The long‐term evolution of the Doruneh Fault region (Central Iran): A key to understanding the spatio‐temporal tectonic evolution in the hinterland of the Zagros convergence zone

Abstract

A better understanding of intraplate deformation requires the knowledge of the space–time scales involved in its development and to decipher possible links with the dynamic evolution of the plate boundaries. Central Iran provides an ideal test site to approach this scientific issue, since it is characterised by a prolonged history of Mesozoic–Cenozoic intraplate deformation that has been interfering with the spatio‐temporal re‐organization of the Zagros convergence zone along the Eurasia plate boundary. This study focus on the Doruneh Fault (DF) region that is considered as the northern mechanical boundary of the Central East Iranian Microcontinent. By combining field investigations with apatite low‐temperature thermochronology, we present a revised tectono‐stratigraphic scenario for the DF region, typified by a punctuated history of fault‐related exhumation, burial and cooling history back to the Upper Cretaceous. When framed at regional scale, these results attest that the Zagros convergence zone, and its hinterland domain were fully mechanically coupled since ca. 40–35 Ma, a time lapse that is here referred as to the onset of continental collision along the Arabia–Eurasia plate boundary. In this scenario, the DF region operated throughout the Cenozoic as a major zone of residual stress accommodation and transfer in the hinterland domain of the Zagros convergence zone. Results of this study also suggest that the tectonic evolution along the Arabia–Eurasia plate boundary was modulated by the plate‐boundary dynamics and by the modes of tectonic reactivation of the intracontinental weak zones of Central Iran and at its tectonic boundaries.

Plio-Quaternary tectonic evolution of the southern margin of the Alboran Basin (Western Mediterranean)

“…(Fig. 15a to 15c), as demonstrated elsewhere (Koyi et al, 2016;Tadayon et al, 2018). Vertical axis rotations favor a progressive change from transpressive to more purely compressive.…”

Neogene Tectono‐Stratigraphic Evolution of the Intermontane Tarom Basin: Insights Into Basin Filling and Plateau Building Processes Along the Northern Margin of the Iranian Plateau (Arabia‐Eurasia Collision Zone)

“…Topographic growth should have also occurred along the western Alborz Mountains, although it should be noted that the northern sectors of the range must have represented a topographic barrier between Central Iran and the Caspian Sea since the early Eocene as suggested by the spatial distribution of Karaj Formation (Figure 1; Guest, Axen et al., 2006). The post 38‐36 Ma contractional deformation and associated erosional cooling may represent the earliest stages of late Eocene‐early Oligocene collisional deformation recorded across the entire Arabia‐Eurasia collision zone from the Zagros to the Caucasus, Talesh, Alborz and Kopeh Dagh mountains (Ballato et al, 2011, 2015; Morley et al., 2009; Mouthereau et al., 2012; Rezaeian et al., 2012; Roberts et al., 2014; Tadayon et al., 2018; S. J. Vincent et al., 2007). Sedimentation resumed not later than 16.2 Ma (see next section), therefore between 38 and 36 Ma and not later than 16.2 Ma, the Tarom Basin must have experienced erosion and nondeposition in association with external drainage conditions (Figure 14a).…”

answer to the referee 2

“…From analogue model experiments, oblique fold patterns occurred in transpressive/strike-slip shear zones (Richard, 1991). The amount of rotation evolves through time if a function of the mode of transpression (pure/simple shear, Fossen et al, 1994), as demonstrated elsewhere (Tadayon et al, 2018). In figure 15, we draw the simplified fold axis to help the reader.…”