Determination and Structural Analysis of the Lahijan Transverse Fault in Forestall Region of Alborz

International Journal of Remote Sensing Applications Volume 3 Issue 4, December 2013 doi: 10.14355/ijrsa.2013.0304.06

www.ijrsa.org

Determination and Structural Analysis of the Lahijan Transverse Fault in Forestall Region of Alborz Mountains, Iran: A Geospatial Application Hojjat Ollah Safari1*, Mohammad Reza Ghassemi2, Raana Razavi-Pash3 *1,3Geology Department, College of Sciences, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran, 2

Research Institute of Earth Sciences, Geological Survey of Iran, Meraj Avenue, Azadi Square, Tehran, Iran

*1

safari.ho@gmail.com; 2 ghassemi.m.r@gmail.com; 3Ranarazavi@ymail.com

Abstract The Lahijan fault zone (LFZ) is a transverse fault placed in a Forestall area of western Alborz Range, and cuts across this fold-thrust belt along the Sepid-rud valley. The results were later completed with field investigations. Analysis of the results of Geoinformatics Techniques (GiT) helped us to determine the limits and kinematics of the main fault zone and other related faults. The results showed that LFZ with N55E general strike, 90 km length and 30 km width extend from Sepid-rud dam to the Lahijan city. This fault zone, as a transversal fault, truncated and offset the western part of Alborz fold-thrust belt and thus, caused many structural complexities in this region. The results of structural investigations showed that LFZ was established as a leftlateral strike-slip fault zone. Several fault trends are generated by this tectonic regime.

Keywords Alborz Fold-thrust belt; GiT, Left-lateral Strike-slip Fault; Geometrical and Kinematic Analyses

Introduction The Alborz Mountain ranges extends between the Talesh Mountains, in the west, to the Kopet-Dagh Mountains in the east (Djamour et al. 2010; Radjaee et al. 2010; Ritz et al. 2006; Allen et al. 2003b; Berberian& Yeats 2001) (Fig. 1). Active faulting, recent volcanism and high surface elevations are important characteristics of this area (Sadid khouy et al. 2006; Safari & Gholami 2011). This Orogenic belt with ~100 km width and ~650 km length is branch of the AlpineHimalayan Orogenic belt, formed as V-shape foldthrust belt due to collision of Eurasian plate with Iranian micro-plate along the several Orogenic phases (Sadid khouy et al. 2006; Allen et al. 2003a; Jackson et al. 2002; Stocklin 1974). The V-shaped pattern of Alborz ranges was formed by activity of numerous

faults with strike mainly parallel to this mountain range (Berberian 1983). A recent global positioning system (GPS) study showed that N-S shortening across the Alborz occurs at 5 ± 2 mm/yr and that the left-lateral shear across the overall belt has a rate of 4 ± 2 mm/yr (Djamour et al. 2010). The N-S convergence of Alborz-central Iran coupled with the south-west ward motion of the South Caspian Basin (respect to central Iran) leads to a NNE-SSW transpression regime in Alborz. The detailed analysis of the geological structures (Allen et al. 2003a; Ritz et al.

2006) showed that the overall oblique left-lateral motion across the Alborz is thought to be partitioned onto separate strike-slip and thrust faults, both parallel to the trend of the belt (Tatar et al. 2007).

This fold-thrust belt is divided into three parts, composed of western, central and eastern zones. These zones are separated by major morphotectonic features.

Many Tear faults truncate this mountain range. These transverse tear faults, as lateral ramps, facilitated the N-S movements of different thrust bodies in the foldthrust belt.

One of these transverse faults is probably the Lahijan fault zone (LFZ) that is located in a Forestall area of Gilan province in Northern Iran. Unfortunately, the large part of this fault zone is covered by forested areas. It seems that this covered fault zone, as a tear fault, truncated the western Alborz along the Sepidrud valley. The Sepid-rud is the only river to cross the Alborz from central Iran to the Caspian (Jackson et al.

