Skip to main content
Log in

Control of Cambrian evaporites on fracturing in fault-related anticlines in the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
International Journal of Earth Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Orientation and distribution of fractures in the Oligocene–Early Miocene Asmari Formation (a major reservoir rock of the Zagros petroleum system) were investigated in two anticlines of the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt. The Sim and Kuh-e-Asmari anticlines developed in the areas of the Zagros characterized by the occurrence and absence of Cambrian evaporites at the bottom of the stratigraphic pile, respectively. The aim was to outline major differences in terms of fracture spacing and saturation. Organic matter maturity and clay minerals-based geothermometers suggest that the depth of deformation for the top of the Asmari Formation in the Kuh-e-Asmari anticline was in the range of 1.5–2.7 km assuming a geothermal gradient of 22.5 °C/km. The Asmari Formation in the Sim anticline probably experienced a slightly deeper sedimentary burial (maximum 3 km) with a geothermal gradient of 20 °C/km. The spacing of fractures is generally 2–3 times larger (i.e., strain accommodated by fracturing is smaller) in the Sim anticline than in the Kuh-e-Asmari anticline. This is consistent with regional geological studies, analogue, and numerical models that suggest that thrust faults geometry and related folds are markedly different in the absence or presence of a weak decòllement (evaporites). The larger spacing in the Sim anticline is also consistent with higher temperature predicted for the Asmari Formation in this area. By contrast, the orientation of fractures with respect to the fold axes is the same in both anticlines. The fracture systems are rather immature in both anticlines. The amount and density of fractures in the twofolds are controlled by regional (occurrence/absence of salt and probably different burial), rather than local features (fold geometry).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahmadhadi F, Lacombe O, Daniel JM (2007) Early reactivation of basement faults in Central Zagros (SW Iran): evidence from pre-folding fracture populations in the Asmari Formation and Lower Tertiary paleogeography. In: Lacombe O, Lavé J, Roure F, Vergés J (eds) Thrust belts and foreland basins: from fold kinematics to hydrocarbon systems. Springer, Berlin, pp 205–228. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-69426-7_11

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmadhadi F, Daniel JM, Lacombe O (2008) Evidence for prefolding joint development in the Zagros Fold Belt Iran. Tectonics 27:TC1016. doi:10.1029/2006TC001978

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alavi M compiler (1991) Tectonic map of the Middle East: Geological Survey of Iran, scale 1: 5,000,000

  • Alavi M (1994) Tectonics of the Zagros orogenic belt of Iran: new data and interpretations. Tectonophysics 229:211–238. doi:10.1016/0040-1951(94)90030-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alavi M (2004) Regional stratigraphy of the Zagros fold-thrust belt of Iran and its proforeland evolution. Am J Sci 304:1–20. doi:10.2475/ajs.304.1.1

    Google Scholar 

  • Aldega L, Corrado S, Grasso M et al (2007a) Correlation of diagenetic data from organic and inorganic studies in the Apenninic-Maghrebian fold-and-thrust belt: a case study from Eastern Sicily. J Geol 105:335–353. doi:10.1086/512756

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aldega L, Botti F, Corrado S (2007b) Clay mineral assemblages and vitrinite reflectance in the Laga Basin (Central Apennines, Italy): What do they record? Clay Miner 55:504–518. doi:10.1346/CCMN.2007.0550505

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aldega L, Corrado S, Di Paolo L et al (2011) Shallow burial and exhumation of the Peloritani Mts. (NE Sicily, Italy): insight from paleo-thermal and structural indicators. Geol Soc Am Bull 123:132–149. doi:10.1130/B30093.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allen MB, Talebian M (2011) Structural variation along the Zagros and the nature of the Dezful Embayment. Geol Mag 148:911–924. doi:10.1017/S0016756811000318

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allmendinger RW, Zapata T, Manceda R et al (2004) Trishear kinematic modelling of structures, with examples from the Neuque′n Basin, Argentina. In: McClay KR (ed) Thrust tectonics and hydrocarbon systems. AAPG Memoir, vol 82, pp 356–371

