz with Central Iran. Final transgressive sea on ...
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This research has described for determinate of Oligo-Miocene Foraminifers at the Do Baradar section. The main aim project was scrutiny age of this Formation and Paleoecology distribution lot of basins have created with big streams between Zagros and Alborz with Central Iran. Final transgressive sea on the Rupelian to Late Miocene have created the continue sediments consist low depth Lime stone and Marls. These sediments have complete different colors and lithology have named Lower Red Formation and Upper Red Formation and total Qom Formation. In this section the thickness of Qom Formation is 830 Meters that 8 units can separate of Marls and Limestone. From the Limestone have collected a lot of Samples and on Marls have samples isolate Foraminifers. The result of this research have been showing: The Central Iran Sediments on the Rupelian to Burdigalian have a warm climate (Tropical) to sub warm (Subtropical) climate with restrict marine environment but continue to open sea. The depth on Oligo-Miocene was different and have swing.
Petrology
Leila Maleki; Nematollah Rashidnejad Omran; Abdolrahim Houshmandzadeh
Abstract
Boneh shurow metamorphic complex is located in the east of Saghand area, Central Iran. This complex consists of quartz-feldspatic gneiss (mafic minerals < 5%), biotite-amphibole gneisses, metabasics rocks, schists, subordinate dolomitic marble and quartzite interlayers and mafic and felsic magmatic ...
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Boneh shurow metamorphic complex is located in the east of Saghand area, Central Iran. This complex consists of quartz-feldspatic gneiss (mafic minerals < 5%), biotite-amphibole gneisses, metabasics rocks, schists, subordinate dolomitic marble and quartzite interlayers and mafic and felsic magmatic intrusions that they have been retrogressed to lower amphibolite facies. In MORB-normalized plots, the metabasic samples can be classified into two groups: first group does not display Nb-Ta anomaly and second group displays negative Nb-Ta anomaly. Whole rock geochemistry and Sr– Nd isotopic composition of metabasic unites suggest derivation from two different mantlic sources in the back arc setting. A source enriched in Ti, such as plume tail, and an old enriched mantle that has been affected by subduction, can be involved in generation of the first and second group, respectively
Geophysics
Afsaneh Nasrabadi; Fateme Azimi; MohammadReza Sepahvand
Abstract
Crustal velocity structure and Moho discontinuity depth have investigated beneath 7 the broadband seismic stations, AFRZ, TKDS, TPRV, TNSJ, ANAR, KRSH of the Iranian Seismological Center (ISC) and YZKH of Iranian National Seismic Network (INSN) located in the center of Iran by joint inversion of receiver ...
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Crustal velocity structure and Moho discontinuity depth have investigated beneath 7 the broadband seismic stations, AFRZ, TKDS, TPRV, TNSJ, ANAR, KRSH of the Iranian Seismological Center (ISC) and YZKH of Iranian National Seismic Network (INSN) located in the center of Iran by joint inversion of receiver functions and Rayleigh waves group velocity dispersion. Three years (2012 to 2014) teleseismic waveforms (with epicentral distance 25o-90o) for computation receiver functions by iterative approach in time domain have been processed. The Rayleigh waves group velocity dispersion curves were incorporated into our joint inversion scheme from an independent surface wave tomography study. Receiver function is response of local structure of ground (located beneath the three–component broadband seismic station) to teleseismic P-wave, that is sensitive to seismic discontinuities. Since there is very little absolute-velocity information contained in the receiver function, its inversion for shear-wave velocity structure is non-unique (velocity-depth trade-off). On the other hand, dispersion curves are sensitive to the average velocity structure of the upper layers rather than to seismic discontinuities. So the non-uniqueness problem can be solved by combining receiver function inversion with surface-wave dispersion. Results from joint inversion in center of Iran indicates that Moho discontinuity depth depth beneath AFRZ, TKDS and TPRV stations is 40 Km, beneath TKDS 42 Km, beneath ANAR is 38 Km and beneath KRSH and YZKH stations are 44 Km. It was shown that the joint inversion method can cause ±2 kilometers of error. The average Moho depth is about 42±2 kilometers beneath center of Iran.
