Journal of Spatial Analysis

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Tectonic geomorphology is part of Earth Sciences, which deal with study of the interaction of tectonic and geomorphology. In other words it studies the effective tectonic processes in forming and changing the landforms. Geomorphic and morphometric indicators are suitable tools to the morphotectonic analysis for different areas. These indicators are used as the base tool to identify and recognition of tectonic deformation or estimates of the relative instability of tectonic activity in a particular region. Some of geomorphic indicators has been widely used, then the results of research projects are used to obtain comprehensive information about active tectonics. Full assessment of contemporary tectonics and tectonic activities, especially the young tectonic and its hazards need to Full understanding of geomorphologic processes speed and made for this purpose, geomorphological methods play an important role in this context.

     This research uses a descriptive-analytical approach, using library studies and aims at determininge the activity of Neotectonic in 7 Watersheds of Tehran metropolis (from west to east: Kan, Vesk, Farahzad, Darakeh, Velenjak, Darband and Darabad). In the first step, using topographic and geological maps of  under the studied area, faults, drainage networks and watersheds are identified, then to evaluation  the indicators of Mountain Front sinuosity (Smf), the main river sinuosity (S), the drainage watershed asymmetry (Af), rivers density index (D), hypsometric integral (HI), the ratio of the watershed shape (BS), the ratio of valley floor width to valley height (Vf), river longitudinal gradient index (SL) and Index active Tectonic(IAT) have been determined. Survey of these indicators by topographic and geologic maps and Google Earth images of the under studied area using software of Google Earth, Arc GIS and Global Mapper are derived and calculated. In the following, parameters and how they are calculated are given:

-Mountain Front sinuosity is the result from equation (1):

Smf = Lmf / Ls     (1)

In the equation (1), Smf is index of sinuosity Mountain Front. Lmf is the front along the foothills and mountains of the specified slope failure and Ls: straight line along the front of the mountain.

- The main river sinuosity index is as follows: S = C / V.  In this formula, S is main river sinuosity.  C: along of the river. V: valley along of the straight line.

- Rivers density index, drainage density is obtained from the formula:

                            µ=  

Li is length in kilometers of drainage Watershed, A is area in square kilometers, μ is total drainage watershed in terms of kilometers per square kilometer.

- Hypsometric integral is an indicator which represents the distribution of surface heights variation from equation (2) is obtained:

HI= H - Hmin / H max – H min    (2)

In this equation Hi is hypsometric integral, Hmin and Hmax respectively are the minimum and maximum height and H is the height of watershed.

- The ratio of width to height of the valley floor is another geomorphologic parameters to investigate the tectonic forces in the region .This index is obtained from the equation (3):

VF =      (3)

VF, represents the relationship of the valley floor width to valley height, VFW: the valley, Eld and Erd to the height of the left and right and Esc is valley floor elevation valley.

- The ratio of the area ratio of the area and the equation (4) is obtained:

BS= Bl / BW      (4)

-BS; the shape of the watershed; Bl; length dividers watershed of water to the bottom of the watershed outlet and BW:  width of the flat portion of the watershed.

-The longitudinal gradient index (SL) for a range of drainage path is calculated and determined by the relationship: SL = (ΔH / Δ L) * L. In this regard, SL: the longitudinal gradient index, ΔH: height difference between two points measured, ΔL: during the interval and L: total length of the specified channel to assess where the index to the highest point of the canal.

The classification provided for indicators Sl, Smf, Vf, Bs, Af by Homduni et al (2008), this indicator is obtained based on the amount of 1, 2, 3 classified in three classes. Index of active tectonic (Iat) Geomorphic indicators by means of different classes Calculated based on the value of (S /n) is divided into four classes, That the division are characterized by class 1 with very high activity Neotectonic, Class 2 with high Neotectonic activity, Class 3 with medium Neotectonic activities and and Class 4 with low Neotectonic activity. In this classification of Class1 have the highest and Class 3 have the lowest Neotectonic activities (Table11).

