Possible influence of a major inferred fault on the occurrence of sinistral top-to-the NW deformation in the Zagros hinterland fold-and-thrust belt, Iran

Abstract

In the present study, fault slip data, the geometry of en-echelon vein arrays (tension gash), and pressure-solution seams (stylolites), in the northeastern margin of Fars Province were analyzed. The results of this study indicate that in the time of the development of these structures, the maximum principal (σ1) stress axes were generally horizontal and directed towards NE-SW and ENE-WSW. This general direction is compatible with the expected directions of σ1 stress axes responsible for the occurrence of the sinistral top-to-the NW ductile and brittle-ductile shear zones of the area. This compatibility suggests a long-lasting stable stress condition over a long period and different pressure/temperature conditions. This longstanding constant stress state can be interpreted as the result of the occurrence of a major strike-slip NW-SE trending fault in the NE of the Zagros Hinterland Fold-and-Thrust Belt. The dextral activities of the Main Zagros Thrust and this inferred fault, which are subparallel, might result in the sinistral topto-the NW deformation in the area between this fault, which we named it Abarkuh Fault and the Main Deep Fault. This inferred fault has been covered by Quaternary alluvium of the Abarkuh plain, but the great age difference of rock units of the Esteghlal Anticline and its northeastern rock exposures, and the significant change in topography between the Abarkuh plain and its southwestern mountains can be two consequences of the existence of this probable fault.