Evolution of the stress field at the junction of Talesh – Alborz – Central Iran during the past 5 Ma: Implications for the tectonics of NW Iran

Tectonic stresses governed by the Arabia – Central Iran collision are transferred throughout Iranian Plateau. The orientation of maximum horizontal stress (σ 1 ) significantly changes (~90°) in Persian block NW Iran. However, exact spatial extent and boundary conditions for these poorly defined. This study investigates late Cenozoic regime a key region including Mahneshan Mianeh Basin (MMCB), Garmachay Fault Zone (GFZ), southern flank Bozqush Mountains (SBM). We mapped folds fault zones detail using high-resolution satellite imageries field surveys. have measured fault-slip data at 49 localities distributed over area. results inversion analysis indicate significant temporal both modern paleostress fields. In MMCB GFZ, σ axis changed from N148°E to N041°E, during Pliocene Quaternary times. During same period time, it NE-SW N138°E SBM. Our reveals that corresponds deep-seated North Tabriz (NTF), which is spread out several splays Mountains. NTF acts as condition strain fields region. GFZ defines southeastern border block, where NW-trending compression encounters remote hinterland Zagros collision. independent movements crustal blocks transfer beyond zone produce large-scale perturbations discarding compatibility regional strain/stress • reconstructed post-Miocene through data. Drastic occurred Pliocene-Quaternary. has been Kinematically rigid could cause perturbations.