2002). LFZ was firstly determined after the Rudbar– Tarom earthquake (20 June 1990 Mw= 7.3) (Berberian et al. 1992; Sarkar et al. 2003) and probably extended from the near of Sepid-rud Dam, (near the 1990 Rudbar–Tarom earthquake epicenter) to the Lahijan

215

www.ijrsa.org

International Journal of Remote Sensing Applications Volume 3 Issue 4, December 2013

area in northern coast of the Caspian Sea (Figure 1).

This fault zone truncated and offset the Caspian (Khazar) fault (as collision zone between EurasianCentral Iranian micro-plate) along the Sepid-rud in Lahijan area (Vahdati-Danshmand et al. 2007; Vahdati-Danshmand et al. 2006).

In this research, LFZ is selected as case study of a transverse tear fault which is covered by forestalls areas. Firstly, we attempted to determine the length and width of this fault zone by using Remote sensing (RS) techniques. Then, with other Geoinformatic techniques, such as field investigations, GIS and statistical structural analysis methods, the first-order faults of this zone were distinguished and analyzed.

Finally, the kinematics of LFZ was studied.

Methodology Data Inputs Data inputs were categorized into two sets Available data, Remote sensing data and field data was obtained.

The contents of these data consist of: 1) Available Data The available data were: a- analogue and digital geology maps of Anzali, Rasht, Rudbar, Langrud, Jirandeh and Javaher-deh areas at a scale of 1/100000 and digital topography maps at a scale of 1/50000

2) Remote Sensing Data This data was Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) scene, path/row 166/34.

3) Field Data These data consist of collected structural and stratigraphic data Surface Geology Study Spatial investigations are composed of the interpretation of the Landsat ETM+ image, field investigations and developed geological and structural maps. Satellite images were geometrically corrected using ground control points. A Pseudo-color 7-4-1 (RGB) band composition was developed in Envi 3.4 software. A Convolution High-pass Filter technique was applied to the image to increase the ability of the analyst for recognizing the different litho-type rocks and then, an 11Ă—11 kernel size was used to enhance the litho-unit contacts by Envi 3.4 software (Ali & Pirasteh 2004; Pirasteh et al. 2010). Following, the rock units were distinguished by this remote sensing technique and then, controlled by field investigations.

Finally, the digital geological map of the study area was prepared in GIS environment by Arcview 3.2 software. On screen digitization was then applied to generate a digital map in this software.

FIGURE 1 ENHANCED AND CORRECTED ETM SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWN THE TECTONIC SETTING OF STUDY AREA

216

International Journal of Remote Sensing Applications Volume 3 Issue 4, December 2013

www.ijrsa.org

FIGURE 2 GEOLOGICAL MAP OF STUDY AREA.

The roads, drainage, residential areas have been extracted from analogue topographic maps and a further digitization process has been done. All of the prepared data were introduced to a GIS environment and then overlaid with different layers and further, the digital geological map of the study area was designed (Figure 2).

Extraction of Structural Features In this research, the considerable structural features consisted of faults, lineaments and large scale joints.

Due to visional extraction of these forestall cover structures, four directional-filters with strikes N-S, N45, N90 and N135 were applied on the corrected and enhanced Pseudo-color image. The recognition criteria of structural features in filtered images consisted of: abrupt truncating and offsetting of geological features such as bedding, alignment and or elongation of geological features, abrupt truncating and offsetting of morphological features such as drainages and channels, straight trend of morphological features such as long sharp scarps, abrupt change of topography and other linearity shown in image.

In this procedure, by controlling location of extracted lineaments in non-filtered image, we can differentiate these features from other pseudo-linear features such as roads, rivers and other artificial structures. Thus, the linear structures were extracted by Remote Sensing (RS) techniques (Figures 3A to 3D).

