Mantle-flow diversion beneath the Iranian plateau induced by Zagros’ lithospheric keel

Abstract Previous investigation of seismic anisotropy indicates the presence a simple mantle flow regime beneath Turkish-Anatolian Plateau and Arabian Plate. Numerical modeling suggests that this is component large-scale global associated with African superplume, which plays key role in geodynamic framework Arabia-Eurasia continental collision zone. However, extent impact pattern farther east Iranian Zagros remains unclear. While relatively smoothly varying lithospheric thickness Anatolian Plate allows progress flow, variable across expected to impose additional boundary conditions on field. In study, for first time, we use an unprecedented data set waveforms from network 245 stations examine deformation over entire region by anisotropy. We also correlation between anisotropy, plate motion using GPS velocities surface strain fields. Our study reveals complex implies similarly The regional Platform eastern Turkey deflects as circular around thick lithosphere. This merges into toroidal NW likely indicator lateral discontinuity examination main occurs axial shortening belt, whereas Alborz Kopeh-Dagh belt-parallel horizontal major role.