Economic Geology
Mahin Zolfaghari; Ghasem Nabatian; Amir Morteza AzimZadeh; Maryam Honarmand; P. Azizi
Abstract
Pirgheshlagh Cu-Zn-Pb deposit is located in the Central Iranian zone, north-east of the Mahneshan in the Zanjan province. The Kahar Formation with Precambrian age is the oldest Formation in the area which cutted by the granitic dykes. The Pirgheshlagh Cu-Zn-Pb mineralization occurred mainly as tabular-shape ...
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Pirgheshlagh Cu-Zn-Pb deposit is located in the Central Iranian zone, north-east of the Mahneshan in the Zanjan province. The Kahar Formation with Precambrian age is the oldest Formation in the area which cutted by the granitic dykes. The Pirgheshlagh Cu-Zn-Pb mineralization occurred mainly as tabular-shape within the metamorphosed sandstones, meta-andesitic tuff, meta-crystal lithic tuff and meta-andesite rocks. Based on the field and microscopic studies, the main minerals consist of chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, pyrite, arsenopyrite and minor magnetite. The ore textures consist of disseminated, laminated, massive and veinlet which the veinlet texture is occurred mainly in the lower part of deposit. Secondary minerals such as smithsonite, cerrusite, chalcocite, covellite, malachite, azurite, goethite and lepidochrosite have formed during supergene processes. The main alterations in the Pirgheshlagh deposit include silicic, sericitic, chlorite and carbonate. The results of this study suggest that the Cu-Zn-Pb mineralization in the Pirgheshlagh deposit is a Besshi-type valcogenic massive sulfide (VMS) mineralization.
S. A. Majidi; M. Lotfi; M. H. Emami; N. Nezafati
Abstract
The metallogenic zone of Bafgh-Saghand in central Iran hosts huge low-titanium iron oxide-apatite (IOA) deposits (also called Kiruna type iron deposits) with more than 1500 Million tons grading 55% iron. The genesis of these deposits including Chadormalu, Choghart, She-Chahun, and Esfordi has long been ...
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The metallogenic zone of Bafgh-Saghand in central Iran hosts huge low-titanium iron oxide-apatite (IOA) deposits (also called Kiruna type iron deposits) with more than 1500 Million tons grading 55% iron. The genesis of these deposits including Chadormalu, Choghart, She-Chahun, and Esfordi has long been a subject of debate. In this regard, several hypotheses such as magmatic, hydrothermal, carbonatititc, BIF, and sedimentary-exhalative have been proposed so far. In this study, 20samples of the magnetite ore from the deposits of Chadormalu, Choghart, She-Chahun, and Esfordi were selected and analyzed for their oxygen isotope values. Based on the analyses results, the variations of δ18O values in the deposits are meaningful and result from the characteristics of the ore forming processes involved. The δ18O values of the analyzed magnetite samples range from -0.1 to +2.2‰ and indicate the role of both orthomagmatic (>0.9‰) and hydrothermal (<0.9‰) processes in the formation of these deposits. On the other hand, the values lower than +0.3‰ can be attributed to secondary oxidation or hydrothermal processes and/or a combination of both. The oxygen isotope data of the investigated samples are identical to the deposits such as El Laco of Chile, Kiruna and Grängesberg of Sweden, and Zhibo and Chagangnuoer of China with a magmatic-hydrothermal genesis. According to the geological and analytical evidence obtained from the iron oxide-apatite deposits of the Bafgh-Saghand area, first a tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite, diorite, and granite magmatism related to a continental margin subduction at 533 to 525Ma has caused a magmatic mineralization of iron in the area, while a later hydrothermal process related to an alkaline intrusion (syenite and monzosyentie) has caused a hydrothermal mineralization. Therefore a magmatic-hydrothermal source can be suggested for the formation of the low-titanium iron oxide-apatite deposits of the Bafgh-Saghand area.
