Morpho-tectonic study of Zagros structural belt of SW Iran using remote sensing techniques

Abstract

The morphotectonics of Zagros Structural Belt (ZSB) of SW Iran has been controlled by collision tectonics of the Arabian and Iranian plates. Morphotectonically ZSB has been distinguished into four lithotectonics units namely, Imbricate Zone (IZ), Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SSZ), Zagros Folded Belt (ZFB) and Molasses Cover Sequence (MCS). The collision generated morphogeny and vertical tectonics in ZSB. The opening of the Red Sea has contributed to vertical tectonics @ 1 mm/year, and during the last 4–5 million years a relief of about 4 km has been generated in ZSB which resulted in development of erosional cycles. The Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SSZ) and Imbricate Zone (IZ) became positive tectonic topography with opening of Red Sea. The exogenic geomorphic processes resulted in the erosion and SSZ was exhumed to lower level than IZ. The ZFB and MCS underwent vertical tectonics @ 1 mm/year. The Neo-tectonism is expressed as anomalous drainage and compressed meanders in MCS. The humid cycles (?) during the Quaternary period resulted in fluvial erosion and cuesta, hogbacks, structural and erosional hills and valleys were carved in ZSB in Iran. The NW-SE tectonic trend of ZFB has determined the morphotectonics and the geomorphic grain of ZSB of in SW Iran.