  • Allwardt PF, Bellahsen N, Pollard DD (2007) Curvature and fracturing based on global positioning system data collected at Sheep Mountain anticline, Wyoming. Geosphere 3:408–421. doi:10.1130/GES00088.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amrouch K, Lacombe O, Bellahsen N et al (2010a) Stress and strain patterns, kinematics and deformation mechanisms in a basement-cored anticline: sheep Mountain anticline (Wyoming, USA). Tectonics 29:TC1005. doi:10.1029/2009TC002525

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amrouch K, Robion P, Callot J-P et al (2010b) Constraints on deformation mechanisms during folding provided by rock physical properties: a case study at Sheep Mountain anticline (Wyoming, USA). Geophys J Int 182:1105–1123. doi:10.1111/j.1365-246X.2010.04673.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bai T, Pollard DD (2000) Fracture spacing in layered rock: a new explanation based on the stress transition. J Struct Geol 22:43–57. doi:10.1016/S0191-8141(99)00137-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barker CE, Pawlewicz MJ (1994) Calculation of vitrinite reflectance from thermal histories and peak temperatures. A comparison of methods. In: Mukhopadhyay PK,Dow WG (eds) Vitrinite reflectance as a maturity parameter: applications and limitations, American Chemical Society Symposium Series 570, pp 216–229. doi:10.1021/bk-1994-0570.ch014

  • Belayneh M, Cosgrove JW (2004) Fracture pattern variations around a major fold and their implications regarding fracture prediction using limited data. An example from the Bristol Channel basin. In: Cosgrove IW, Endelger T (eds) The initiation, propagation and arrest of joints and other fractures. Geological Society London Special publication, vol 231, pp 89–102. doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.2004.231.01.06

  • Bergbauer S, Pollard DD (2004) A new conceptual fold-fracture model including prefolding joints, based on the Emigrant Gap anticline, Wyoming. Geol Soc Am Bull 116:294–307. doi:10.1130/B25225.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bordenave ML (2008) The origin of the Permo-Triassic gas accumulations in the Iranian Zagros foldbelt and contiguous offshore areas: a review of the Paleozoic petroleum system. J Petrol Geol 31:3–42. doi:0.1111/j.1747-5457.2008.00405.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bordenave ML, Hegre JA (2005) The influence of tectonics on the entrapment of oil in the Dezful Embayment, Zagros Foldbelt. Iran J Petrol Geol 28:339–368. doi:10.1111/j.1747-5457.2005.tb00087.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bordenave ML, Hegre JA (2010) Current distribution of oil and gas fields in the Zagros Fold Belt of Iran and contiguous offshore as the result of the petroleum systems. Geol Soc 330:291–353. doi: 10.1144/SP330.14

    Google Scholar 

  • Bustin RM, Barnes MA, Barnes WC (1990) Determining levels of organic diagenesis in sediments and fossil fuels. In: McIleareath IA, Morrow DW (eds) Diagenesis. Geoscience Canada Reprint, 4th Ser, pp 205–226

  • Casciello E, Vergés J, Saura E et al (2009) Fold patterns and multilayer rheology of the Lurestan Province, Zagros Simply Folded Belt (Iran). J Geol Soc Lond 166:947–959. doi:10.1144/0016-76492008-138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Casini G, Gillespie P, Vergés J et al (2011) Sub-seismic fractures in foreland fold and thrust belts: insight from the Lurestan Province, Zagros Mountains. Iran Petrol Geosci 17:263–282. doi:10.1144/1354-079310-043

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ceriani A, Calabrò R, Di Giulio A et al (2011) Diagenetic and thermal history of the Jurassic-Tertiary succession of the Zagros Mountains in the Dezful Embayment (SW Iran): constraints from fluid inclusions. Int J Earth Sci 100:1265–1281. doi:10.1007/s00531-010-0530-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colman-Sadd S (1978) Fold development in Zagros simply folded belt, Southwest Iran. Am Assoc Pet Geol Bull 62:984–1003