Tectonics
Mohammad Moumeni Taromsari; Maryam Dehbozorgi; Reaza Nozaem; Ali Yassaghi
Abstract
Kalmard fault is considered as one of the fundamental faults in central Iran zone. The Ozbak Kuh mountains with a NE-SW strike are located in central Iran in the Kalmard fault zone. Hence, analyze the folds and faults in this deformed zone can aid in the understanding of structural evolution of this ...
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Kalmard fault is considered as one of the fundamental faults in central Iran zone. The Ozbak Kuh mountains with a NE-SW strike are located in central Iran in the Kalmard fault zone. Hence, analyze the folds and faults in this deformed zone can aid in the understanding of structural evolution of this area in central Iran. In this study, field operations and geometric-kinematic analysis of folds and faults, also study of their structural evolution are integrated in order to provide a better understanding of the structural evolution of the Ozbak Kuh area. The results display that before Cretaceous period the Ozbak-Kuh area was influenced by a compressional regime with a prependicular trend with respect to the Kalmrad fault that it caused the formation of folds and faults paralell to folds axial plane trends, after that compressional regime changing to a dextral strike slip regime in Cenozoic in direction of NE- SW, all structures in the study area such as, faults, folds axial plain and other related structures were influenced by the aforementioned strike slip stress. Generally the geometric- kinematic pattern of faults in the study area regarding to the major and R, P, R', and X faults is kind of simple shear and contraction parallel to deformed zone. In this pattern the simple shear is dominant and compression is trivial component. The mechanism of the faults in the study area shows that the deformation of the Ozbak Kuh mountains is toward the final stages of simple shear. The multiple steps of deformation, simple shear movements and intensity of deformation in the study area caused that the strike of all structures is to be in direction of NE-SW that it is parallel to the main fault zone.
Economic Geology
Rasoul Sepehrirad; Saeed Alirezaei; Amir Morteza Azimzadeh
Abstract
The Gazestan magnetite-apatite deposit is hosted within an upper Proterozoic-lower Cambrian volcanic-sedimentary sequence, known as Rizu series, in the Bafq district, Central Iran. The Gazestan deposit occurred in intensely altered felsic-intermediate subvolcanic and volcanic host rocks. Field observations, ...
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The Gazestan magnetite-apatite deposit is hosted within an upper Proterozoic-lower Cambrian volcanic-sedimentary sequence, known as Rizu series, in the Bafq district, Central Iran. The Gazestan deposit occurred in intensely altered felsic-intermediate subvolcanic and volcanic host rocks. Field observations, drill core logging, petrographic studies, as well as geochemical and XRD data are indicative of differences in alterations assemblages and temporal/spatial distribution of the alteration products, compared to other iron oxide-apatite deposits in the Bafq district. Unlike many other Bafq district iron deposits, sodic alteration is only locally developed. Similarly, Ca+Fe or actinolitic alteration is poorly developed in Gazestan. Chloritic and sericitic alterations are most closely associated with ore formation in Gazestan. Chlorite commonly associated with magnetite, quartz and calcite in the altered host rocks. The chemical composition of chlorite falls in pycnochlorite and clinochlore fields. Calculated temperature for chlorite formation varies between 324-236 ºC. Sericite occurred both as a proximal alteration in ore zones, and as a distal alteration product in the volcanic and subvolcanic host rocks. Calcic-iron alteration is poorly developed in Gazestan. Potassic alteration marked by development of K- as well as biotite is only locally developed in Gazestan. Boron metasomatism occurs as quartz-tourmaline bands and disseminated grains in altered rocks. The scarcity and local nature of sodic (albitic) and calcic-iron (actinolitic) alterations, and the widespread and proximal chlorite alteration suggest that, compared to most other iron deposits of the Bafq district, Gazestan formed at relatively lower temperatures and possibly shallower depths.
