Experimental Modelling of Shortening variation related to different thickness of Hormuz salt series, Zagros

The application of Experimental modeling is an important key to understanding the complex tectonic phenomena, specially the extremely complex salt structures. In this study, using an analogue sandbox modeler, the salt structures of Zagros and their effect on the general shortening of Zagros had been simulated, considering the low density and creep of the salt. The study area was divided into three subregions, according to the existence or the lack of salt structures and the thickness of Hormuz salt series. At the western part of the region the lack of salt series was assumed, and gradually the thickness of Hormuz salt series increases until it reaches the Qatar-Kazerun Fault System (KFS), then at the eastern part there is a thick layer of Hormuz salt series. For every subregion, a model was designed, considering the low density of salt and its creep. Finally, a schematic outline proposed to describe the existence and distribution of salt structures at Zagros. According to this outline the KFS is an important agent of general thickness changes at the base, because at its eastern part there is an abundance of salt structures, but conversely, at its western part except of a few buried small salt structures there is no sign of Hormuz salt structures.