On the basis of Iat indicator Neotectonic activities in the under studied area were assessment and results were is in table (13). Based on the data in Table (13) , watersheds of Kan and Darband hava a high Neotectonic activities and located in Class 2 and watersheds of Vesk, Frahzad, Darakeh, Velenjak and Darabad  have a medium Neotectonics activities and and located in Class 2, and Neotectonic activities are a high relative tectonic activity in all watersheds. Geomorphic indicators are reflecting activities in the metropolitan Tehran watersheds can say that tectonically active watershed has not yet reached stability and tectonic activity are relatively high. Geomorphologic indicators drainage watershed asymmetry, the main river sinuosity, the valley floor width to height ratio of density of rivers and valleys, structural geology and tectonic activity in the7watersheds of Tehran metropolis better show it.

The results show that Tehran metropolis Watersheds have a high relative tectonic activity in all watersheds, because of the proximity to the major faults (such as Mosha- Fasham and North Tehran faults) and minor faults, tectonic activity exists. Finally it can be stated that, due to the presence of multiple faults and background seismicity and tectonic activity in Tehran metropolis and its watersheds, occurrence of earthquakes in the study area is not unexpected and this issue requires serious consideration and management.

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Active tectonics of the Roudbar region:
with special reference to the landslides of the area
 
Tayebeh Kiani, Assistant Prof. in geomorphology, Kharazmi University
tayebeh.kiani@gmail.com
 
Hyrdad Nadim, MSc in environmental geology, geological hazards trends, Geological Survey & Mineral Exporation of Iran
hirad.nadim@gmail.com
 
Parastoo Ghaforpur Anbaran, PH.D Student in Geomorphology, Kharazmi University
parastooghaforpur@yahoo.com
 
 
 
Extended abstract:
Introduction: Due to its specific morphology and extensive tectonic activities, Roudbar rigion has always been affected by various geological hazards such as earthquakes, floods, biological pollution and landslides, which landslide is one of the most active phenomena in the region of this vast And mountainous area. Within the Roudbar geological sheet, 11 large and small landslides have been recorded with different yields and properties, some of which have catastrophic consequences, including the Roudbar and Fatalak landslides, which occurred as a result of the earthquake of June 31, 1990 Has caused devastating events in the Roudbar area and resulted in casualties and financial losses. Extreme performance of tectonic phases, which enact a major role in landslides, construction factors, road and rail, Steep slopes of topography, Sloping Loose Materials, are a various factors in the occurrence of such landslides. Due to the fact that landslide is predictive, preventive and sustainable, it is important to identify and zoning in the country and province and Perform basic geological studies in prone araes to landslides with a large scale. Due to the high potential of the region for the subsequent landslides and the properties of the intact areas with the old landslide areas, In present research, it is necessary to determine the most important factor in landslide occurrence in Roudbar area through field investigations and based on that, plan management will happen for controlling landslide phenomenon. Eventually, using geomorphic indices, the tectonic activity status of the Roudbar region is determined, and with the adaptation of the location of landslides and faults with the tectonic activity zones map, relationship between tectonic and landslide are investigated. Also, the risk zone, where there is a probability of landslide instability, is determined.
