ANALYSIS OF FOLD-THRUST BELT GEOMETRY IN THE ZAGROS MOUNTAINS

Several interpretations over the development of the Zagros have been compiled to provide a better understanding of the evolution of the hydrocarbon enriched mountain belt. The fault zones are considered to be a major structural element of the belts in the area. Most of these fault zones separate the Zagros basins into different stratigraphic domains.

This highly elevated region extends through Iran (Iranian Plateau). The mountain ranges to about 990 miles in length and more than 150 miles wide. The highest point of elevation is Mount Dena (middle Zagros) which stands at 14,465 feet tall.

The ages of the rocks range from the lower Cambrian to Neogene. Most of the rocks that are situated there are limestone and shale. This range was caused from the subduction of the older Arabian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate during the Miocene to Pliocene time. The stress applied on the earth’s crust caused rapid folding of the existent sedimentary cover. Erosion later removed the softer rock (such as mudstone and siltstone) and left the harder sedimentary rock (limestone) that consisted of marine organisms. These events that took place produced distinct hydrocarbon traps which are an important factor in the oil development in the Persian Gulf.

Using remote sensing data, we will be able to map trends of faults and be able to distinguish the variability among different types of faults in the area. We will analyze the fold-thrust belt geometry and evaluate the role(s) of the strike-slip faults across the fold belts. Curvature and slope analysis will be used to examine the relationship between topography and folds to assess the extension component of deformation across the belt. Results from this study will be integrated to understand the development of structural (fold) petroleum traps.