In addition, the linear structures extracted by exerting

different directional filters, were integrated in form of a unique image. The extracted linear structures, such as faults, lineaments and large scale joints, were surveyed and controlled by field investigations in 50 locations (in 8 areas and/or main stations). Finally, these structural features are converted into a GIS format (such as linear digitized vector layer) to generate a digital structural map of the study area (Figure 4).

Preparation of 3D-sketch of Study Area The digital topography maps at the scale 1:25,000 of the study area were used for the generation of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with contour interval 20 meter. The spatial data were entered into Arcview version 3.2 and then the DEM was prepared on the basis of inverse distance weighting (IDW) method of interpolation. By using of GIS abilities, the geometrically corrected and filtered pseudo color image was overlaid on the DEM of the study area and the 3D-sketch was prepared (Pirasteh et al. 2011; Safari et al. 2011). Finally, the fault data layers were plotted on this 3D-sketch in GIS environment. With obvious control of this 3D-sketch, the limits and strike of LFZ were determined (Figure 5).

Study of the Major and Minor Faults The characteristic of major and minor faults, such as: strike, dip, dip-direction, rake and rake directions, were measured in the field investigations. Then, the general trend of faults, structural relationship and 217

www.ijrsa.org

International Journal of Remote Sensing Applications Volume 3 Issue 4, December 2013

their kinematics were determined by using of different analysis methods such as Rose Diagram (Geometrical method), main fault calculations (investigation of structural relationship) and P (Pressure)-axes calculations (Kinematic analysis), To complete the structural map, all calculated data were prepared as diagram digital data layer and overlaid on fault trends in GIS environment (Figure 6).

the study area (Table 1) which were exhibited in the prepared geological map (Figure 2), and consisted of:

General Stratigraphy

e- Detritic limestone of Tizkuh Formation (Cretaceous)

Seven types of rock formations were distinguished in

f- Tuff series of Karaj Formation (Eocene).

a- Carboniferous Phyllites, quartzite and thick-bedded limestone of Dorud Formation (Lower Permian) b- Limestone of Ruteh formation (Upper Permian) c- Lahijan Granites and Granitoids (Triassic) d- Shale and sandstone of Shemshak Formation (Jurassic)

FIGURE 3 EXTRACTION OF LINEAR STRUCTURES BY APPLYING DIFFERENT DIRECTIONAL FILTERS ON THE IMAGE.

218

International Journal of Remote Sensing Applications Volume 3 Issue 4, December 2013

www.ijrsa.org

FIGURE 4 EXTRACTED AND DOCUMENTED FAULTS IN STUDY AREA. TABLE 1 STRATIGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTIC OF OUTCROPPED ROCK UNITS

Formation

Lithology

Age

Lower Contact

Upper Contact

(Meter) Thickn.

Karaj

Green Tuff series together with Andesitic lava Detritic limestone with Red Conglomerate interbedded

Eocene Lower Cretaceous Middle Triassic to Jurassic Triassic

Unconformity Probably Conform

?

~3000

Unconformity.

~170

Igneous Intrusive

Non-Conformed

?

Middle Permian

Conform

Unconformity

230

Lower Permian

Conform

Conform

150

Upper Carbonifer

?

Conform

?

Tizkuh Shemshak

Dark Shale with coal, sandstone and Siltstone

Lahijan Granites

Granites and Granitoids Grey to Dark Limestone with low thickness marl interbedded Conglomerate, Red quartzite and thickbedded limestone Low Metamorphosed Phyllites

Ruteh Dorud Carboniferous Phyllites

Non-Conformed Probably Conform >1000

FIGURE 5 THE 3D-SKETCH OF STUDY AREA.

219

www.ijrsa.org

International Journal of Remote Sensing Applications Volume 3 Issue 4, December 2013

FIGURE 6 THE STRUCTURAL MAP OF THE STUDY AREA TOGETHER WITH RESULTS OF GEOMETRICAL AND KINEMATIC ANALYSES.

