Tectonic Activity Rate in Behabad Area According to Morphotectonic Indices, NE Yazd Province, Iran

Neotectonics that is a major factor of landform development in tectonically active regions has significantly affected fluvial systems and mountain-front landscapes in the Behabad area of the Central Iran Zone. To assess tectonic activities in the area, we analyzed geomorphic indices including the mountain-front sinuosity (Smf), stream-gradient index (SL), valley floor width–valley height ratio (Vf), drainage basin shape (Bs) and drainage basin asymmetry (Af). These indices were combined to yield the relative active tectonics indices (Iat). Based on Iat values, the study area was divided into four parts: Class 1 (very high relative tectonic activity, 1.52% in area), Class 2 (high, 68.58%), Class 3 (moderate, 20%), and Class 4 (low, 9.9%). The results are consistent with field observations on landforms and geology. The active tectonics indices and geomorphological evidences indicate that the tectonic activity rate in the studied area is predominantly moderate to high.