Tectonics
Hamid Nazari; Jean-Francois Ritz; Ara Avagyan
Abstract
The Alborz mountain range accommodates some of the convergence between Central Iran and Eurasia. At present, the kinematics of the range involves a strain partitioning mechanism, and is associated with clockwise rotation of the South Caspian Basin. left-lateral strike-slip faulting is present along the ...
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The Alborz mountain range accommodates some of the convergence between Central Iran and Eurasia. At present, the kinematics of the range involves a strain partitioning mechanism, and is associated with clockwise rotation of the South Caspian Basin. left-lateral strike-slip faulting is present along the entire of its central part, while reverse faulting is affects its northern and southern borders. Several slip-rate studies have been carried out along active faults in the internal and southern parts of the range. Our analysis provides new constraints on the activity of this important active thrust fault. We show that the fault generally is a hidden thrust fault, often associated with fault-bend and fault-propagation folds (forebergs). In the central part of the fault near Chamestan, radiocarbon dating on an old elevated terrace allows estimating the minimum vertical slip of 2.0± 0.5 mm / year. Considering a 34 degree slope for the fault, the minimum horizontal slip rate will be 3 mm/yr and the minimum slip rate along the fault plane will be up to 3.6 mm / year. Our results confirm that the Khazar Fault is a major active structure in northern Iran, and represents a significant seismic hazard for the entire Central Alborz region.
Tectonics
Mohamad Reza Sajadian; Manouchehr Ghorashi; Elahe Javadi Mosavi; Mohsen Pourkermani; Mehran Arian
Volume 28, Issue 110 , December 2018, , Pages 299-306
Abstract
Geomorphic indices of active tectonics are useful tools to analyze the influence of active tectonics. These indices have the advantage of being calculate from ArcGIS and remote sensing packages over large area as a reconnaissance tool to identify geomorphic anomalies possibly related to active tectonics. ...
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Geomorphic indices of active tectonics are useful tools to analyze the influence of active tectonics. These indices have the advantage of being calculate from ArcGIS and remote sensing packages over large area as a reconnaissance tool to identify geomorphic anomalies possibly related to active tectonics. This is particularly valuable in west-central Alborz where relatively little work on active tectonics based on this method was done, so this method is new and useful. Based upon values of the stream length-gradient index (SL), drainage basin asymmetry (Af), hypsometric integral (Hi), ratio of valley-floor width to valley height (Vf), index of drainage basin shape (Bs), index of mountain front sinuosity (Smf) and transverse topographic symmetry factor (T), we used an overall index (Iat) that is a combination of the other indices. The low class of Iat are mainly in the sub-basins no; 6, 10,13,14,21,22,23,24,28 and the rest of the study area has moderate tectonic activities in the other sub-basins. Our results show that he moderate value has located along faulted area, which shows 2 class of relative tectonic activity.
R. Gholipour; A. Solgi; Y. Sattarzadeh-Ghadim; A. Sorbi
Abstract
Geomorphic indices of active tectonics are useful tools to analyze of the active tectonics in a large area. These indices have the advantage of being calculate from the software and remote sensing packages over large area as a reconnaissance tool to identify geomorphic anomalies possibly related to active ...
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Geomorphic indices of active tectonics are useful tools to analyze of the active tectonics in a large area. These indices have the advantage of being calculate from the software and remote sensing packages over large area as a reconnaissance tool to identify geomorphic anomalies possibly related to active tectonics. This is particulary valuable in Ajichai basins where relatively little work on active tectonics based on this method was done, so this method is new and useful. Based upon valuable of the stream length-gradient index(SL), drainage basins asymmetry(Af), hypsometric integral (Hi), ratio of valley-floor width to valley height (Vf), drainage basins index shape (Bs), and index of mauntain front sinuosity (Smf), we used an overall index (Iat), that is a combination of the other indices that divides the landscape into four classes of relative tectonic activity. The moderate class of Iat is mainly in the class 2 (high), with 1045.46 Km2 ,11.26 percent, class 3 (moderate), with 2940.67 Km2 ,31.67 percent and with 5297.30 Km2 ,57.06 percent occupying of all zone. The stream network asymmetry (T) was also studied using morphometric measures of Transverse Topographic Symmetry. Analysis of the drainage basins and sub-basins in the study area results in a field of T-vectors that defines anomalous zone of the basins asymmetry. A comparison of T index clearly consist with the values and classes of active tectonics indices and the overall Iat index.
J Ehsani; M Arian; M Ghorashi
Abstract
This paper aims at evaluating relative active tectonics in the Jarahi-Hendijan drainage basin based on geomorphic indices. Indices used include: stream length-gradient index (SL), drainage basin asymmetry (Af), hypsometric integral (Hi), ratio of valley-floor width to valley height (Vf), index of drainage ...