R. Samadi Moghadam; R. Nozaem; M. Dehbozorgi; M. Mohajjel
Abstract
Derenjal Mountains with NE-SW trend, is located in Central Iran, in northwest of Tabas block and in eastern block of Kalmard fault. In this region, the Paleozoic formations (Cambrian to Devonian) have been exposed and surrounded by Neogene and Quaternary deposits. Volcanic rocks of Cambrian limited to ...
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Derenjal Mountains with NE-SW trend, is located in Central Iran, in northwest of Tabas block and in eastern block of Kalmard fault. In this region, the Paleozoic formations (Cambrian to Devonian) have been exposed and surrounded by Neogene and Quaternary deposits. Volcanic rocks of Cambrian limited to Diabasic Rocks Dominated in Kalshaneh Formation and Middle Jurassic (?) lens-shape Andesite massive that covered uncomfortably with Cretaceous non metamorphosed limestone. Kalmard Fault as an old basement and active fault in Central Iran as Principal Displacement Zone (PDZ) and adjacent deformed Deranjal Mountains, have a complex deformation history with respect to rotation of the Compressional Incremental Kinematic Axis during Geological time scale since late Paleozoic to late Cenozoic. Rotation in Central Iran blocks, changing of the convergence direction of Afro-Arabian plate with respect to Iran and also structural interaction between the Central Iran blocks, during tectonic evolutions, imposed the rotation of the Incremental Kinematic Axis (P-T-B) directions with respect to Derenjal Mountains and Kalmard Fault. These process made progressively new structures and also made changes in old structures since post Devonian. In this study, based of Field observation and geometric - kinematic structural Analysis of the more the 150 fault data, the architecture of fault assemblage of Derenjal area demonstrate Synthetic faults (P, R), antithetic faults (X, R’), compression faults (C2) faults and folding in F1 Class in Derenjal Area. These structures represent that the Compressional Incremental Kinematic Axis trend has been changed in anticlockwise direction from perpendicular to parallel with respect to Kalmard Fault since post Devonian to Late Cenozoic and finally superimposition of the strike slip tectonics on the contraction tectonics.
H. Ghasemi; M. Rostami Hossuri; M. Sadeghian
Abstract
The Lower Jurassic basin of northern margin of central Iran structural zone and south of eastern Alborz in Semnan province, contains igneous rocks with basic composition, belonging to early stages of occurrence and development of an immature extensional back arc basin at this time. These basic igneous ...
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The Lower Jurassic basin of northern margin of central Iran structural zone and south of eastern Alborz in Semnan province, contains igneous rocks with basic composition, belonging to early stages of occurrence and development of an immature extensional back arc basin at this time. These basic igneous rocks cropped out in at the base of Shemshak Formation and its equivalent in central Iran Structural zone, in the form of extrusive (basaltic rocks) and intrusive (dike, sill and microgabbroic small stocks) rocks. Magma forming of these rocks have had calc – alkaline nature and was enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and light rare earth elements (LREE) and also was depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREE). The mentioned magmas was, originated from 5 to 30% partial melting of the spinel peridotitic (below the central Iran) and garnet lherzolithic (below the Eastern Alborz) mantle plumes in an immature extensional back arc basin tectonic setting due to oblique subduction of Nneothetyan oceanic lithosphere beneath the central Iran structural zone at late Triassic to middle Jurassic time, and were ascending to upper levels of continental crust by fault and fracture systems and emplaced in shallow sedimentary basins of these zones in different ways. This basin was formed in the behind of the upper Triassic – Lower Jurassic magmatic arc of central Iran and due to initiation of extensional movements in the continental crust of central Iran and Alborz.
Mohsen Allameh
Abstract
The Farrokhi Formation is the youngest sedimentary unit in Upper Cretaceous of Khur and Biabanak area. Its lithology is mainly consists of limestone, marl, marly limestone with intercalations of fossiliferous limestone. For environmental interpretation of this formation, 23 specimens of marly beds are ...
