Tectonics
Mojtaba Ershadinia; Farzin Ghaemi; Massoud Homam
Abstract
The Fariman complex is located in the northeast of Iran and southeast of Mashhad, contains a variety of rocks from the Permian to the present era that have undergone several stages of deformation. In this paper, the structural geometry of faults and folds of the region is analyzed and based on it, the ...
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The Fariman complex is located in the northeast of Iran and southeast of Mashhad, contains a variety of rocks from the Permian to the present era that have undergone several stages of deformation. In this paper, the structural geometry of faults and folds of the region is analyzed and based on it, the deformation stages of Fariman complex are identified, which indicates its evolution during 3 stages of deformation. In the first stage of deformation, tectonic forces along with the thermal stage have caused the transformation of sediments and the formation of first generation foliation and folds in the region. First-generation thrusts also formed during this phase, thrusting Palaeotethys remnants. The second stage of deformation has led to the formation of the second generation of thrusts and folds in the region. Kinematic analysis of second generation thrusts indicates two reverse motion phases with leftlateral strike-slip component and right–lateral strike–slip with reverse component.Its reverse motions, which result in the formation of misplaced massive carbonate associated with the second stage of deformation, and its dextral motion, which cut and displace previous structures and affect all rock units in the region, the third stage of deformation is analyzed.
Tectonics
Mohammad Reza Sheikholeslami
Abstract
Bajgan metamorphic complex is located at the southeastern termination of the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone in north of Makran. The metamorphic rocks, having igneous and sedimentary origins, are in tectonic contact with ophiolite assemblages and colored mélange. The rocks can be divided in four units based ...
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Bajgan metamorphic complex is located at the southeastern termination of the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone in north of Makran. The metamorphic rocks, having igneous and sedimentary origins, are in tectonic contact with ophiolite assemblages and colored mélange. The rocks can be divided in four units based on lithological characteristics. These units are covered by Pliocene and Quaternary sediments. Structural study indicates the presence of three syn-metamorphic stages of deformation in ductile condition. The main structures elements are different generation of folds, foliation and lineation, each of them has been generated during a specific stage and superimposed on each other. The structural elements in this complex have emerged during subduction, ophiolite obduction and exhumation, respectively.
S. Dashti Chandanagh; M. R. Sheikholeslami; J. Taheri
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the deformation pattern of the Mashhad metamorphic rocks which results from the convergence between Turan and Central Iran plates and closure of Paleotethys Ocean during Early Cimmerian event. The results of 2D and 3D strain analysis show that the maximum deformation ...
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This study was conducted to determine the deformation pattern of the Mashhad metamorphic rocks which results from the convergence between Turan and Central Iran plates and closure of Paleotethys Ocean during Early Cimmerian event. The results of 2D and 3D strain analysis show that the maximum deformation is concentrated in the central part of the study area and most strain shape parameters (K) obtained from oriented samples are located within the flattening part of the Flinn diagram. Strain intensity parameter in most cases is less than 0.5 and a maximum strain occurred in the central part which is reduced towards the margins. This is the most characteristic of the typical shear zones in which, the maximum strain is concentrated on the central part. Calculated vorticity numbers is ranged between 0.2 to 1 indicating the presence of both pure shear and simple shear during a transpressional regional deformation.
M Mohajjel; S Houshmand, Ma
Abstract
A NW-SE trending ductile shear zone has been generated in the metamorphic rocks of the southwest Golpaygan. Different pellitic and psammitic schists, meta-carbonates and igneous rocks were strongly deformed in this ductile shear zone and produced mylonites and ultra-mylonites. Structural analysis indicates ...
