Relative tectonic activity classification in the Kermanshah area, western Iran

Abstract

Due to the closing of the subduction zone and the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates, the High Zagros region has always been affected by a wide range of tectonic variations. In this research, the Gharasu River basin, which is located in the Kermanshah area, was selected as the study area, six geomorphic indices were calculated, and the results of each one were divided into three classes. Then, using the indices, relative tectonic activity was calculated, and their values were classified and analysed in four groups. Regions were identified as very high, high, moderate and low. In analysing the results and combining them with field observations and regional geology, the results were often associated and justified with field evidence. The highest value is located on the Dokeral anticline in the crush zone in Zagros. Most of the areas with high and moderate values of Index of Active Tectonics (IAT) are also located in the crush zone in Zagros. Crushing in this zone is because of the main fault mechanism of the Zagros region. The result in this paper confirms previous research in this region. At the eastern end of the study area, the value of Iat is high, which could be the result of the Sarab and Koh-e Sefid fault mechanisms.