Remote sensing and structural studies of the Central Asir Shear Zone, Western Arabian Shield: Implications for the late Neoproterozoic E-W Gondwana assembly

Abstract

The Central Asir Shear Zone (CASZ) is a N- to NNE-oriented inhomogeneous strain zone parallel to the Nabitah shear belt in southern Saudi Arabia. It is ~200 km long and 20 km wide, and traverses the Asir terrane. The deformed terrains in the vicinity of the CASZ have experienced a prolonged history involving three successive phases of deformation: arc-collision, dextral transpression and sinistral strike-slip faulting. Remote-sensing data analysis and field investigation provide insights into the geological and structural features along the CASZ. Image transformation and enhancement reveal faults and folds, and discriminate between granitoids, metavolcanics, gabbros and younger (Ablah Group) sediments. The obtained evidence points to polyphase deformation of the area, characterized by narrow zones of high strain, folding and shearing enclosing slices of less deformed rocks. Lineament analysis shows predominantly NNE, NNW, N and NE trends of folds and shear zones, and NW, NE and E fracture trends. The CASZ has a >100 m.y. long deformation history, including a change from dextral to sinistral shearing. Both shearing senses are found on the older N-S and younger NW-SE fault systems. N-S oriented shearing was accompanied by intrusion of granitoids and localized hydrothermal alteration along N to NNE trending shear zones. Strain analysis shows low strain in the Ablah basin sediments, consistent with Ablah deposition after the tectonic climax in the region.