Analysis of Strike-Slip Kinematics in a Shear Zone with Heterogeneous Slip Rate: Case Study LutArea, Eastern Iran

A model suggests the current shear، which originated about 5 Ma ago، has been accommodated by strike-slip faulting within and along the margins of the Lut area. The measured Quaternary slip rate along the Nehbandan fault system to the east and the Nayband fault system to the west margins of the Lut area is ~ 5 and ~ 1. 7±0. 3 mm/year، respectively. Therefore، the observed slip rate is shown to increase from west to the east margin. This has resulted in the development of a dextral strike-slip shear system with heterogeneous slip rate across the Lut area. We have used satellite images، field observations، aeromagnetic data and analogue modeling to measure Cenozoic strain distribution and slip-rate changes in the Lut area. Results show direct linkage between deformation distribution and slip rate changes along the margins of the Lut area.