Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Graduate, Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Oceanography, Chabahar Maritime and Marine Sciences University, Chabahar, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran

Abstract

The north Makran ophiolite mélange, is located on the northern part of Makran accretionary wedge, southeast of Iran. In this study, we investigate geometry and kinematic properties of structural elements, and analyze the deformation style of the north Makran ophiolite mélange. Based on the results, at least, two stages of deformation were identified in north Makran ophiolite mélange. The first stage, which was accompanied by the development of extension structures, led to the formation of sheeted dykes in crust sequence of oceanic lithosphere. By restoration of these dykes to pre-deformation states, we assigned a SSW-NNE extensional regime that illustrates initial geometry of north Makran ophiolite mélange formed. The second stage, which was formed because of convergence in a compressional or transpressional regime, has been characterized by the development of various types of thrust and strike-slip faults, thrusting of rock units on top of each other and their duplication, and folding of sediment rocks. WNW-ESE thrust faults with 20 to 40 degrees dip toward NNE have the most important influence on current features of the north Makran ophiolite mélange, they reflect the conditions and process that the oceanic basin closed and oceanic lithosphere emplaced.

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References
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