Constraining the timing of Arabia-Eurasia collision in the Zagros orogen by sandstone provenance (Neyriz, Iran)

Abstract The Zagros orogen, formed by the collision of Arabian and Eurasian continental margins, represents one largest richest oil gas provinces in world. fold-thrust belt records convergence along Neotethys suture zone. By coupling field observations, sandstone modal analysis, U-Pb zircon dating, Hf isotopic data from Upper Cretaceous to Pliocene sedimentary succession Neyriz region, this paper documents several major provenance changes that allow us propose a refined scenario for orogeny. An ophiolitic complex dated detrital-zircon geochronology as ca. 95 Ma provided detritus Cretaceous-Paleocene strata deposited northeastern margin lower plate (ophiolite provenance). Yet, on southwestern upper plate, Paleocene-lower Eocene indicate Mesozoic magmatic rocks yielding zircons 240 170 well recycling clastic rocks. Since early Miocene, basin located received both magmatic-arc, recycled clastic, axial-belt metamorphic Eurasia. ages detrital reflect polyphase magmatism at Ma, 40 active margin. Our results progressive accretion, uplift, exhumation orogen was under way beginning Miocene region. Literature adjacent regions suggest Arabia/Eurasia may have occurred diachronously later Kermanshah Lurestan areas north.