Evaluates the Activity and Seismic Power Assessment of Tabriz Fault Applying Geomorphic Indicators, Remote Sensing and GIS Technique

Tabriz metropolitan is located in the area of the active fault which passes from the lower part of the Gomanabchai and Varkeshchai watershed in the north of the city. The present research aims at studying the activity and seismic power of Tabriz fault using geomorphic indicators, remote sensing and GIS techniques. To achieve this goal, geomorphic indicators, including basin asymmetry, sinus mountain front, Sinus River, valley floor width to valley height, assessment of active tectonic index and experimental models, were applied as the topic and model tools. Satellite images ASTER sensor, geological maps, digital elevation model and ENVI4.8, ArcGIS10.2 software's are other physical means in this research. Processing the satellite data, the tectonic evidence of Tabriz fault as Ajichai deviation stream, cliff fault and lens-shaped phenomenon in the metropolitan were explained. The results were confirmed by field evidence area. Therefore, basin asymmetry 39.7 and 23.2, 1.4 and 0.93 sinus mountain front, 1.1 and 1.3 sinus river, valley floor width to valley height of 1.08 and 1.2 were calculated for Gomanabchai and Varkeshchai watershed respectively. According to relative active tectonics index assessment, Gomanabchai and Varkeshchai watershed have very high tectonic movements with values 1.5 and 1 respectively. Results indices show that Gomanabchai and Varkeshchai watershed morphology influence Tabriz fault tectonic movements. According to empirical models, Tabriz fault has the potential to create the earthquakes with the magnitude over 6 on the Richter scale. The consequences of the expansion of Tabriz on faults and north highlandsare gradually emerging in this areadue to the geological formations. In addition the occurrence of earthquakes of magnitude 6.9 on the Richter scale average, and the consequences of inappropriate development in the future will be very dangerous.