AN OVERVIEW OF THE TETHYAN EVOLUTION IN IRAN CONSIDERING THE GEODYNAMIC ENVIRONMENTS OF LARGE GOLD DEPOSITS

Since gold deposits form in different geodynamic environments and by different mechanisms and processes, large gold deposits are classified into six world class types, understanding changes in the tectonic regime and evolution of geodynamic cycles can contribute to our better understand of the history of the Tethyan evolution in Iran. Moreover, considering the features of the environment in which gold deposits form; the study of structural zones of Iran and types of gold deposits in each zone, can illustrate the geodynamic evolution of the crust in the mentioned zone. Reviewing previous studies, existing data, and our investigations on gold geotectonics and processes depositing in the Sanandaj-Sirjan, Azerbaijan, Urmieh-Dokhtar, East Iran and Central Iran structural zones indicate that almost all world class types of gold deposits are found in Iran. We have tried to evaluate the stages and processes of Tethys evolution to large gold type in Iran, based on analysis of each zone, considering geodynamic characteristics for the deposits to form, as well as their age (if data is available) and comparing it with existing models. Accordingly, by analyzing the tectonic environments and mechanism of gold depositing, modeling of crustal evolution was made possible and vice versa the modeling of crustal evolution could help us to better exploration of gold deposits.