Method: The study area is located at 45 ° 36 'to 30 '45 ° 36' north latitude and 30 '22 ° 49' to 49 ° 49 'east longitude. Roudbar is one of the southern cities of Gilan province, which has a reputation for having olive gardens, and is named after its seasonal and permanent rivers. Roudbar city leads to from north to Rasht, south to Roudbar Alamut (from Qazvin province), from east to Lahijan and from west to Fomen city.
 In the first phase, based on ground surveys and laboratory studies, the geological map in the scale of 1: 25,000 and other required data, limited area and Condition landslides are identified on aerial photos and satellite imagery. In the second phase of this research, geomorphic indicators the mountain front sinuosity index (Smf), the ratio of width to depth valley floor (Vf), Stream Length Index (SL), Basin Shape (Bs), Asymmetry Factor (AF) are used. Then, the results of the indicators are presented as a tectonic activity index (LAT).
Conclusion: Based on ground surveys and laboratory studies, the geological map in the scale of 1: 25000 and other required data, limited area and Condition landslides are identified on aerial photographs and satellite imagery. Based on this, it was found that Roudbar landslides were more affected by structural factors and weight (slope loading) has taken place. It seems Structural factors hidden in most of the landslides in the region. Based on the results of the tectonic activity relative index (Lat), most sub-basins have high and moderate tectonic activity. In term of width, the intense class includes with 195.55 square kilometers (67.21%) of the total area. The integration of different tectonic zones with the location of the landslide zones of the region, the close relationship between the zones with intense and moderate tectonic activity with the landslide zones designated in the first part of this study shows that the zones with Fatalak, Lavie, Roudbar, Filde landslides are in areas with intense tectonic activity and The landslides of Dashtgan, Talabar, Taklim, Nesfi, Dolatabad, Herzavil are located in the moderate tectonic activity zone. Based on ground surveys, the results of calculations of geomorphic indices indicate the relation between the activity of the land area and the landslide hazard. Considering the inevitability of the faults' activity and the resulting hazards, it is suggested that, in order to improve the country's substructure development, more detailed and larger scales on the landslide mechanism introduced in this research (Including determination of gradient safety factors (FS), calculation of the risk of slipping region and applying slope stability and safety methods, etc.), be done Systematicly and in coordination with organizations and related departments.
Keywords: Active tectonic, Geographic Information System, Geomorphic indices, Landslide, Roudbar.
 

