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Department of Geology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
10.22077/jt.2026.10831.1217
Abstract
The Zagros Fold–Thrust Belt, as a major component of the Arabia–Eurasia collision zone, represents one of the most tectonically active regions in Iran. Its southeastern boundary with the Makran subduction zone forms a complex transitional area characterized by rapid variations in stress regime and uplift rates. This study evaluates tectonic activity in the eastern Zagros using geomorphic indices and structural lineament analysis. A total of 119 mountain fronts and 66 drainage basins were analyzed using SRTM elevation data and the drainage network. Three geomorphic indices, including mountain front sinuosity (Smf), basin shape factor (Ff), and stream length–gradient index (SL), were computed. Structural lineaments were also extracted from Landsat 8 imagery to refine the location and orientation of major faults. The results indicate high tectonic activity across the eastern Zagros. Low Smf values and relatively straight mountain fronts reflect strong control by major thrusts such as the Main Zagros Thrust and the High Zagros Fault. The Ff values show that elongated basins (Ff < 0.17) are primarily located near active faults including Minab, Geno, Dehran, and Bashagard. The SL index exhibits a wide range, with maximum values exceeding 8000, indicating significant spatial variations in uplift and strong structural influence on drainage patterns. The integrated IAT results classify a large proportion of the basins within high to very high tectonic activity levels.
Mosaddeghzadeh,E and Nadimi,A . (2026). Assessment of Tectonic Activity in the Eastern Zagros Orogen Based on Morphotectonic Indices and Remote Sensing Evidence. (e3979). Journal of Tectonics, 8(29), e3979 doi: 10.22077/jt.2026.10831.1217
MLA
Mosaddeghzadeh,E , and Nadimi,A . "Assessment of Tectonic Activity in the Eastern Zagros Orogen Based on Morphotectonic Indices and Remote Sensing Evidence" .e3979 , Journal of Tectonics, 8, 29, 2026, e3979. doi: 10.22077/jt.2026.10831.1217
HARVARD
Mosaddeghzadeh E, Nadimi A. (2026). 'Assessment of Tectonic Activity in the Eastern Zagros Orogen Based on Morphotectonic Indices and Remote Sensing Evidence', Journal of Tectonics, 8(29), e3979. doi: 10.22077/jt.2026.10831.1217
CHICAGO
E Mosaddeghzadeh and A Nadimi, "Assessment of Tectonic Activity in the Eastern Zagros Orogen Based on Morphotectonic Indices and Remote Sensing Evidence," Journal of Tectonics, 8 29 (2026): e3979, doi: 10.22077/jt.2026.10831.1217
VANCOUVER
Mosaddeghzadeh E, Nadimi A. Assessment of Tectonic Activity in the Eastern Zagros Orogen Based on Morphotectonic Indices and Remote Sensing Evidence. Journal of Tectonics. 2026;8(29):e3979 (In Persian). doi: 10.22077/jt.2026.10831.1217