Kink-band Kinematic Analysis and its Implications for Late-stage Deformation in the Internal Parts of the Zagros Collision (Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone) in West Iran

Abstract

In the internal parts of the Zagros collision zone, several deformation phases have been superimposed. The early deformation phase caused the development of a penetrative foliation. The late-stage deformation phase was preferentially accommodated within shear zones and caused the generation of shear bands, implying a non-coaxial component of deformation, the end of this stage deformation was marked by the development of kink-bands. In the vicinity of Zagros suture zone, the kink angle increased from 40° to 60°, and the kink-bands was converted to chevron folds. In this region, the external (α) and internal (β) angular ratio is α/β ≠ 1 and kink angle increased, and deformation occurred with 10% to 30% volume loss. Farther from the suture zone in the east, α/β = 1; and total volume was constant or increased by 5% to 10%. Kink-bands kinematic analysis in the study area revealed this structures were sensitive to deformation conditions and components such that, with decreasing distance to the Zagros suture zone, shearing and rotation increased, a high kinematic vorticity dominated, and volume loss occurred during deformation.