Landscape response to deformation in the Sabalan area, NW Iran: Inferred from quantitative morphological and structural analysis

ABSTRACT The geological and tectonic background of the Sabalan area in NW Iran its present-day surface processes make it ideal for examining effects shaping Earth's crust. As a result intense distribution pre-Quaternary Quaternary structures (e.g., faults, joints folds), most drainage basins southern central parts study have developed under tectonic-dominated conditions, whereas erosional are greater north east. An evaluation geomorphic indices using index active tectonics (IAT) analytical hierarchy process (AHP) methods shows that AHP results more reliable than IAT coherent with structural conditions area. highly consistent intensity fractures. majority fractures NW–SE direction, indicating antithetic R′ Riedel to main NE-SW-trending faults. However, significant number NNE–SSW- NE–SW-oriented R P NNW–SSE-oriented tension Palaeostress analysis fault data at least two faulting events Quaternary, respectively. NNW–SSE-striking dextral strike-slip faults experienced post-Eocene 25–30° clockwise rotation re-activated as NE–SW-striking sinistral during Quaternary. Although seismic activity is currently low, consistency our regional stress show still tectonically active.