Structural Investigations The major and minor faults were extracted and distinguished by using RS methods and field investigations. Then, the surveyed faults were overlaid on a 3D-sketch of study area. Thus, the limits and strike of Lahijan fault zone was determined (Figure 5). On the basis of the obtained results, it can be deduced that Lahijan fault zone is a transverse fault which extends between the Sepid-rud dam site to the Lahijan city (placed in Caspian Sea coast) with N55 general trend. This fault zone has 90 km length and 30 km width. The main structural analyses in this research are geometrical and kinematic analysis.

Geometrical Analysis In order to perform the geometrical analysis, 50 stations (in 8 areas) of controls and measurements of structures were surveyed and collected. The first step of geometrical analysis of these data was the preparation of rose diagram of fracture frequencies (Ramsay & Huber 1983). The results of rose diagrams showed that the main fractures have four different

220

strikes: E-W, N-S, NE-SW (N50-60) and NW-SE (N120140) (Figure 6). The existence of these fault trends made a complex network of fault trends in LFZ (Figures 4 & 5).

The second step of used geometrical analyses is calculation of major fault attitudes. For this purpose, the structural relationship between fractures (documentary mapped faults and joints) and major fault zone was investigated. In this method, the poles of fractures were plotted on stereonet projection. Then the great circle which represented the most data was drowned. Finally, the plane perpendicular to this great circle was calculated and delineated (Ramsay & Huber 1983). Usually, this calculated plane coincides to the major fault zone in that area. Whereas, the strike of this calculated main fault is N55 (NE-SW) parallel to LFZ, hence, it can be deduced from this result that most fractures have relationship with this fault zone and probably, generated due to its activity. Therefore, the results suggested that most faults of study area having structural relationship with LFZ are probably first (and/or second)-order of this major fault zone.

International Journal of Remote Sensing Applications Volume 3 Issue 4, December 2013

www.ijrsa.org

FIGURE 7 THE PROPOSED MODEL FOR LFZ ON THE BASIS OF FIRST-ORDER FAULTS(R, R′ AND P ORDERS) RELATED TO A N55 SINISTRAL MAJOR FAULT ZONE AND Δ1CONDITION RESPECT TO THIS FAULT ZONE.

Kinematic Analysis As mentioned in the section on geometrical analysis, four fault sets have been distinguished. The main mechanism and general characteristics of these faults are: A) NE-SW faults: these faults with N40-60 strike, as most popular faults along the Sepid-rud area, have left-lateral strike-slip mechanisms and probably belong to main first-order faults of the LFZ. B) NW-SE faults: these faults with N120-140 strike have right-lateral strike-slip mechanism and predominantly located in western part of the study area and around the Rudbar area.

C) East-West faults: these faults have reverse mechanism (thrusting) with little left-lateral strikeslip component and predominantly appeared in all of study area. The important faults with this strike are Darfak, Rudbar and Deylaman faults (Figure 7) which are truncated and offset by the LFZ in the central part of study area.

D) North-South faults: these faults have normal mechanism with little right-lateral strike-slip

component and predominantly show in Rostamabad and Rudbar areas.

On the basis of movement plane method [9], the Paxis of fault movements were calculated in 8 subzone of study area. The P-axes have a general N15-25 trend in many locations of study area, especially in southern and central parts (Figure 6). Hence, this circumstance caused the NNE-ward crumpling of thrust sheets (with East-West trend) in study area.

This calculated P-axes trend conforms to the recent GPS studies that show N-S shortening across the Alborz [8]. While, in northern part, in location of offsetting of Caspian (Khazar) fault by LFZ, three set of P-axes are shown that imply the complex tectonic regime.

