Seismicity and the State of Stress in the Dezful Embayment, Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt

This study focuses on determining the orientation and constraining magnitude of present-day stresses in Dezful Embayment Iran’s Zagros Fold Thrust Belt. Two datasets are used: first includes petrophysical data from 25 wells (3 to 4 km deep), second contains 108 earthquake focal mechanisms, mostly occurring blind active basement faults (5 20 deep). Formal stress inversion analysis mechanisms demonstrates that there is currently a compressional state (A?=2.0–2.2) basement. The seismologically determined SHmax direction 37° ± 10°, nearly perpendicular strike most region. However, borehole geomechanics using rock strength drilling evidence leads counterintuitive result shallow normal/strike-slip regime. These results consistent with low seismicity level sedimentary cover Embayment, may be decoupling due existence salt layers. situation field was used identify optimally oriented fault planes friction coefficient. finding also aligns prediction Coulomb faulting theory N-S strike-slip Kazerun Fault System has an unfavorable for slip reverse regime average SW-NE orientation. useful origin seismic activity basin better assessing fault-associated hazards area.