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A NW-SE trending ductile shear zone has been generated in the metamorphic rocks of the southwest Golpaygan. Different pellitic and psammitic schists, meta-carbonates and igneous rocks were strongly deformed in this ductile shear zone and produced mylonites and ultra-mylonites. Structural analysis indicates three stages of foliations in the metamorphic rocks. Geometry and kinematics of the fabrics in Nowgan shear zone are divided into two northeastern and southwestern parts (limbs of Nowqan antiform). Mylonitic foliation moderately to steeply dip towards northeast in the northeastern part but dips to the southwest in the southwestern part. Mineral and stretching lineation, are shallowly to moderately plunging to the east-southeast in the northeastern part of the shear zone and, to the west-northwest in the southwestern part. The microstructural indicators of shear sense cleared that the northeastern part dextrally displaced along strike with normal component and the southwestern part sinisterly displaced with reverse component at the present situation. The fabrics evidence clear that this ductile shear zone were originally right-lateral strike–slip shear zone and during its structural evolution it was rotated around its strike during later folding stage. Structural analysis of the surrounded rocks of the shear zone indicates three superposed foliations. The mylonitic foliation in the shear zone and the axial plane foliations of the second stage folding are sub-parallel. Plunge directions of the second stage folds axes and the mineral/stretching lineation are also sub-parallel. Therefore, the initiation and development of the shear zone were synchronous with the second stage folding event.
E Moosavi; M Mohajjel
Abstract
Two main metamorphic events have occurred within Muteh- Golpayegan metamorphic core complexes (including eastern and western complexes) in the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone. Some grain-scale deformations were also happened in relation to these metamorphisms which have produced various deformation microstructures. ...
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Two main metamorphic events have occurred within Muteh- Golpayegan metamorphic core complexes (including eastern and western complexes) in the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone. Some grain-scale deformations were also happened in relation to these metamorphisms which have produced various deformation microstructures. Microfaults are among the microstructures that were formed during brittle conditions. Bulging recrystallization of quartz and rarely feldspar grains, and bookshelf structure of fragmented feldspar porphyroclasts indicate various deformation and formation of shear zones under low-temperature conditions in the eastern complex. Polygonal granoblastic texture of polycrystalline quartz porphyroclasts documents post-mylonitization annealing at medium- grade conditions in shear zones of eastern complex. Chessboard pattern quartz subgrains propose high-grade metamorphic conditions during the first deformation. However, their undulatory extinction reveals low-grade conditions for the second deformation. Polygonal granoblastic texture of chevron folded feldspar grains also accurately supports these conditions during the two mentioned deformations. In general, considering deformation microstructures and conditions, three stages of recrystallization are respectively recognizable in the Muteh-Golpayegan metamorphic complexes including: 1- high-grade static recrystallization subsequent to early metamorphic event, 2- dynamic recrystallization and related mylonitization under low-grade to locally medium-grade conditions, 3-post-mylonitization static recrystallization in medium-grade conditions. The north Golpayegan intrusive bodies can be considered as the heat source for annealing in the western complex but the cause of annealing is not evident in the eastern complex.
D Esmaeily; M Heidari; R Maghdour-Mashhour
Abstract
The Sikhoran Mafic–Ultramafic complex is located in the Sanandaj – Sirjan structural zone. The complex consists of two main rock units: the lower harzburgite - porphyroclastic dunite unit and the upper layered gabbroic cumulate unit. The microstructures and geochemical evidences provided ...
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The Sikhoran Mafic–Ultramafic complex is located in the Sanandaj – Sirjan structural zone. The complex consists of two main rock units: the lower harzburgite - porphyroclastic dunite unit and the upper layered gabbroic cumulate unit. The microstructures and geochemical evidences provided a better understanding of serpentinization and emplacement processes of this complex. The petrographic studies revealed three microstructural types including: High T solid slate microstructure, which occurs mainly in NE of the porphyroclastic dunite unit, Low T solid state microstructure in NE and central parts of dunites – harzburgites, and finally mylonitic - sub mylonitic microstructures, which mainly found in harzburgite unit. Moreover, the vein microstructures outcrop in the mylonitic- submylonitic zone. The veins have been formed by two processes of crack seal and dissolution. Deformations have occurred mainly around the Ashin fault. Hydrothermal fluids have resulted in serpentinization and mobility of iron and also other elements from ferromagnesian minerals of primary peridotites. Serpentinites show the SiO2amountof 38.8-41.7 wt%, and also depletion of Al2O3 and CaO. The depletion in CaO (0.3-0.9 wt %) and Al2O3 (0.1- 1.3) and enrichment in Cr and Ni indicate the depleted parent rock of mantle harzburgite or dunite, and a supra- subduction zone in Cr - TiO2 diagram.