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This paper aims at evaluating relative active tectonics in the Jarahi-Hendijan drainage basin based on geomorphic indices. Indices used include: stream length-gradient index (SL), drainage basin asymmetry (Af), hypsometric integral (Hi), ratio of valley-floor width to valley height (Vf), index of drainage basin shape (Bs), and index of mountain front sinuosity (Smf). Results from the analyses were combined to achieve an index of relative active tectonics (Iat), which is divided into four classes implying relatively low to very high tectonic activity. The study area is located across the Zagros Mountains belt (high Zagros, folded belt, and frontal lowlands) in southwest Iran, and comprises an ideal location to test the concept of an index to predict relative tectonic activity on a basis of area rather than a single valley or mountain front. Recent investigations show that neotectonism has played a key role in the geomorphic evolution of this part of the Zagros ranges. Geomorphic indices indicate the presence of differential uplifting in the geological past. Higher values of Iat (low tectonic activity) mainly occur in the southwest of the Jarahi- Hendijan drainage basin, while the rest of the study area falls into classes of Iat that indicate moderate to high tectonic activity. Baghmalek and Takhtderaz sub-basins show the highest values of relative tectonic activity. The distribution of this index defines areas associated with different faults and relative rates of tectonic activity. Nearly 40% of the study area is classified into Classes 1 and 2 implying very high to high tectonic activity, and 37% is grouped as Class 4, which is taken to indicate low tectonic activity. Areas of higher relative tectonic activity represent lower Iat values.
M Sarhangi; A Solgi; A Sorbi; B Fayyazi; Sh Soltani
Abstract
In this paper, the relative active tectonics of the Mordaq-Chai basin has been discussed according to the geomorphic indices using Global Mapper software. The calculated indices are as follows: stream length–gradient index (SL), hypsometric integral (Hi), ratio of valley floor width to valley height ...
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In this paper, the relative active tectonics of the Mordaq-Chai basin has been discussed according to the geomorphic indices using Global Mapper software. The calculated indices are as follows: stream length–gradient index (SL), hypsometric integral (Hi), ratio of valley floor width to valley height (Vf), index of drainage basin shape (Bs),index of mountain front sinuosity (Smf), asymmetry factor (AF), and transverse index of basin topographic symmetry (T). Using above indices results, led to calculation of relative tectonic activity index (Iat).The results show that the Mordaq-Chai basin’s relative tectonic activity index falls into two groups: the first one includes the areas around the Sahand volcano crater (upper part of sub-basin one) and the Goshayesh Valley (upper part of sub-basin three), both of which have high levels of relative tectonic activity. The second one includes high lands located at northern part of the Maragheh fault towards the Kordeh-Deh village (sub-basins one and two), the opening of the Mordaq-Chai river into the Malekan plain (from the Ekiz village to the Sheikh-o-eslam village in central of sub-basin 3) and the southern portion of the Sahand Volcano’s crest (central part of sub-basin one), which all have moderate levels of relative tectonic activity.
S Alimardan; Sh Solaymani Azad; M Ghorashi; M.R Ghorashi; B Oveisi; A Hatami
Abstract
Due to urban population growth in recent decades and the need for decentralization of cities with limited facilities and increasing marginalization in the larger cities, construction of new cities around large towns has been considered by decision makers to develop a plan to create new cities around ...
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Due to urban population growth in recent decades and the need for decentralization of cities with limited facilities and increasing marginalization in the larger cities, construction of new cities around large towns has been considered by decision makers to develop a plan to create new cities around these towns. One of the most important parameters for the construction of new population centers is seismotectonic studies. Hashtgerd New Town in southern slopes of the Alborz (located 65 km northwest of Tehran) is located on the uplifted deposits of the Plio-Quaternary. Vertical tectonic movements in the range caused the height difference of about 300 m between Hashtgerd and its southern plain elevations. Due to the emplacement of the city on the uplifted Plio-Quaternary deposits, and the lack of information about the causative active fault in this region, an attempt has been made to investigate the morphotectonic characteristics of the area on the basis of survey satellite image, aerial photo, digital elevation model, and field observations. In the present study, an active fault zones with NW-SE trends has been identified with oblique-slip movements (compression with left-lateral strike-slip component). The N-NE stress direction, in regards to the abovementioned trend is oblique, and hence, the result could be a transpressional regime for the area. Recognition of mentioned active faults is very important for earthquake hazard assessment studies for the new town.
V. Hosseini toudeshki; M. Pourkermani; M. Arian; Kh. Khosrotehrani
Abstract
Rivers are the most important landforms on the ground whose analysis is known as a useful tool in tectonic surveys in several thousands to two million years ago. The Ghezel Ozan River, the longest river system in the country, has responded to tectonic deformation thoroughly. Detection and characterization ...
