Study of Morphotectonic and Neotectonic Characteristics in Sabalan Mountain

Abstract

Sabalan Mountain is one of main morphtectonic units of Iran. This unit has extensive area, therefore in this research only southern slopes of Sabalan have been selected. Study area is located between 37° 56´ to 38° 14´ N and 47° 36´ to 48° 00´ E. Selected area from hydrograph is formed of four basins, including Pislarchay, Aghmion, Biokchay and Aghlaghanchay. There are several faults in this area as geomorphic evidences. Main effects of these include linear valley, offset stream, escarpment, shutter ridges, displacement of alluvial fan and hot spring. Southern slopes of Sabalan Mountain are active in terms of tectonic processes. For investigation of neotectonic characteristic we used several geomorphic indexes such as mountain front sinuosity (Smf), ratio of valley-floor with to valley height (VF), drainage basin shape ratio (BS), asymmetry factor (AF), topographic symmetry factor (T) and latitude ratio. This index was calculated in four basins in separation. According to Smf and VF results, two basins have active conditions and two others are semi active. BS index for all basins presents active tectonic. The results of AF and T confirm the above conclusion. In the end we used Latitade (Lat) ratio. According to this index, three basins are in active condition.

Keywords

• morphtectonic
• geomorphic evidence of faults
• neotectonic
• geomorphic index
• south slopes of sabalan mountain