The Role of Izeh Transverse Fault Zone in Zagros, Iran

Abstract

In this work, kinematics of the Izeh fault zone as one of the major transverse faults in Zagros and its influence as younger deformation on the belt structure are analyzed. Izeh fault zone with 165 trend in Azimuth and right-lateral strike-slip kinematics, cross-cuts the High Zagros and the Folded Belt zones of Zagros fold-thrust belt. Surface deformation of Izeh fault zone on the cover sediments includes changes on the trend of the belt major structures and development of minor folds and faults that are developed independently or overprinted on the belt major structures. Detailed structural mapping showed the presence of five major restraining step-over zones between the mapped right lateral strike-slip en-echelon faults along the Izeh fault zone. Oblique convergence of the Arabian Plate with the Central Iran is the case for the reactivation of the fault zone and the surface deformations along it.