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The Farrokhi Formation is the youngest sedimentary unit in Upper Cretaceous of Khur and Biabanak area. Its lithology is mainly consists of limestone, marl, marly limestone with intercalations of fossiliferous limestone. For environmental interpretation of this formation, 23 specimens of marly beds are sampled and washed.. The study led to identification of 23 genera and 29 specious of ostracods. More than 87% of determined Ostracods have straight shell, without any ornamentation and connected to each other. It is concluded that the high rate in sedimentation led to well preservation of this fauna. According to the determined Ostracods, four ecofacies "i.e. littoral, inner neritic, outer neritic and outer neritic with low to high salinity and warm" are identified for the marly beds under study.
M Allameh; B Torabian
Abstract
Farrokhi Formation is a Cretaceous rock unit in Central Iran that lithologically contains lime, marl and marly lime accompanied by layers of fossiliferous limestones. This formation lays conformably over the Haft-Tuman Formation, while its upper boundary is disconformable with Chupanan Formation. In ...
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Farrokhi Formation is a Cretaceous rock unit in Central Iran that lithologically contains lime, marl and marly lime accompanied by layers of fossiliferous limestones. This formation lays conformably over the Haft-Tuman Formation, while its upper boundary is disconformable with Chupanan Formation. In this study, 23 rock samples from marl segment of the Farokhi Formation were prepared palynologically and their various palynological constituents were characterized and quantified by percent. Assessing the organic elements of formation demonstrated fair preservation of organic matters in marl segments and allowed determination of the sedimentation rate and oxygen content. Palynofacies investigation signifies that marl segment has been deposited in shallow to open marine environment with medium energy, and one palynofacies has been diagnosed for it. According to typical dinoflagellate cysts, a warm and rather shallow environment with medium energy and variable salinity is suggested for the period of sedimentation of the marl segment.
E Khazaei; M.H Mahmudy Gharaie; A Mahboubi; J Taheri
Abstract
The studied section in SW Kashmar located in Tabas block of central Iran sedimentary - structural zone. According to field observations and petrography, two sets of siliciclastic and carbonate facies were distinguished. Three lithofacies were identified based on the field parameters such as lithology, ...
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The studied section in SW Kashmar located in Tabas block of central Iran sedimentary - structural zone. According to field observations and petrography, two sets of siliciclastic and carbonate facies were distinguished. Three lithofacies were identified based on the field parameters such as lithology, geometry, sedimentary structures, layering surfaces and bedding contacts. Three lithofacies including conglomerate (Gcm, Gp), Sandstone (St, Sr, Sh, Sl, Sm), muddy (Fl), four petrofacies (polymictic orthoconglomerate 1 and 2, arkosic wacke, and subarkose as well as four microfacies associations of open marine, shoal, lagoon, tidal flat were identified based on microscopic features such as grain type, grain size and texture. Based on finning upward Bouma cycles, erosional surface and greywacke composition, siliciclastic sediments of upper part of the Shirgesht Formation are deposited in turbidity conditions. Present of hummocky stratification, finning upward cycles with shellbeds at the base of units revealed that carbonate rocks of lower part of the Niur Formation are deposited in a shallow ramp storm - dominated. The regional tectonic, expansion of glaciers and melting led to environmental changes during Upper Ordovician – Early Silurian transition in the studied region.
S. Shekari; M. Sadeghian; M. Zhai; H. Ghasemi; Y. Zou
Abstract
Metamorphic - igneous Shotor-Kuh complex is located in the 80 km of SE Shahrood and in the northern edge of the central Iran structural zone. This complex includes a wide lithological composition range such as metapelite (micaschists and gneisses), metapsammites, metabasites (amphibolite and garnet amphibolite), ...