    Google Scholar 

  • Corrado S, Invernizzi C, Aldega L et al (2010) Testing the validity of organic and inorganic thermal indicators in different tectonic settings from continental subduction to collision: the case history of the Calabria-Lucania border (southern Apennines, Italy). J Geol Soc Lond 167:985–999. doi:10.1144/0016-76492009-137

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cosgrove JW, Ameen MS (2000) A comparison of the geometry, spatial organization and fracture patterns associated with forced folds and buckle folds. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ 169:7–21. doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.2000.169.01.02

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cotton JT, Koyi HA (2000) Modeling of thrust fronts above ductile and frictional detachments; application to structures in the Salt Range and Potwar Plateau, Pakistan. Geol Soc Am Bull 112:351–363. doi:10.1130/0016-7606(2000)112<351:MOTFAD>2.0.CO;2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Di Paolo L, Aldega L, Corrado S et al (2012) Maximum burial and unroofing of Mt. Judica recess area in Sicily: implication for the Apenninic-Maghrebian wedge dynamics. Tectonophysics 530–531:193–207. doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2011.12.020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dow WG (1977) Kerogen studies and geological interpretation. J Geoch Explor 7:79–99. doi:10.1016/0375-6742(77)90078-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Durand B (1980) Sedimentary organic matter and kerogen. Definition and quantitative importance of kerogen. In: Durand B (ed) Kerogen: Insoluble Organic Matter from Sedimentary Rock. Editions Technip, Paris, pp 13–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Falcon N (1969) Problems of the relationship between surface structure and deep displacements illustrated by the Zagros range. In: Time and place in orogeny. Special Publication no. 3. Geological Society, London, pp 9–21. doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1969.003.01.02

  • Feng C (1996) Correction of discontinuities spacing bias caused by finite length scanline survey. Trans Nonferrous Met Soc China 6:1–5

    Google Scholar 

  • Gholipour AM (1998) Patterns and Structural Positions of Productive Fractures in the Asmari Reservoirs, Southwest Iran. J Can Petrol Technol 37:44–50. doi:10.2118/98-01-07

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghosh K, Mitra S (2009) Structural controls of fracture orientations, intensity, and connectivity, Teton Anticline, Sawtooth Range, Montana. AAPG Bull 93:995–1014. doi:10.1306/04020908115

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gudmundsson A (2011) Rock Fractures in Geological Processes. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Hennings PH, Olson JE, Thompson LB (2000) Combining outcrop data and three dimensional structural models to characterize fractured reservoirs: an example from Wyoming. AAPG Bull 84:830–849. doi:10.1306/A967340A-1738-11D7-8645000102C1865D

    Google Scholar 

  • Hessami K, Koyi HA, Talbot CJ, Tabasi H, Shabanian E (2001) Progressive unconformities within an evolving foreland fold-thrust belt, Zagros Mountains. J Geol Soc 158:969–981. doi:10.1144/0016-764901-007

    Google Scholar 

  • Hillier S, Màtyàs J, Matter A et al (1995) Illite/smectite diagenesis and its variable correlation with vitrinite reflectance in the Pannonian Basin. Clay Miner 43:174–183

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman J, Hower J (1979) Clay mineral assemblages as low grade metamorphic geothermometers: application to the thrust faulted disturbed belt of Montana, USA. In: Scholle PA, Schluger PS (eds) Aspects of diagenesis. Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Special Publication 2:55–79

  • Homke S, Verges J, van der Beek P et al (2009) Insights in the exhumation history of the NW Zagros from bedrock and detrital apatite fission-track analysis: evidence for a long-lived orogeny. Basin Res. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2117.2009.00431.x

    Google Scholar 

  • Jahani S, Callot J-P, Letouzey J et al (2009) The eastern termination of the Zagros Fold-and-Thrust Belt, Iran: structures, evolution, and relationships between salt plugs, folding, and faulting. Tectonics 28:TC6004. doi:10.1029/2008TC002418

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khadivi S, Mouthereau F, Larrasoaña J-C et al (2010) Magnetochronology of synorogenic Miocene foreland sediments in the Fars arc of the Zagros Folded Belt (SW Iran). Basin Res 22:918–932. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2117.2009.00446.x

