Effect of deep and surface thrust faults on structural geometry of the Ghalajeh anticline, Lurestan, West Zagros

The Ghalajeh anticline with about 60 km length and NW-SE trend is located in Lurestan sub-zone and the Zagros fold and thrust belt. Geometry and kinematic of the folds of this zone are controlled by thrust faults and detachment levels. In this research, geometry and deformational style analysis of the Ghalajeh anticline and the role of the detachment levels on folding style have been investigated interpreting well data and construction of three cross-sections and calculation of geometric parameters. The structure of this anticline is affected by two detachment levels, which include the Pabdeh and Garu formations as the upper and middle detachment levels. Detachment levels and deep-seated and surface thrust faults in the southwestern limb affected the folding geometry and have caused the high thickness of the middle detachment level and inversion of the southern limb which waning southwestern part of the anticline, and the dip of the layers are normal which in turn caused fracturing. Analysis of geometrical parameter along the Ghalajeh anticline indicate that this anticline is an asymmetrical, cylindrical fold is an open half-angle round fold.