Evaluation of Geomorphological Evidences for Possible Impact Crater of Zirouki in Sistan and Baluchestan, SE Iran

Abstract

Despite the extensive studies on geomorphological phenomena in Iran, since investigation of meteorite impact craters h not been considered. Based on both remote sensing technique and field work we have recognized the circular structure of Zirouki crater in the Samsour desert, southeast of Iran, which is claimed by MansouriDaneshvar and Bagherzadeh as possible impact crater on 2011 and 2013. The Zirouki crater is defined as one of potential impact sites by Baratoux et al, (2012) and registered as first possible impact carter of Iran in Expert Database on Earth Impact Structures (Web Encyclopedia on Natural Hazards, Novosibirsk, Russia). When the crater confirmed as an impact structure then would be the third impact structure candidate in the Middle East after the Wabar craters in Saudia Arabia and Jebel Waqf as Suwwan in Jordan. Investigation of the possible impact structure of Zirouki crater was done using the geomorphological interpretations in different levels of topographical, geophysical, geological and petrographical studies. The main results of the present study revealed that quite obvious crater shape morphology with mounded rims and a central uplift projection; as well geophysical pattern provided very strong evidence for possible impact structure, indicating the presence of circular negative gravity anomaly at the whole of the craterwhich distinct it from igneous patterns and other erosive forms.

Keywords

• impact structure
• geomorphology
• gravity anomaly
• meteorite
• zirouki crater