    Google Scholar 

  • Khadivi S, Mouthereau F, Barbarand J et al (2012) Constraints on paleodrainage evolution induced by uplift and exhumation on the southern flank of the Zagros-Iranian Plateau. J Geol Soc London 169:83–97. doi:10.1144/0016-76492011-031

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koyi HA, Hessami K, Teixell A (2000) Epicenter distribution and magnitude of earthquakes in fold–thrust belts; insights from sandbox models. Geophys Res Lett 27:273–276. doi:10.1029/1999GL010833

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lacombe O, Mouthereau F, Kargar S et al (2006) Late Cenozoic and modern stress fields in the western Fars (Iran): implications for the tectonic and kinematic evolution of Central Zagros. Tectonics 25:TC1003. doi:10.1029/2005TC001831

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lacombe O, Amrouch K, Mouthereau F et al (2007) Calcite twinning constraints on late Neogene stress patterns and deformation mechanisms in the active Zagros collision belt. Geology 35:263–266. doi:10.1130/G23173A.1

    Google Scholar 

  • Lacombe O, Bellahsen N, Mouthereau F (2011) Fracture patterns in the Zagros Simply Folded Belt (Fars, Iran): constraints on early collisional tectonic history and role of basement faults. Geol Mag 148:940–963. doi:10.1017/S001675681100029X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levine JR, Davis A (1989) The relationships of coal optical fabrics to the Alleghenian tectonic deformation in the central Appalachian fold-and-thrust belt, Pennsylvania. Geol Soc Am Bull 101:1333–1347. doi:10.1130/0016-7606(1989)101<1333:TROCOF>2.3.CO;2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marchegiani L, Van Dijk JP, Gillespie PA et al (2006) Scaling properties of the dimensional and spatial characteristics of fault and fracture systems in the Majella Mountain, central Italy. In: Cello G, Malamud BD (eds) Fractal analysis for natural hazards. Geological Society, London, Special Publications 261:113–131. doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.2006.261.01.09

  • Masini M, Bigi S, Poblet J et al (2011) Kinematic evolution and strain simulation, based on cross-section restoration, of the Maiella Mountain: an analogue for oil fields in the Apennines (Italy). Geol Soc Spec Public 349:25–44. doi:10.1144/SP349.2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McQuarrie N (2004) Crustal scale geometry of the Zagros fold-thrust belt. Iran J Struct Geol 26:519–535. doi:10.1016/j.jsg.2003.08.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McQuillan H (1973) Small-scale fracture density in Asmari formation of Southwest Iran and its relation to bed thickness and structural setting. AAPG Bull 57:2367–2385

    Google Scholar 

  • McQuillan H (1974) Fracture patterns on Kuh-e-Asmari Anticline, Southwest Iran. AAPG Bull 58:236–246

    Google Scholar 

  • Meneghini F, Botti F, Aldega L et al (2012) Hot fluid pumping along shallow-level collisional thrusts: the Monte Rentella Shear Zone, Umbria Apennine, Italy. J Struct Geol 37:36–52. doi:10.1016/j.jsg.2012.02.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Merriman RJ, Frey M (1999) Patterns of very low grade metamorphism in metapelitic rocks. In: Frey M, Robinson D (eds) low grade metamorphism. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 61–107. doi:10.1002/9781444313345.ch3

    Google Scholar 

  • Molinaro M, Leturmy P, Guezou J-C et al (2005) The structure and kinematics of the south-eastern Zagros fold-thrust belt; Iran: from thin-skinned to thick-skinned tectonics. Tectonics 24:TC3007. doi:10.1029/2004TC001633

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore DM, Reynolds RC Jr (1997) X-Ray Diffraction and the identification and analysis of clay minerals. Oxford University Press, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Mouthereau F, Lacombe O, Meyer B (2006) The Zagros Folded Belt (Fars, Iran): constraints from topography and critical wedge modelling. Geophys J Int 165:336–356. doi:10.1111/j.1365.246x.2006.02855.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mouthereau F, Tensi J, Bellahsen N et al (2007a) Tertiary sequence of deformation in a thin-skinned/thick-skinned collision belt: the Zagros Folded Belt (Fars, Iran). Tectonics 26:TC5006. doi:10.1029/2007TC002098