M Ehteshami-Moinabadi; A Yassaghi
Abstract
The assessment of deformation condition of the Mosha Fault during Middle-Late Miocene carried out using microstructure and thermometry of fluid inclusions within calcite veins in the fault zone. Based on intra-crystalline deformation of quartz grains, calcite twin, and thermometry of primary fluid inclusions ...
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The assessment of deformation condition of the Mosha Fault during Middle-Late Miocene carried out using microstructure and thermometry of fluid inclusions within calcite veins in the fault zone. Based on intra-crystalline deformation of quartz grains, calcite twin, and thermometry of primary fluid inclusions in the calcite veins inside the Mosha fault zone, the maximum estimated deformation temperature of the Mosha fault is 350o c during Tertiary. Calculated pressure of the fault zone using fluid inclusion data is an underestimation of real pressure because the calcite veins formed in the last stages of deformation. Considering the tectonic setting of South Central Alborz and assuming a geothermal gradient ranging between 25-35oc/Km for the region from Eocene to the late Miocene, the maximum temperature of 350o c represents the depth between 10 to 14 Km in adiabatic condition. This depth range means a fault zone pressure between 2.5 to 4 kbar for the Mosha Fault zone during Tertiary, which is in correlation to recent seismic data that confirmed maximum fault activity in the depth between 10 to 15 Km.
M.R Sheikholeslami
Abstract
The effects of the Mid-Cimmerian event in the BinaludMountains can be investigated in the Mashhad Phyllite around Mashhad and in the Aghdarband Group in the Aghdarband area. In the Eastern Binalud, this event acted in prehnite-pumpellyite to lower greenschist facies and influenced the Shemshak group, ...
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The effects of the Mid-Cimmerian event in the BinaludMountains can be investigated in the Mashhad Phyllite around Mashhad and in the Aghdarband Group in the Aghdarband area. In the Eastern Binalud, this event acted in prehnite-pumpellyite to lower greenschist facies and influenced the Shemshak group, which deposited as a post Early Cimmerian molasse blanket in a Rhaetian–Lias back-arc basin. The result is transformation of these sediments into the slate, phyllite and metasandstone. Tight to open folds, axial plane foliations and crenulation folds with NW-SE trending are the Mid-Cimmerian deformational structures. Due to the lower grade of metamorphism and deformation, there isn’t any important effect of this event on the rocks, which were previously deformed and metamorphosed by the Early Cimmerian event. The exhumation and erosion of deformed rocks by the Early and Mid-Cimmerian events generated the intramontane basins in the internal part of the eastern BinaludMountains. In the Aghdarband area, this event is characterized by folding of the Sina Formation from the Aghdarband Group, which is unconformably overlain by the Kashafroud Formation.
L Izadi kian; M Mohajjel; S.A Alavi
Abstract
Hamedan area is in the NW of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone. Different types of plutonic rocks are outcropped in this area which in turn, surrounded by the various metamorphic rocks (regional and contact metamorphism). Four ductile deformation stages were recognized. Each of them is accompanied with formation ...
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Hamedan area is in the NW of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone. Different types of plutonic rocks are outcropped in this area which in turn, surrounded by the various metamorphic rocks (regional and contact metamorphism). Four ductile deformation stages were recognized. Each of them is accompanied with formation of fold, foliation and lineation. The first generation foliation (S1) and folds (F1) formed at the first stage of deformation (D1). The second deformation defined by refolding of the first axial surface and forming of the second foliation (S2) and folds (F2). This stage is the strongest deformation and formed main foliation in this area. Axis of these folds changes from horizontal to vertical. The direction of this fold axis follows the Alvand pluton form. The second foliation shows wide dispersal in orientation and their trends follows the Alvand pluton form. The third deformation (D3) defined by close to open, mostly upright with curved hinges folds (F3) and the axial-plane foliation (S3). This foliation (S3) is predominant in areas east of the Alvand pluton and is crenulation cleavage to fracture foliation. The most axis of F3 show N165 plunging. Because of the interference pattern between the first, second and third folding at the regional and contact metamorphic rocks, these stages of deformation are coaxial deformation. D4 is characterized by a crenulation cleavage (S4) and a mineral lineation (L4(. L4 have a NE-SW plunging. This lineation does not exist at the contact metamorphic rocks. The rotation of axis of F2 and the second foliation is obvious around the Alvand pluton. This rotation shows that the final strain field is followed the pluton forms and probably the main granitic Alvand pluton intruded during the second deformation in this area.
