Extensional Structures in a Transpressional Tectonic Regime: the Relationship with Hydrothermal Vein Deposits and Porphyry Copper Deposits in NE Shahr-e-Babak

Hydrothermal vein and porphyry copper deposits are notable within Eocene volcanic rocks of Shahr-e-Babak area. In this paper, the structural patterns within Shahr-e-Babak area as well as the relationship between structural elements and the emplacement of dikes and hydrothermal vein and porphyry copper deposits have been discussed. Three fault trends of WNW-ESE and N-S are recognized in northeastern Shahr-e-Babak according to satellite images and field observations. The WNW-ESE and N-S trending faults are normal faults, while the NE-SW trending faults are sinistral faults with normal component. Two trends are recognized for the dikes in Shahr-e-Babak area namely, WNW-ESE(T2) and N-S (T1) following the trends of preexisting fractures in the area. The existence of an extensional system is recognized by the pattern of tension gashes and Pennant and the presence of extensional joints in the area. The shift in s1 direction from NE-SW to N-S, confirm the presence of some rotation in the area. The rotation in a transpressional regime caused the development of extensional structures in the Shahr-e-Babak area; the extensional structures provided the space for the passage of ore fluids and the emplacement of polymetallic vein and porphyry copper deposits in northeastern Shahr-e-Babak