Recent Tectonic Model of East (Iranian) Azerbaijan

The stress analysis results in this study (by analytical method, for seismic and field data) have shown that there are two compressional stresses (NE-SW and NW-SE directions) in E-Azerbaijan Microplate. First stress system by NE-SW direction causes development of three tectonic grains, Arasbaran, Ahar and Bozkosh thrust sheets (fig. 3a). While, the second one (NE-SE direction stress system) causes the development of thrusts in N-S direction. Results show that thrusting leads to the development of tear faults in N-S and NE-SW directions with dextral strike-slip mechanisms. Also, development of young geological structures has good consistency with stress state in this area. These results could be developed as recent tectonic model of E-Azerbaijan. In this model materials are compressed in four sides of the E-Azerbaijan lozenge, while structures and materials escaped from north and Southern parts of this lozenge (fig. 3). The state of multiple stress system and the escape of material impose a left-lateral rotation to the E-Azerbaijan microplate (Fig. 3-b).