Abstract

Evaluating the fracture pattern in the vicinity of the Dahaghan Fault (southwest of Isfahan) using modern remote sensing methods. In the last three decades, digital satellite imagery has played a significant role in earth sciences and the identification of fracture structures. Our investigations were conducted at both centimeter and regional scales. The Dahaghan Fault, with a general NW‑SE trend, is one of the most important faults in the central part of the Sanandaj‑Sirjan structural zone. Studies carried out on satellite images, together with field observations, indicate a reverse thrust fault dipping towards the northwest along this fault zone. Most bedding planes are oriented northwest‑southeast. To evaluate the fracture pattern in the vicinity of this fault, By plotting the traces of bedding and fractures derived from the fracture lengths mapped in the fault vicinity, statistical graphs, including rose diagrams, have been utilised. The results are as follows: 1. The dominant strike of bedding is northwest‑southeast. 2. The strike of the bedding planes is consistent with the strike of the axial surfaces of the major folds in the region. 3. The fracture pattern based on length value shows east‑west, northwest‑southeast, and north‑south orientations. 4. The fracture pattern based on frequency value shows northwest‑southeast, east‑west, and north‑south orientations. 5. The majority of fractures have a northwest–southeast strike. The spatial location of springs in this region indicates their association with the local faults.