Tectonic geomorphology assessment of neotectonics in the north of Damghan region, Alborz mountain belt, Northern Iran

In mountain ranges, neotectonics can be considered as the main factor contributing to tectonic-geomorphological features being the result of the competition between tectonics and erosion. Several tectonic-geomorphological indicators such as drainage basin based (asymmetry factor of drainage basin (Af), hypsometric integral (Hi)) and mountain front based (mountain-front sinuosity (Smf), valley floor width –valley height ratio (Vf)) were used to assess the tectonic activity in the north of Damghan Region, Alborz Mountain Belt, Iran. The results highlight that the tectonic activity of the Alborz region resulted from the growth of pop-up and flower structures during tectonic inversion and following strike-slip tectonic activities. The faults of Astaneh, Damghan and North Damghan, which collectively constitute the SW part of the sinistral Shahrud fault system control the tectonic activity of the study area during the Late Quaternary.