Post-collisional quaternary strike-slip tectonics controls the spatial distribution of lithium deposits in Iran

In this research, five lithium-bearing Iranian playas are first sampled ۷۹ brines for measuring the lithium content through the flame photometry method and then investigated in the tectonics aspect. These five salt lakes are Haj-Aligholi, Namak, east of Khur, Gawkhuni, and Sirjan, from north to south respectively, bounded by active strike-slip and transtension faults. Haj-Aligholi Salt Lake with a maximum of ۷۹ ppm Lithium content is structurally formed in the overlap of NE-SW-trending Mayamey-Damghan and Anjilu right-lateral faults in a pull-apart basin style. Namak lake with a maximum of ۵۴ ppm Lithium content is formed in southwestern footwall of NW-SE-trending Siahkuh fault. The East of Khur Salt Lake with a maximum of ۱۰۴ ppm Lithium content is formed along the NE-SW-trending right-lateral great Kavir fault. The Gawkhuni Salt Lake with a maximum of ۲۴۰ ppm lithium content is structurally formed in between the N-S-trending right-lateral transtensional East and West Gawkhuni faults. The Sirjan Salt Lake with a maximum of ۲۷ ppm lithium content is structurally formed in the eastern shoulder of the N-S-trending right-lateral transtensional Kheirabad fault. Worth noting that, those five lithium-bearing Iranian salt lakes that are shaped by active strike-slip faults spatially are located adjacent to the volcanic arcs which can be proposed as a possible source of lithium contents.