Structural Characteristics of the Nodoushan Fault Zone and its Branches

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration of Iran, Khorramabad Center, Lorestan, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Tectonicsو Department of Geology, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran

3 Masters, Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

4 Department of Earthquake Research, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

The NW-SE Nodoushan fault zone with a length of ~80 km, as part of the Dehshir–Baft fault system, is considered one of the significant tectonic structures within the Central Iran structural zone. This study aims to provide fundamental data for seismic hazard and faulting risk assessment through geometric and kinematic analysis of the fault. Field investigations along the Nodoushan fault reveal that it has displaced and truncated young alluvial fan deposits. Trenching across the fault indicate that, despite its current instrumental seismic quiescence, the Nodoushan fault possesses considerable seismic potential and may generate large earthquakes in the future. Field observations identified several active subsidiary branches diverging from the Nodoushan fault, (including the Soorak, Ebrahim Sookhteh, Aliabad Soorak, and Ali Shafi faults), which show evidence of past earthquakes with varying mechanisms. The presence of travertine deposition, rock alteration, and disrupted alluvial fan sediments within the trenches, along with the ophiolite–mélange complex along the fault trace, all confirm both past and ongoing tectonic activity. The travertine formation, evidence of young ruptures in trenches, and the presence of a melange ophiolite complex along the Nodoushan fault confirm its past and present tectonic activity.

Keywords

Journal of Tectonics
Volume 7, Issue 27
November 2023
Pages 74-90

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