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mouthereau F, Lacombe O, Tensi J et al (2007b) Mechanical constraints on the development of the Zagros Folded Belt. In: Lacombe O, Lavé J, Roure F, Vergés J (eds) Thrust belts and foreland basins: from fold kinematics to hydrocarbon systems. Springer, Berlin, pp 247–266. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-69426-7_13

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Mouthereau F, Lacombe O, Vergés J (2012) Building the Zagros collisional orogen: timing, strain distribution and the dynamics of Arabia/Eurasia plate convergence. Tectonophysics 532–535:27–60. doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2012.01.022

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mukherjee S, Talbot CJ, Koyi HA (2010) Viscosity estimates of salt in the Hormuz and Namakdan salt diapirs, Persian Gulf. Geol Mag 147:497–507. doi:10.1017/S001675680999077X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Navabpour P, Barrier E (2012) Stress states in the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt from passive margin to collisional tectonic setting. Tectonophysics. doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2012.01.011

    Google Scholar 

  • Poblet J, Bulnes M (2007) Predicting strain using forward modelling of restored cross-section: application to rollover anticlines over listric fault. J Struct Geol 29:1960–1970. doi:10.1016/j.jsg.2007.08.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pollastro RM (1990) The illite/smectite geothermometer—concepts, methodology and application to basin history and hydrocarbon generation. In: Nuccio F, Barker CE (eds) Application of thermal maturity studies to energy exploration, SEPM Rocky Mountains section, pp 1–18

  • Pollastro RM (1993) Considerations and applications of the illite/smectite geothermometer in hydrocarbon-bearing rocks of Miocene to Mississippian age. Clay Clay Miner 41:119–133. doi:10.1346/CCMN.1993.0410202

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Price LC, Barker CE (2000) Suppression of vitrinite reflectance in amorphous rich kerogen—a major unrecognized problem. J Petrol Geol 8:59–84. doi:10.1111/j.1747-5457.1985.tb00191.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reif D, Decker K, Grasemann B et al (2012) Fracture patterns in the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Tectonophysics 576–577:46–62. doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2012.07.024

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rives T, Rawnsley KD, Petit J-P (1994) Analogue simulation of natural orthogonal joint set formation in brittle varnish. J Struct Geol 16:419–429. doi:10.1016/0191-8141(94)90045-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ruh JB, Kaus BJP, Burg J-P (2012) Numerical investigation of deformation mechanics in fold-and-thrust belts: influence of rheology of single and multiple décollements. Tectonics. doi:10.1029/2011TC003047

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanz PF, Pollard DD, Allwardt PF et al (2008) Mechanical models of fracture reactivation and slip on bedding surfaces during folding of the asymmetric anticline at Sheep Mountain, Wyoming. J Struct Geol 30:1177–1191. doi:10.1016/j.jsg.2008.06.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saura E, Vergés J, Homke S et al (2011) Basin architecture and growth folding of the NW Zagros early foreland basin during the Late Cretaceous and early Tertiary. J Geol Soc Lond 168:235–250. doi:10.1144/0016-76492010-092

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sen Z, Kazi A (1984) Discontinuity spacing and RQD estimates from finite length scanlines. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 21:203–212. doi:10.1016/0148-9062(84)90797-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sepehr M, Cosgrove JW (2005) Role of the Kazerun Fault Zone in the formation and deformation of the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt. Iran. Tectonics 24:TC5005. doi:10.1029/2004TC001725

    Google Scholar 

  • Shackleton JR, Cooke MR, Vergés J et al (2011) Temporal constraints on fracturing associated with fault-related folding at Sant Corneli anticline, Spanish Pyrenees. J Struct Geol 33:5–19. doi:10.1016/j.jsg.2010.11.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sherkati S, Letouzey J (2004) Variation of structural style and basin evolution in the central Zagros (Izeh zone and Dezful embayment). Iran Mar Pet Geol 21:535–554. doi:10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2004.01.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sherkati S, Molinaro M, Frizon de Lamotte D et al (2005) Detachment folding in the Central and Eastern Zagros fold-belt (Iran): salt mobility, multiple detachments and late basement control. J Struct Geol 27:1680–1696. doi:10.1016/j.jsg.2005.05.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sherkati S, Letouzey J, Frizon de Lamotte D (2006) Central Zagros fold-thrust belt (Iran): new insights from seismic data, field observation and sandbox modeling. Tectonics 25:TC4007. doi:10.1029/2004TC001766