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Rivers are the most important landforms on the ground whose analysis is known as a useful tool in tectonic surveys in several thousands to two million years ago. The Ghezel Ozan River, the longest river system in the country, has responded to tectonic deformation thoroughly. Detection and characterization of geomorphic anomalies in the Ghezel Ozan River and correlation with structures can specify the role of structures in making active deformations. The intense and sudden deflection in the river course, the abnormal changes in the river sinuosity and knick points upon longitudinal profile of the river are the geomorphic anomalies connected to the structures. Deflection of the river course and abnormal changes in the river sinuosity are identified on the satellite images and approved through field observations. Knick points are specified upon longitudinal profiles of the river and the effects of lithology are surveyed in making of them٫ so that only knick points are considered which are produced by structures. Longitudinal profiles of the river have been obtained from digital elevation model. Above mentioned anomalies then have been correlated with structures extracted from geology maps and in this manner structures effective in making geomorphic anomalies have been identified. The study region is located in Sanandaj – Sirjan, Centeral Iran and Western Alborz zones. Around the Ghezel Ozan River, marl, sandstone, siltstone, limestone, tuff, agglomerate and volcanic rocks are extremely exposed. These rocks belong to Qom, Upper Red, Lower Red and karaj formations. Deflection of the Ghezel Ozan River is surveyed in the regions of Kuh-e-Palangi, Jelovdarlou, Cham and Yengejeh. Abnormal changes in river sinuosity is studied in regions of Jomaelou, Gol gheshlagh, Armoutlou, Kuh-e-Qaravol, Ghaflankuh and Kuh-e-Pajdar. In the regions of Sharif Abad, Iemir, Kuh-e-Qaravol and Kuh-e-Pajdar, knick points are specified upon longitudinal profile of the Ghezel Ozan River. The obtained results show that folds with trends of NW – SE and NE – SW have the highest influence on deflection of the course of the Ghezel Ozan River. The other geomorphic anomalies produced by faults with trends of NW–SE , NE – SW, N-S and E-W especially in instances that faults with trends of NW – SE and NE – SW have intersected. Thus, the most active structural trends in around of the Ghezel Ozan River are trends of NW–SE, NE – SW, N-S and E-W which correlate with trends of fractures in basement of Iran. In this way active folds and faults are identified in the area.
R. Sharifi Najafabadi; M. Moairy; H. A. Ghayoor; H. Safaei; A. Seif
Abstract
One of The important subjects about Zagros mountain range is the lack of coordination between its drainages and geologic structure. This subject on Zayandehrood drainage system has become one of the most challenging discussions and three different theories have been proposd . To remove these disagreements ...
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One of The important subjects about Zagros mountain range is the lack of coordination between its drainages and geologic structure. This subject on Zayandehrood drainage system has become one of the most challenging discussions and three different theories have been proposd . To remove these disagreements and to achieve a general conclusion, this basin and two basins of Azna and Kakolestan at a distance of 62 and 85 km form its north east limit were studied exactly in library and in the field. With referrer to different evidence obtained from the condition of river terraces, lake sediments and fossils, cirques and glacial sediments and active tectonic, it may be concluded that during Pliocene the Zagros drainages have been flowing toward Persian Gulf, but this drainages have been trapped because of the activity of Main Recent Fault at late this period or Early Pleistocene and formed some lakes. Later as the result of some processes that most of them have been of tectonic origin, the bed of these lakes were disintegrated and the water stream was flowed in Kakolestan and Azna’s basins at the previous direction and in Zayandehrood basin at the revers direction.
M. Abdideh; M. Qorashi; K. Rangzan; M. Aryan
Abstract
This paper present a new method for evaluating relative active tectonics based on morphometric indices useful in evaluating morphology and topography. Indices used include: Bifurcation ratio (BR), Basin Relief (Bh), Drainage Density (DD), Ruggedness number (Rn), Stream frequency (Fu), Form Factor (FF), ...
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This paper present a new method for evaluating relative active tectonics based on morphometric indices useful in evaluating morphology and topography. Indices used include: Bifurcation ratio (BR), Basin Relief (Bh), Drainage Density (DD), Ruggedness number (Rn), Stream frequency (Fu), Form Factor (FF), Shape Factor (Ll), Sinuosity (Sl) and Elongation ratio (Re) of drainage basin. Results from the analysis are accumulated and expressed as an index of relative active tectonics, which we divide to from relatively low to highest tectonic activity. The study area in the central Zagros fold – thrust belt of the south western Iran is an ideal location to test the concept of an index to predict relative tectonic activity on a basis of area rather than river system or mountain front. The study area has variable rates of active tectonics resulting from the collision between the continental Arabian plate and the so – called Iranian block belonging to Eurasia that has produced linear NW – SE anticline forms and thrusts. We test the hypothesis that areas of known, relatively high rates of active tectonics are associated with indicative value index of relative active tectonics.