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 Investigation of morphometric indices of Assaluyeh, Varavi and Kangan anticlines in Fars Zagros and their relationship with tectonic activity
 
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Anticlines are the most prominent surface landforms whose geometry and morphology reflect mechanism of their formation and are keys to assessing the existence of deep faults that are effective in their formation and are among the most important seismic sources.
Detachment folds are formed by buckling of the rock units in response to shortening and are typically symmetric folds. Alternatively, asymmetric folds at the surface may be forced by the propagation of thrust faults at depth (fault propagation folds) or result from thrust movements along footwall ramps in the sedimentary pile (fault-ramp folds).The Zagros folds have often been interpreted as completely detached along the Hormuz salt.
Structurally, the study area is a part of the folded and coastal Zagros whose geological structure is simple and gentle and comprises a series of near-compact anticlines with a near-vertical axial surface and a northwest-southeast trend.
Outcrops of lithological formations in the study area include Surmeh, Fahliyan, Gadvan, Dariyan, Kazhdumi, Sarvak, Ilam, Gurpi, Pabdeh, Gachsaran, Mishan, Aghajari and Bakhtiari. In the northwestern part of the Kangan anticline, uplift of salt diapir along the Darang Fault has led to the exposure of limestone, shale, dolomite and anhydrite units of the Khami Group.
Assaluyeh is one of the most important economic bases in Iran and also one of the largest energy production areas in the world. With the rapid development of Assaluyeh region and increase of residential, urban and industrial constructions and refinery facilities, without attention to environmental hazards and especially earthquakes, it seems necessary to conduct this research.
The aim of this study was to investigate the morphometric characteristics of the Assaluyeh, Veravi and Kangan anticlines and its relationship with active tectonics in the region.
Methodology
At first, topographic, drainage network, slope, slope direction and tectonic maps of the anticlines were prepared using digital elevation model data, Landsat imagery and field surveys. Then, the geomorphic quantitative indices of the fold front sinuosity, aspect ratio, fold symmetry index, fold surface symmetry index, anticline crestline index, fold elevation index and spacing ratio were calculated. Qualitative studies were carried out on drainage pattern indices, triangular facets, wineglass valleys, linear valleys, fault scarps, springs, alluvial fans, etc. Finally, the relationship between all geomorphic and tectonic parameters was analyzed.
Results and discussion
Fold symmetry index is one of the most important parameters that show the degree of inequality of the two limbs of the anticline and thus the intensity of tectonic activity. In a completely symmetric anticline, the value of this index is 1, while in an asymmetric anticline the value of this index is less than 1. The index values for all three anticlines are less than one, but the Asalouyeh anticline shows more asymmetry, indicating a high tectonic activity on the anticline.
The fold front sinuosity index indicates the degree of tectonic activity or age of the folding system. The values obtained for this index in the three anticlines indicate that the anticlines are young and the tectonic forces are dominating the erosion.
The high value of the aspect ratios indicates the elliptical shape of the anticline, which is caused by the high stress perpendicular to the axis of the anticline. The index for Varai, Kangan, and Asalouyeh Anticlines are 0.7, 0.5 and 0.5, respectively, which again indicates nearly high tectonic activity in all three anticlines.
The spacing ratio index at the northern flank of Varavi and Assalouyeh anticlines and the southern flank of  Kagan anticline indicate a high value. Quantitative index of surface symmetry of folds also shows that all three anticlines are asymmetric and the asymmetry of Asalouyeh anticline is greater than Kangan and Varavi anticlines.
The drainage pattern is another indicator that, in the absence of tectonic evidence, can be a key to identifying tectonic activity.
The existence of asymmetric fork drainage networks is evidence of active tectonic evidence indicating lateral growth of anticlines. According to this criterion, Varavi anticline has grown to the northwest.
Comparison of the valleys shows that most of the valleys in Kagan anticline are of wineglass type whereas in Asalouyeh and Kangan anticlines linear valleys are more abundant. Some of these valleys are formed along transverse faults. The presence of numerous alluvial fans in the slopes of the Varavi anticline, indicates rapid erosion of the valley bed due to the rapid uplift and increasing valley slope. The presence of elongated and narrow V-shaped valleys is another evidence of the high tectonic activity of this anticline.
Conclusion
In seismicity studies and identification of hidden or blind fault studies, geophysical and geotechnical methods are expensive, time-consuming and require special equipment and are performed on a small scale. With the availability of landforms and features, risk assessment will be done at a lower cost, faster, and on a larger scale, if a relationship between landscapes and earthquakes can be established.
The geometry of the folds reflects the mechanism of their formation. Asymmetrical folds are associated with deep faulting and a detachment horizon, where the movement of sedimentary layers on the detachment horizon or at the tip of the hidden faults can cause an earthquake. The three anticlines of Assaluyeh, Varavi and Kangan are also part of the folded Zagros and have the characteristics of the folded Zagros.
In this study we defined a new index related to fold morphology, called fold surface symmetry index. Also we used fold morphology to detect the presence of detachment horizons and faults in the core of anticlines and their relationship to seismic hazard risk.
The results of this study show the transverse profile asymmetry of all three anticlines due to the association of these anticlines with the longitudinal faults in the anticline core and along their axes. The results of measurements of aspect ratios, fold front sinusitis, anticline ridge, and study of drainage patterns and tectonic landforms such as fault scarps, triangular facets, linear valleys also confirm the high tectonic activity of all three anticlines and the potential for earthquake hazard due to the movement of deep faults or any segments of them.