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Środoń J (1999) Nature of mixed-layer clays and mechanisms of their formation and alteration. Annu Rev Earth Planet Sci 27:19–53. doi:10.1146/annurev.earth.27.1.19

  • Stach E, Mackowsky MTh, Teichmüller M et al (1982) Stach’s textbook of coal petrology. Gebrueder Borntraeger, Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • Talbot CJ, Alavi M (1996) The past of a future syntaxis across the Zagros. In: Alsop GI, Blundell DJ, Davidson I (eds) Salt Tectonics, Geological Society London Special Publication 100:89–109. doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1996.100.01.08

  • Talbot CJ, Jarvis RJ (1984) Age, budget, and dynamics of a salt extrusion in Iran. J Struct Geol 6:521–533. doi:10.1016/0191-8141(84)90062-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tavani S, Storti F, Salvini F et al (2008) Stratigraphic versus structural control on the deformation pattern associated with the evolution of the Mt. Catria anticline. Italy. J Struct Geol 30:664–681. doi:10.1016/j.jsg.2008.01.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tavani S, Storti F, Soleimany B et al (2011) Geometry, kinematics and fracture pattern of the Bangestan Anticline, Zagros, SW Iran. Geol Mag 148:964–979. doi:10.1017/S0016756811000197

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vaziri-Moghaddam H, Seyrafian A, Taheri A et al (2010) Oligocene-Miocene ramp system (Asmari Formation) in the NW of the Zagros basin, Iran: microfacies, paleoenvironment and depositional sequence. Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Geológicas 27:56–71

    Google Scholar 

  • Vergés J, Goodarzi MGH, Emami H et al (2011) Multiple detachment folding in Pusht-e Kuh arc, Zagros: role of mechanical stratigraphy. AAPG Memoir 94:69–94. doi:10.1306/13251333M942899

    Google Scholar 

  • Wennberg OP, Svånå T, Azizzadeh M et al (2006) Fracture intensity vs. mechanical stratigraphy in platform top carbonates: the Aquitanian of the Asmari Formation, Khaviz Anticline, Zagros. SW Iran Petrol Geosci 12:235–245. doi:10.1144/1354-079305-675

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu H, Pollard DD (1995) An experimental study of the relationship between joint spacing and layer thickness. J Struct Geol 17:887–905. doi:10.1016/0191-8141(94)00099-L

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Financial support from the Darius Programme is acknowledged. The coordinators of the Darius Programme are thanked for invitation to submit our project and for continuous assistance. Andrea Zanchi is acknowledged for continuous help. The National Iranian Oil Company is thanked for assistance in the organization of the fieldwork and for perfect logistics. Sergio Lo Mastro is warmly thanked for providing facilities for XRD analysis in Roma Tre laboratories. Mr Mohsen Hadisy and Mr Ali Nejati drove us safely throughout the Zagros. Mr Morteza Rezaee is thanked for organizing logistics in the Asmari and Sim areas. Discussions with personnel from NIOC during a visit of EC and LA in Tehran and with the participants to the congress “ Evolution of the Zagros-Makran Fold Belts, Darius Workshop,” held in Barcelona in May 2012 were stimulating and are acknowledged. The Topic Editor (Soumyajit Mukherjee), Olivier Lacombe, and two other reviewers provided constructive criticisms that greatly improved the quality of the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eugenio Carminati.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary material 1 (DOC 37 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Carminati, E., Aldega, L., Bigi, S. et al. Control of Cambrian evaporites on fracturing in fault-related anticlines in the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt. Int J Earth Sci (Geol Rundsch) 102, 1237–1255 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-012-0858-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-012-0858-0

Keywords

Navigation