Tectonic process analysis in zagros mountain with the aid of drainage networks and topography maps dated 1950–2001 in gis

Abstract

In this study, a digital elevation model was usedfor hydrological study/watershed management, topography,geology, tectonic geomorphology, and morphometric analysis.Geographical information system provides a specializedset of tools for the analysis of topography, watersheds,and drainage networks that enables to interpret the tectonicactivities of an area. The drainage system maps of ZagrosMountains in southwest Iran have been produced usingmulti-temporal datasets between 1950 and 2001 to establishthe changes between geomorphic signatures and geomorphicaspect during time and to correlate them with recentneo-tectonics. This paper discusses the role of drainage forinterpreting the scenario of the tectonic processes as one ofimportant signatures. The study shows variation in drainagenetwork derived from topography maps. Thus, changes indrainage pattern, stream length, stream gradient, and thenumber of segment drainage order from 1950 to 2001indicate that Zagros Mountain has been subjected to recentneo-tectonic processes and emphasized to be a newly activezone.