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Metamorphic - igneous Shotor-Kuh complex is located in the 80 km of SE Shahrood and in the northern edge of the central Iran structural zone. This complex includes a wide lithological composition range such as metapelite (micaschists and gneisses), metapsammites, metabasites (amphibolite and garnet amphibolite), metacarbonate (limestone and dolomitic marbles) and metrhyolites. Protolith of metabasites have been basaltic lavas, diabasic swarm dikes and small scale gabbro-dioritic intrusions. With respect to abundance and importance of metamorphosed basaltic intercalations and diabasic swarm dikes in comparison to the other basic rocks, this article specially advocated to investigation of their evolution. Based on the field evidence and petrography, increasing the degree of metamorphism of metabasites resulted in producing of amphibole schist, amphibolite, garnet amphibolite and eventually amphibolitic migmatites. Thermobarometery based on the chemical analysis of garnet, amphibole and plagioclase of the metabasites indicates that the thermal range of 602-711 °C and 9-11 Kbar pressure for their formation, stop of exchange and final equilibrium, which accommodate with P-T condition of amphibolite and upper amphibolites facies. From the geochemical points of view, the magmas forming of these metabasites have tholeitic to calc-alkaline nature. These magmas originated from the subcontinental lithospheric mantel source. Submarine basaltic lava flows and diabasic swarm dikes originated during extensional tectonic regimes which affected Late Neoproterozoic Iranian Gondwanan terrains. These extensional tectonic regimes are associated with producing of intracontinental sea to oceanic basins (riffitic or back arc). The mentioned basins closed in a short time and lead to generate tectonic melange or accretionary prisms on the continental crust. Based on the U- Pb age dating of the Zircons extracted from these metasbasites, these metamorphism event occurred in the interval time of 526-577 Million years (corresponds to the late Neoproterozoic and Cadomian orogeny in the Iranian Gondwanan landforms).
S. A. Majidi; M. Lotfi; M. H. Emami; N. Nezafati
Abstract
The Origin of Iron Oxide-Apatite deposits (IOA) with low Ti or Kiruna type deposits has long been a matter of debate. In this case, several provenances have been proposed for these deposits which include: magmatic, magmatic-hydrothermal, hydrothermal, banded iron formations, and sedimentary-exhalative. ...
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The Origin of Iron Oxide-Apatite deposits (IOA) with low Ti or Kiruna type deposits has long been a matter of debate. In this case, several provenances have been proposed for these deposits which include: magmatic, magmatic-hydrothermal, hydrothermal, banded iron formations, and sedimentary-exhalative. Bafq-Saghand metallogenic zone is located in central Iran and hosts several large IOA type deposits including Chadormalu, Choghart, Se-Chahun, and Esfordi with nearly ~1500 mt ore with an average grade of 55%. Mineralization of REE-rich apatite is very common in these deposits, an issue that could be utilized for the study of their genesis. Fifteen apatite samples from the deposits of Chadormalu, Choghart, Se-Chahun, and Esfordi were taken and analyzed using LA ICP-MS. According to the geochemical analysis, the apatite of the abovemnetioned deposits show high enrichment of Y, Na, and Si, while very low content of Cl. Total REE content varies from 0.36-2.25% in which the LREE show an enrichment indicating strongly fractionation from HREE. Strong negative Eu anomaly (0.69-0.256) is observed. Sr and Y contents in apatites are 165-365 and 743-1410 ppm, respectively. The Fe-OH-Cl diagram shows that apatites is situated in the Hydroxil-fluoroapatite domain. The results show that these deposits are similar to those of IOA type deposits (e.g. Kiruna, El Laco, Abagong, Avnik, etc.). Apatite mineralization is unlikely related to carbonatitic magmatism, but situated in the Kiruna type and mafic rocks domain. The main mineralization event was likely related to tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) and diorite-granite of arc magmatism (525-532 Ma) which were intruded into the Cambrian volcano sedimentary units (as country rock). Then the hydrothermal processes following alkaline intrusion (syenite and monzosyenite) led to mineralization. In general, the iron oxide-apatite (IOA) mineralization with low Ti has occurred through the magmatic-hydrothermal processes in the Bafgh-Saghand zone.
