Assessment and Modeling of the Darang Fault as the terminus segment of the Kazerun Fault Zone in the Zagros foreland folded Belt, Iran

The Kazerun Fault Zone (KFZ) is one of the seismically active zones of the Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt(ZFTB) in Iran. The ZFTB results from the collision between the Arabian Plate and the continental central Iranian block. Pre-existing basement faults in the ZFTB have played a significant role in the evolution of the belt. Field studies, and seismic profiles were used to assess the Darang fault mechanism. The Darang fault as the terminus segment of the KZF. Our analysis indicates that the northern part of the Darang fault (NNE-SSW trending), as a dextral strike-slip fault, has a compressional component, while the southern part is a strike-slip with a normal throw component. With a tectonic model, the operation of the Darang fault and its effect on the environment was shown. The model indicates that in the southern part of the fault, due to release action (releasing bend) triggered the rise of the Jushak salt diapir and generated pathways for volatile hydrocarbons from the existing reservoirs to escape. In contrast, the compressive action (restraining bend) in the northern part of the Darang fault has caused the formation of the Khartang anticline. The existence of leakage of gas, oil, bitumen, gypsum, and sour sulfur springs and the presence of dry wells in the study area confirmed this view.

کلیدواژه ها:

Kazerun Fault Zone ، Darang Fault ، Tectonics Model ، Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt ، Iran.