A. Rastbood; B. Vosooghi
Abstract
In this research, fracture mechanic concepts and dislocation modeling is used to examine the velocity field of GPS observables on the oblique collision zone of Arabia-Eurasia plates. For this purpose, the significant active faults in the study area were selected and proper boundary conditions applied. ...
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In this research, fracture mechanic concepts and dislocation modeling is used to examine the velocity field of GPS observables on the oblique collision zone of Arabia-Eurasia plates. For this purpose, the significant active faults in the study area were selected and proper boundary conditions applied. Numerical boundary element method with green functions obtained from Okada analytical solution were used to distribute strike slip rates among selected active faults. Velocity field obtained from the model was compared with GPS velocity field of Iranian campaign global geodynamic network and by changing boundary conditions using try and error a better coincidence were generated between model and GPS velocity field. At the final stage the difference of most of GPS observations from model results were inside of 95% confidence ellipse. Regarding accordance among model and geological slip rates, in continue of estimates we tried to get better accommodation between model and GPS velocity fields. For this purpose we tried to get better accordance between deduced slip rates by two methods with changing of boundary conditions and introducing some of geological slip rates as boundary conditions. Slip rates of other faults obtained by initial modeling were considered as boundary conditions for final modeling. These boundary conditions were changed by try and error to get close and close to geological slip rates such that the accommodation of model with GPS velocity field were retained and even get better too. Modeling results show that most of faults modeled slip rates are consistent with slip rates obtained by geological methods. The numerical results also show that most of strike slip faults in Iran are dextral. Regarding that final modeled slip rate for North Tabriz fault (6.4 mm/yr) is more than modeled slip rate for Main Recent Fault (2.2 mm/yr), the model shows that North Tabriz Fault is continuation of North Anatolian Fault in Iran.
K. Mohammadiha; M. Sabzehie; M. Ghahraie pour; J. Radfar
Abstract
A large widespread outcrop of granitoid - mylonitic gabbros complexes is observed in northeastern part of Serow, NW Iran. Those rocks were considered as Precambrian gneiss and metamorphic rocks (Haghipour and Aghanabati, 1977), or alternatively, a complex of acidic to basic igneous rocks which have undergone ...
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A large widespread outcrop of granitoid - mylonitic gabbros complexes is observed in northeastern part of Serow, NW Iran. Those rocks were considered as Precambrian gneiss and metamorphic rocks (Haghipour and Aghanabati, 1977), or alternatively, a complex of acidic to basic igneous rocks which have undergone intense deformation and dynamic metamorphism by shearing (Mohammadiha, 2000; Mohammadi Torkabad, 2001). The basic mylonitic rocks in the studied area are simply composed of plagioclase, hornblende, actinolite, chlorite, and epidote. They display minor remains of primary pyroxenes which are largely replaced by amphibole. Feldspars have been altered to epidote, and secondary plagioclase (more sodic) and roughly sericite. There are some gabbros with clastic and lentiform fabric which were not affected by dynamic deformation in the shear zone. Cataclastic flow, micro fracturing, dislocation creep, recovery, diffusion creep, grain boundary sliding and pressure dissolution are the dominant deformation mechanisms influenced the complexes. The consequent structures are foliation, lineation, undoluse extinction, porphyroclasts with core-mantle structure, micro fractures parallel and unparallel with brecciation, mechanical twining, mica fish structure, banded differentiated structure and kinked foliation. We conclude that the whole observed evidences demonstrate a major dynamic deformation in a brecciated zone in the studied area.
B. Vosooghi; A. Rastbood
Abstract
In this research, the role of various existing tectonic plate and faulting motions in the middle-east region has been investigated on the geodetic data and its purpose is to estimate the contribution of these motions in the GPS velocity field of campaign global geodynamic network in the region of Iran ...