The results of P-axes calculations together with surveying of fault attitudes demonstrated that leftlateral strike-slip mechanism (with some reverse and/or normal component) is the predominant fault kinematics along the study area. The control of calculated P-axes show at least two-order slip (movement) along the faults and suggested that transpression took placed in study area. The left221

www.ijrsa.org

International Journal of Remote Sensing Applications Volume 3 Issue 4, December 2013

lateral faulting of LFZ caused truncating and offsetting of the thrust sheets (with east-west trend) along Sepid-rud valley. Therefore, it was proposed that Lahijan fault zone as tear fault, truncated this part of Western Alborz Mountains.

Discussion The major and minor faults were extracted by RS techniques and then surveyed and investigated by field investigations in 50 locations. The geometrically corrected and filtered pseudo-color image together with digital fault layer was overlaid on the DEM of the study area, and so the 3D-sketch was prepared in GIS environment. With obvious control of this 3Dsketch, the limits and strike of LFZ were determined (Figures 5 and 6). On the basis of result of this technique, it was deduced that Lahijan fault zone is a transverse fault with N55 general trend, 90 km length and 30 km width.

The kinematic analyses of faults exhibited that leftlateral strike-slip mechanism (with some reverse component) is the predominant fault kinematics along LFZ. This tectonic regime is compatible with existence of the σ1= N15 that approximately parallel to N-S shortening of central and western parts of Alborz mountains (Figure 7). Direction of the P-axes also showed NNS-ward crumpling of thrust sheets (with East-West trend) in study area. The sinistral (left-lateral) faulting along the LFZ caused truncating and offsetting of these thrust sheets along the Sepidrud valley. On the basis of morphotectonic evidences of offsetting these thrust sheets, it may be said that the Caspian (Khazar) fault is sinistrally offset maximum 12 km (in northeastern part) and Rudbar fault approximately 4 km (in southwestern part) by LFZ (Figures 5 and 6). Therefore, this result deduced that Lahijan fault zone, as tear fault, truncated the Western part of Alborz Mountains.

The Geometrical results showed four sets of faults with different strikes and mechanisms which have structural relationship with LFZ and are probably first (and/or second)-order of this major fault zone.

Due to determination of style of this structural relationship, we used the Riedle model [14] that forecast different types of fault trends related to a major fault zone. The general first-order faults in this model consisted of: T (tension fractures), R (Synthetics synthetic fractures with 15º angle to fault zone), R‫( ׳‬antithetic fractures with 75º angle to fault zone) and P (synthetic fractures in opposition direction of R-order) faulting orders. Using this

222

model together with kinematic investigation of the faults showed that strike angle of different faults is conformable with a major N55 sinistral fault zone such as LFZ. Therefore, the main First-orders of this fault zone were anticipated and determined (Figure 7).

The synthetic and antithetic fault-orders of LFZ are composed of: A) The R-order faults with strike ~ N40 and leftlateral strike–slip mechanism B) The R-order faults with strike ~ N70 and leftlateral strike–slip mechanism C) The R‫׳‬-order faults with strike 150-170 and rightlateral strike–slip mechanism.

Therefore, this model proposed that Lahijan fault with N55 trend, 90 km length and 30 km width, established a Left-lateral strike-slip fault zone as a sinistral shear regime (Figures 6 and 7). Many major and minor fault trends were generated by this tectonic regime. Also, this fault zone, as a transverse fault, truncated and offset the western part of the Alborz fold-thrust belt and thus causing many structural complexities in this region.

Conclusion The Alborz Mountain ranges with V-shape pattern have extended between the Talesh and the KopetDagh Mountains. This fold-thrust belt is divided into three parts: western, central and eastern zones. Many tear faults, as lateral ramps, truncated these mountain ranges and facilitated the N-S different thrust body movements in this belt. One of these transverse faults is the Lahijan fault zone placed in a forestall area of Gilan province in western part of this belt.

