Neotectonics of the Zanjan-Kazvin area, Central Iran: Left lateral strike‐slip induced restraining stepovers

Authors: MOOSARREZA TOORI, GÜROL SEYİTOĞLU

Abstract: The neotectonics of the Zanjan-Kazvin area are dominated by the region-wide E-W trending left lateral strike-slip faults. These faults create restraining and releasing stepovers indicating strain partitioning. Instead of the NW-SE trending long range-parallel continuous thrust faulting suggested in previous studies, this paper demonstrates that there are E-W trending range-crossing left lateral strike-slip faults creating short range-parallel thrust faults in the restraining stepovers. Establishing this strike-slip-induced structural style might contribute to an understanding of the nature of the Elburz (Alborz) Mountains located between the Central Iran and Caspian blocks.

Keywords: Neotectonics, Iran, Zanjan, earthquake, strike-slip fault

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