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In this research, the role of various existing tectonic plate and faulting motions in the middle-east region has been investigated on the geodetic data and its purpose is to estimate the contribution of these motions in the GPS velocity field of campaign global geodynamic network in the region of Iran using fracture mechanics concepts and dislocation modeling. For modeling the faulting data in the Middle-East region were decomposed to various categories by considering the tectonics of the region and were included in the model and the induced velocity field due to them were modeled and compared with GPS velocity field. Obtained results show that the contribution of Arabian plate in observational GPS velocity field is more than the contribution of Anatolian plateau faultings and inside faultings of Iran create an internal north-south compression component and a counterclockwise rotation component in the modeled velocity field. According to modeling results about 30% of GPS velocity field components are produced by Iranian inside faults, 60% by Arabian plate and 10% by Anatolian plate.
H. A. Tajeddin; E. Rastad; A. Yagoubpour; M. Mohajjel
Abstract
Barika deposit is the first and only recognized gold (and silver) rich – massive sulfide deposit in Iran which is located at 18 km east of Sardasht city, north western part of Sanandaj-Sirjan metamorphic zone. Rock units outcropped in this area are volcano sedimentary metamorphosed rocks in green ...
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Barika deposit is the first and only recognized gold (and silver) rich – massive sulfide deposit in Iran which is located at 18 km east of Sardasht city, north western part of Sanandaj-Sirjan metamorphic zone. Rock units outcropped in this area are volcano sedimentary metamorphosed rocks in green schist facies, and include association of metaandesite, metatuffite, phyllite and slate rocks, among which the metaandesitic unit (KMv1) is host rock of the deposit. Ore mineral assemblages in stratiform part of the deposit, which contain massive and banded pyrite and barite associated with subordinary silica bands, are very variable in composition and consist of pyrite, sphalerite, galena, stibnite and a variety of sulfosalt minerals and electrum. Ore mineral assemblage in silicic veins in stringer zone, are simpler and consist of pyrite, galena, sphalerite, tetrahedrite and rare chalcopyrite. Average gold and silver grades in stratiform ore are 4.2 and 260 g/t respectively and in silica stringer veins are 0.7 and 30 g/t. Base metal content in both part of the deposit is less than 1%. Lithotectonic study and trace and rare earth elements diagrams associated with Ce/Pb and Nb/U ratios of the metavolcanic rocks in the deposit area indicate that the rocks were generated from a lithospheric mantle source in the active continental margin of the SSZ. A geochemical study of Barika deposit reveals that distribution patterns and correlation coefficient of ore elements in parts of the Barika stratiform ore and stringer zone are completely in correlation with an undeformed massive sulfide deposit. The geochemical documents indicate that despite the metamorphism and highly deformation on the deposit, the primary distribution patterns and proportion of the ore elements are well conserved, as geochemical characteristics of the Barika deformed deposit is as well as correlated with an undeformed gold- rich volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit. However there is clear textural evidence for remobilization of As, Sb, Ag and Pb minerals together with Au in Barika deposit, but, remobilized constituents of the ores do not appear to have moved beyond the margins of the ore bodies and primary metal zonation.
Yahya Djamour; S. Hashemi Tabatabaei; M. Sedighi; H. R. Nankali
Abstract
In previous decades, using traditional geodetic observations such as distance and angle measurements was prevalent in the earth surface displacement studies. After accessing to satellite positioning systems with a high precision ability such as GPS, we encountered to an upheaval in the earth surface ...
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In previous decades, using traditional geodetic observations such as distance and angle measurements was prevalent in the earth surface displacement studies. After accessing to satellite positioning systems with a high precision ability such as GPS, we encountered to an upheaval in the earth surface displacement studies. Indeed using temporal variations of the earth surface deformation, the seismotectonics of the area can be distinguished. Deformation modeling of the area can be accessed using the analyzing of repeated geodetic measurements. In Tehran area the earthquake studies is an important task and in this paper we are going to use GPS measurements for this field. Here 35 GPS stations cover whole of Tehran which consists North Tehran fault. These stations were occupied at least 2 annual epochs and some of them were measured more than 4 times. After processing the acquired data and analyzing the results, the velocity field was obtained. Deformation analysis of the velocity field shows a small left lateral movement about 0.5-2 mm/year and more or less the same value for shortening in the northern band Tehran area. This value is not constant along the northern band and it seems the eastern part where we reach the Mosha fault the deformation is more significant than western part. The observed rate is equal to a total movement of ~5km during 2.5-10 my which is consistent with geological studies carried out in this area.
