Tectonic implication of geomorphometric analyses along the Saravan Fault: evidence of a difference in tectonic movements between the Sistan Suture Zone and Makran Mountain Belt

In this paper, remote sensing techniques,as well as field studies, have been used to investigate the geomorphological processes and landscape evolution along the Saravan Fault, SE Iran to highlight how topographic features were influenced by active tectonics. Quantitative geomorphic analysis was carried out using mountain-front sinuosity(Smf),valley floor width-valley height ratio(Vf), drainage basin asymmetry factor(Af), Hypsometric integral(Hi), drainage basin shape index(Bs), mean axial slope of channel(MASC), standard deviation of topography(STD) and index of active tectonic(Iat).Remote sensing techniques, as well as field studies revealed that the Saravan Fault have three parts trending N-S, NW-SE, and E-W. Obtained results show that basins with high Iat index are located at where the strike of the Saravan Faults changes and where several strike-slip faults are crossed the Saravan fault.

Documentation of the Sirjan Orocline in the southeast Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Iran

At the southeastern part of the SanandajSirjan Zone of Iran, a group of structural elements outline a large-scale arc curvature around a vertical axis. This curvature comprises several elongated structural elements and their dividing faults, axialfold traces, layering, and foliation. The most frequent lithological units include Paleozoic metamorphic rocks, Mesozoic-Paleogene sedimentary rocks, and Mesozoic magmatic-ophiolitic complex disposed in several anticlines and synclines, forming a horseshoeshaped structure with a 240-km arc length and a 90-km wavelength. We name this structure the Sirjan Orocline, and characterize this structure here through field observations and satellite image analyses. The Sirjan Orocline formed during the late EoceneOligocene related to the most significant deformation event after regional metamorphism. The final form of this structural arc is affected by a younger tectonic event that compressed and transected this structure.

Folded Radiolarite Unit as a Kinematic Indicator of the Zagros Collision Processes, Southwestern Iran

Radiolarites have an important role in the reconstruction of the paleogeography, bathymetry and their coexistence with ophiolites gives an opportunity to determine the tectonic his- tory of collisional zones. The radiolarite units of the southwestern Neyriz are part of the Zagros ac- cretionary prism and positioned beneath the thick bedded carbonate sediments of Tarbur Forma- tion. The existing various structural elements within this unit give a unique fortunate for investiga- tion on the deformation history and studying of the kinematics of the Zagros collision zone. The nu- merous evidence show that this unit has experienced different deformation conditions during ongo- ing evolution, including ductile, brittle-ductile and brittle deformation conditions. The main strike of E-W for axial planes of folds, eastward trend and plunge of fold axes, boudins＇ neck axes and Type III of the fold interference patterns are indicators of formation and evolution of folds during tran- spressional deformation. Structural evolution of the study area has been affected by an NE-dipping subduction zone of Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere below the Iranian microcontinents. These structural elements suggest that high mechanical anisotropy and two successive generations of fold- ing simultaneously with thrusting and extrusion of this unit had led to formation and evolution of this highly asymmetrical folded unit on top of the subducted oceanic crust.