The different fault types related to Lahijan fault zone were determined by using GiT (especially RS & GIS methods), and following, controlled and measured by field investigations. The results of structural investigations and obvious control of 3D-sketch showed that Lahijan fault zone with N55 strike, extends from Sepid-rud dam to Lahijan city, and has 90 km length and 30 km width. Also, this fault zone, as a transverse fault, truncated and offset the western part of Alborz fold-thrust belt and thus causing many structural complexities in this region. This major fault zone established a left-lateral strike-slip fault zone as a sinistral shear regime. Several fault trends were generated by this tectonic regime.

International Journal of Remote Sensing Applications Volume 3 Issue 4, December 2013

www.ijrsa.org

REFERENCES

of DEM and remote-sensing-based approaches for

Ali, S.A., Pirasteh, S., "Geological application of Landsat

semi-automated detection of regional geostructural

ETM for mapping structural geology and interpretation: aided by remote sensing and GIS" International Journal of Remote Sensing, Vol. 25, 2004, 4715–4727.

Allen, M.B., Ghassemi, M.R., Shahrabi, M., Qorashi, M., "Accommodation of late Cenozoic oblique shortening in the Alborz range, northern Iran" Journal of Structural Geology, Vol. 25, 2003a, 659-672.

Allen, M.B., Vincent, S.J., Alsop, I., Ismail-zadeh, A., Flecker, R., "Late Cenozoic deformation in the South Caspian region: effects of a rigid basement block within a collision zone" Tectonophysics, Vol. 366, 2003b, 223– 239.

Berberian, M., Yeats, R. S., "Contribution of archaeological data to studies of earthquakes history in the Iranian plateau" J. Struct. Geol., Vol. 23, 2001, 563–584.

Berberian, M., Qorashi, M., Jackson, A., Priestly, K., Wallace, T., "The Rudbar- Tarom Earthquake of 20 June

features in Zagros mountain, Iran" Arabian Journal of Geosciences, DOI 10.1007/s12517-011-0361-0, 2011.

Ramsay, J.G., Huber, M.I., "The techniques of modern structural geology" Vol. 2: Fold and Fractures, Academic Press, 1983. 400p.

Radjaee, A., Rham, D., Mokhtari, M., Tatar, M., Priestley, K., Hatzfeld, D., "Variation of Moho depth in the central part of the Alborz Mountains: northern Iran" Geophys.

J. Int., vol. 181, 2010, 173–184, Riedel, W., "Zu¨ r Mechanik geologischer Brucherscheinungen, Zentralblatt fu¨r Mineralogie" Geologie und Palaeontologie B, 1929, 354–368, Ritz, J.F., Nazari, H., Ghassemi, A., Salamati, R., Shafei, A., Solaymani, S., Vernant, P., "Active transtension inside central Alborz: a new insight into northern Iransouthern Caspian geodynamics" Geology, Vol. 34, 2006, 477–480

1990 in NW Persia: Preliminary Field and Seismological

Sadid khouy, A., Javan Doloei, G., Gheitanchi, M.R.,

observation, And its tectonic significance" Bulletin of

"Crustal seismic anisotropy in the south-central Alborz

the Seismological Society of America, Vol. 82, no. 4,

region using Moho Ps converted phases" Journal of the

1992, 1726- 1755.

