The Application of Fractures in Structural Interpretation of an Anticline, a Case Study: Chenareh Anticline, SW Iran

The Chenareh Anticline is located between Lurestan Zone (in north) and Dezful Embayment (in south) in the Zagros Folded-Thrust Belt. This anticline is documented and interpreted to constrain the kinematic evolution of a fold. The development of fractures is confined to the Asmari Formation. In the study area, the fracture pattern is interpreted to identify six main fracture sets (from A to F). The first fracture set (A) striking 68◦, oblique to the further fold trend, is interpreted as a regional fracture set that predates compression phase. The second set (B) striking 110◦, parallel to the fold trend, are found in both limbs and interpreted as extensional fractures. Two other fractures set, (D, E) striking 10◦-70◦ and 80◦-140◦ are conjugate fractures existing in both limbs. The youngest fracture set (E) had formed during the folding process especially at the late stage of fold growth. Later on the first fracture group (A) are reactivated and called as (F) fracture set. Due to geometric characteristics of the Chenareh Anticline, it is categorized as a fault -propagation fold which is affected by the blind Balarud fault zone. The Z-shaped hinge zone of present anticline is attributed to the linkage of the two early individual anticlines.