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Evaluation and comparison of the accuracy of fault and seismic data in fractal analysis of northwest Zagros tectonic
Introduction
Complexity of natural processes especially tectonic processes that shape landscapes cannot be evaluated by classic geometry. In comparison with integer dimension of Euclidean space, fractal geometry can analyze features with non-integer dimension (Turcotte, 1977:121). Fractal behavior in such features shows self-similarity that this component is independent of the accuracy of investigation (Baas, 2002, 311). In fact, fractal dimension, is scale-invariant (Phillips, 2002, 144). Spatial variations of fractal parameters are an important factor in studying the tectonic state of regions. By determining the fractal dimension of Linear structures such as faults, it is possible to compare their geometry disorder (Suk moon et al, 1996:5). This parameter affects seismic behavior of fault because earthquake is an event related to faulting (Bachmanov, et al, 2012: 221) and Their concentration in an area indicates tectonic activity. In this research we performed fractal analysis using box counting method on fault and seismic data of northwest of Zagros about different scales of fault and different time periods of earthquake epicenters of two organizations with various detail to find and examine their fractal behavior by fractal dimension.
Methods
Data in this research can be divided to three clusters: 1. Fault lines of two scales of geology maps (1:100000 and 1:250000), 2. Earthquake epicenters of two periods of times prepared by two organizations (20 century data of Institute of Geophysics and 1900-2020 data of International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology) and 3. The second cluster with exert of Magnitude of completeness of earthquakes that show the minimum magnitude above which the data in the earthquake catalog is complete. Fractal analysis applied on these data by box counting method. To achieve this goal firstly, under study area divided to 6 boxes that contain main fault trends horizontally and vertically (A: folded Zagros in west of Kermanshah, B: faulted Zagros around Kermansha and east of kermansha, C: folded Zagros near mountain front fault, D: An area between faulted and folded Zagros near Khoramabad, E: Area around Balarud fault and F: An area between Balarud and mountain front fault to faulted Zagros). To calculate fractal dimension of fault lines and distribution of earthquake epicenters, box counting method suggested by Turcotte (1997) were applied by using Hausdorff dimension, which in two quantity of size (side length of grids) and number (number of grid boxes containing earthquake epicenter or fault) are used to calculate FD (total fractal dimension) value (Schuller et al, 2001: 3). Relation between reciprocal of side length (quantity of size) and number of boxes containing point and linear features (quantity of Number) was drawn Logarithmically as a linear regression in Excel that shows fractal dimension.
Result and discussion
Larger values of fractal dimension indicate greater geometric disorder (Sukmono et al., 1996: 5). Analysis of faults of two scales represent that faults geometry is fractal and the amount of FD for scale of 1:100000 compared with scale of 1:250,000 is larger but their result approximately is same. The FD values for both scales are locate between 1 and 2 that expresses development of the fractal community of faults has a linear trend. On the other hand, for earthquakes, increase in FD values shows that earthquakes are not clustered and are distributed homogeneously (Oncel & Wilson, 2002: 339) along a line in understudy area. Calculated number-size values for faults and earthquakes represent both partial and popular FD changes. Based on partial FD, two populations can be classified: (a) Background with FD larger than popular FD; (b) Threshold with FD lower than popular FD.
Conclusion
Fractal analysis of faults of two scales of geology maps reveals that the order of active areas with high FD values in both scales are same but due to different details of faults in geology maps of geology survey and oil company, in scale of 1:100000 area labeled B and in scales of 1:250000 area labeled A is the most tectonically active region, however, area labeled E in both scales has lowest value. The order of active areas based on FD values for earthquake epicenters of 1900-2021 data of geophysics institute do not support other results because area labeled C with low density of faults and earthquake epicenters is in the first order and area labeled A is on the contrary of it. However, FD results of 20 century earthquake epicenters with exert of magnitude of completeness are reliable and higher magnitude of earthquakes spatially recent Ezgeleh earthquake in area labeled A is its evidence.
Keywords: Fractal, Tectonic, Northwest Zagros, Fault, Earthquake
 

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Abstract
In geosciences, morphotectonic indicators are used to investigate the effectiveness of land surfaces from neotectonic activities. In this article, the results of morphotectonic indices by tectonic zones of Iran, according to the energy released from the earthquake of 1900-2009 and the position of the basins relative to the types of faults (young seismic faults), Quaternary and pre-Quaternary) were analyzed. For this purpose, 110 years old Iran seismic data was extracted from the geodatabase, and during the programming process in MATLAB, it was converted from point-vector to surface-raster. In addition the results of the evaluation of morphotectonic indices of 142 basins of different zones were used; 8 inactive basins, 40 semi- active basins, and 94 active basins. Inactive basins are located in Alborz, Zagros, and Central Iran. . The results indicate that the amount of energy released can't examine a significant role in evaluating the morphotectonic indices of the basins. Basin’s location in the area of Quaternary faults and young seismic is of great value in the tectonically active basin. The lie of semi-active basins adjacent to active basins, or the lie of inactive basins adjacent to semi-active and active basins; and it should be borne in mind that the thresholds used to estimate the tectonic activity status of basins cannot be used as a definite and mathematical criterion in estimating the tectonic status of basins.