Earth & Space Physics. Vol. 32, No. 3, 2006, P. 23-32

Berberian, M., "The Southern Caspian: A compressional

Safari, H., Pirasteh, S., Shattri, B.M., " Role of Kazerun Fault

depression floored by a trapped, modified oceanic

for Localizing Oil Seepage in the Zagros Mountains,

crust" Can. J. Earth Sci., Vol. 20, 1983, 163 – 183

Iran: an Application of GiT" Internation Journal of

Djamour, Y., Vernant, P., Bayer, R., Nankali, H. R., Ritz, J.F.,

Remote sensing, Vol: 32, No:1, 2011, 1-16

Hinderer, J., Hatam, Y., Luck, B., Le Moigne, N.,

Safari, H., Gholami, M., "Tectonic Evolution of Southern

Sedighi, M., Khorrami, F., "GPS and gravity constraints

Limb of Eastern Alborz, Iran" International Geoinformatics

on continental deformation in the Alborz mountain

Research and Development Journal, Vol: 2, No. 1, 2011,

range, Iran" Geophysical Journal International, RAS,

pp: 1-13

doi: 10.1111/j.1365-246X.2010.04811.x, 2010, 1-15

Sarkar, I., Hamzehloo, H., Khattri, K.N., "Estimation of

Jackson, J.A., Priestley, K., Allen, M., Berberian, M., "Active

causative fault parameters of the Rudbar earthquake of

Tectonics of the south Caspian Basin", Geophys. J. Int.,

June 20, 1990 from near field SH-wave data" 2003, 55-70

vol. 148, 2002, pp. 214-242

pp.

Marrett, R., Allmendinger, R. W., " Kinematic analysis of fault slip data" J. Str. Geo., Vol. 12, No. 8, 1990, 973-986 Pirasteh, S., Safari, H., Pradhan, B., Attarzadeh, I., "Lithomorphotectonics analysis using Landsat ETM data and GIS techniques: Zagros Fold Belt (ZFB), SW

Stocklin,

J.,

"Northern Iran:

Alborz

Mountains,

in

Mesozoic-Cenozoic Orogenic Belts: Data for Orogenic Studies" edited by A. M. Spencer, Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ., 4, 1974, 213 – 234 Tatar, M., Jackson, J., Hatzfeld, D., Bergman, E., "The 2004

Iran" Int Geoinformatics Res. Dev. J, 1(2):28–36, 2010.

May 28 Baladeh earthquakes (Mw 6.2) in the Alborz,

Pirasteh, S., Pradhan, B., Safari, H., Ramli, M.F., "Coupling

Iran: over thrusting the South Caspian Basin margin, partitioning of oblique convergence and the seismic

223

www.ijrsa.org

International Journal of Remote Sensing Applications Volume 3 Issue 4, December 2013

hazard of Tehran" Geophys. J. Int., 170, 2007, 249–261.

Vahdati-Danshmand, B., Ghassemi, M., Qorashi, M., Haghipour, N., "Neotectonics of Sepid-rud river and Gilan Province", Journal of Geosciences, No: 65, 2007, 12-25 (In Persian).

Vahdati-Danshmand, B., Ghassemi, M., Qorashi, M., "Active Tectonics of Caspian fault between Lahijan and Rudsar" 24th Geosciences congress, Tehran, Iran, 2006 (In Persian).

Hojjat Ollah Safari, Associate Professor of Tectonics in Geology Department of Golestan University. He was born in 1965 in Shiraz–Iran and majored in Geology in Bsc level in Shiraz University and then, Msc and Phd in Tarbiat Modarres University in Tehran.

He has worked 6 years in Shahid Chamran University of Ahwaz and now, 3.5 years in Golestan University. His interest courses are Tectonics, Structural Geology, applications of GIS and Remote Sensing in structural geology (and Tectonics).

224

Mohammad Reza Ghasemi, Associate Professor of Tectonics in Research Institute for Earth Sciences, Geological Survey of Iran. He was born in 1961 in Bandar-e-Gaz, Golestan Provinces of Iran and majored in Geology in Bsc and Msc level in Tehran University and then, PhD in Ottawa University in Canada. He has worked 12 years in Geological Survey of Iran. His interest courses are Structural Geology, Global Tectonics and Micro Tectonics.

Raana Razavi-Pash, Ph.D. student of Tectonics in Geology Department of Shiraz University. She was born in 1985 in Siahkal–Iran and majored in Geology in Bsc level in Isfahan University and then, Msc in Golestan University in Gorgan-Iran. Her interests are Tectonics, Structural Geology, applications of GIS and Remote Sensing in Tectonics.