R. Haftlang; M. Afghah; S. A. Aghanabati; M. Parvaneh Nezhad Shirazi
Abstract
Lithological and biological Sequences of Cretaceous in Bahar section, Located in South Esfahan (147 m. true thickness) include grayish olive green pencil- like shales containing Budantysras Ammonites (Albian) interbedded with limy shales. which are covered by glauconitic Sandy Limestone (Early Turonian) ...
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Lithological and biological Sequences of Cretaceous in Bahar section, Located in South Esfahan (147 m. true thickness) include grayish olive green pencil- like shales containing Budantysras Ammonites (Albian) interbedded with limy shales. which are covered by glauconitic Sandy Limestone (Early Turonian) (with erosional discontinuity). These sandy limestones are wackestone and rarely greenstone, according to Dunham classification. Based on Biozone divisions, this unit is related to Biozone No. 27 presented by Wynd (1965) and it is equivalent to Sarvak Formation in Zagros. Marly limestone and limestone containing Inoceramus bivalve interbedded with marl dating back to Late, Middle Touronian- Late Touronian- Coniacian to Early Santonian are younger equivalents of this section which can be equaled to Surgah Formation. According to Biozone divisions, this unit is equivalent to Biozone No. 28 presented by Wynd (1965) and also based on Dunham classification, the unit is packestone and partly boundstone. The lower Contact of the unit is Concordant and Continuous with glauconitic sandy limestone and its upper Contact is Continuous and Concordant with marl and interbeddings of Limestones dating back to Santonian- Campanian. By comparing Bahar Section with South eastern Lorestan section (Poshte jangal anticline), (Azadbakht, 2015), the following results were obtained: From Litho/bio stratigraphical view, thick to thin-bedded Limestones (Light to dark gray) interbedded with marl in Poshte jangal anticline are Correlated with Inoceramus limestone and marly Limestone interbedded with marl in Bahar Section. They are dated back to EarlyTuronian to Early Campanian.Due to Strong similarity of Lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy between Bahar section located in Southern Esfahan (Central Iran) and section of Poshte jangal anticline located in Southeast of Lorestan, it can be deducted that a branch of Lorestan Sea has advanced in Turonian- Coniacian times and some parts of Southern Esfahan has been covered by the sea.
Petrology
M. Sadeghian; S. H. Hosseini; A. Hemmati; S. Shekari
Abstract
Granitoid plutons of SW Mayamey (60 Km east of Shahrood), located at the most northern margin of the central Iran structural zone, have granite composition (in general) and calk alkaline and peralouminous nature. In spite of coverage of these granitoids by Late Triassic – Early Jurassic sedimentary ...
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Granitoid plutons of SW Mayamey (60 Km east of Shahrood), located at the most northern margin of the central Iran structural zone, have granite composition (in general) and calk alkaline and peralouminous nature. In spite of coverage of these granitoids by Late Triassic – Early Jurassic sedimentary rocks, Late Neoproterozoic host gneiss are exposed in limited areas. These granitoids invaded by two series of the Late Neoproterozoic and middle Jurassic diabasic dikes. Although post – Liass, Pre- Dogger, younger than Jurassic and older than Cretaceous ages are considered for these granitoids, but for the first time U–Pb age dating on separated zircons indicates Late Neoproterozoic age (Late Ediacaran) (545±10 Ma) for them and they are a part of very ancient basement rocks of Iran. The studied rocks are similar Band -e-Hezar Chah, Sefid Sang, Delbar, Shotor Kuh, Reza Abad and Do Chah granitoids in age. Mayamey granitoids are resulted from partial melting of metapelites and metagraywackes, and they belong to S-type granioids. SW Mayamey granitoids were generated in a collisional tectonic setting in the Late Neoproterozoic, in relation to closing of intracontinental back arc basin and then metamorphism of the associated rocks from greenschist facies to amphibolite and rarely granulite facies, which finally companied with s-type granitization