Investigation on deformation stages in NW part of Sanandaj-Sirjan structural zone

The Saqqez-Baneh area, as a part of the NW Sanandaj-Sirjan zone, is selected for investigation of different deformation stages. In this research, firstly, the lithology of outcropped rock units and visible lineaments were mapped using remote sensing approach. Then, field surveys were carried out for structural measurements, during which major and minor faults and shear zones (as ductile zones) were measured and mapped. These data were then entered to GIS environment as vector layers (and attributed descriptions), resulting in preparation of a structural map. The results of field surveys along with geometric and kinematic analyses show that the major faults together with their related fault orders formed a curved shape of structures, outcropped rock unit patterns and intrusive localities. Geometric and kinematic analyses demonstrated three stages of movement: with north-south (in ductile environment), northeast-southwest (in ductile to brittle environment) and east-west (in brittle environment). These three stages caused three stages of faulting with trends along N140-150, N70-80 and N10-20 directions, which can be attributed to three orogenic phases in Precambrian and/or late Triassic (Katangai and/or Cimmerian), Cretaceous (Laramide) and Neogene (late Alpine events such as Savian to Pasadenian).