R. Samanizadegan; M. Mohajjel
Abstract
The Ali Abad Damag granitoid is intruded in Triassic-Jurassic schists located 35km south of Hamadan, southeast of the Alvand batholith. Northeast-southwest oriented mylonitised Ali Abad Damag granitoid has been intruded into a strike-slip dextral ductile shear zone. Abundant deformed enclaves exist in ...
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The Ali Abad Damag granitoid is intruded in Triassic-Jurassic schists located 35km south of Hamadan, southeast of the Alvand batholith. Northeast-southwest oriented mylonitised Ali Abad Damag granitoid has been intruded into a strike-slip dextral ductile shear zone. Abundant deformed enclaves exist in this granitoid that all were strongly elongated along the main extension direction (X axis). The elongation of the enclaves is concordant with the strain rate and development of the mylonitic foliation and stretching lineation. Structural analysis of exposed rocks in this shear zone indicates that the mylonitic foliation is sub-vertical or steeply dipping to NW in the western half and shallowly to moderately dipping to the same direction in the eastern half, but the stretching lineation is sub-horizontal sub-parallel to the strike of the mylonitic foliation throughout the shear zone. Dextral strike-slip displacement is identified by the shear sense indicators. The change of foliation dip of the eastern half against the western part is interpreted by rotation along the NW-SE trending Darreh-Gar strike-slip fault.
Sh. Roohi; Y. Jamour
Abstract
Today, one of the main objectives of the geodesy is to identify the changes over time at the surface of the earth. It is critical to the design of the infrastructures to know these changes and to be able to predict their trends with time, as any ignorance could lead to incompensable losses ...
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Today, one of the main objectives of the geodesy is to identify the changes over time at the surface of the earth. It is critical to the design of the infrastructures to know these changes and to be able to predict their trends with time, as any ignorance could lead to incompensable losses to the society. One way to investigate and measure the changes is to establish permanent GPS stations and to process the time series data from the stations. The amplitude and mode of the periodic movements and the parameters of the linear movements can be investigated by the application of the maximum likelihood of the type and amplitude of the noises in the time series.
The noise analysis in time series allows the real changes recorded in any stations in the geodynamic network to be accurately measured. With the application of the measured parameters in the deformation equations, the changes in the crust of the earth can be appropriately interpreted. This research shows that the white and flicker noises in vertical components are more than those in the horizontal components. Without the application of noise analysis on time series, the estimated errors for the rate of changes in the geodynamic stations would be underestimated by 8 times.
F. Masoudi; M. Mohajjel; F. Shaker Ardekani
Abstract
The Zarrin area in the north of Ardekan is the part of Central Iran Zone. Some homogenous parts of Zarrin granite located in the shear zone changed to mylonites and ultramylonites. Microstructural evidence and deformation investigation show that chemical and structural changes occurred during the progressive ...
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The Zarrin area in the north of Ardekan is the part of Central Iran Zone. Some homogenous parts of Zarrin granite located in the shear zone changed to mylonites and ultramylonites. Microstructural evidence and deformation investigation show that chemical and structural changes occurred during the progressive deformation in mylonites. The most obvious chemical change is the noticeable decrease on Ti, Mg, Fe and P from mylonites to ultramylonites. Silica shows a slight increase in the mylonitic zone with progressive increase in modal quartz, but Al2O3 is nearly constant during the mylonitization. Because of decrease on feldspar porphyroclasts and feldspar grains in the matrix, compare to protomylonites, K2O decreases in mylonites. However, with relative increase on plagioclase, K-feldspar and epidote in the matrix, Ca, Na and K increase in ultramylonites. As a result of structural changes, quartz grains in weakly deformed protolith and protomylonite show recrystallization and sub grain. In a progressive deformation process, quartz in mylonites and ultramylonites reveals grain boundary migration in recrystallization. During the progressive deformation, K-feldspars become perthitic with fractures and plagioclases show kinking in their twins. With progress in deformation, recrystallization on K-felspar's margins and twins in plagioclase grains are formed. Based on structural evidence, temperature of 400ºC has been estimated for deformation in Zarrin area in protogranites and protomylonites. The temperature continuously increases up to 500ºC or more in green schist facies in the mylonites and ultramylonites.