Geometry and Kinematics of the Gentle to Open Fault-propagation Fold having Four-way Dip Enclosure: Outcrop and Lineament Analysis of the Rois Anticline, Southern Kirthar Fold Belt, Pakistan
Keywords:
Geometry and kinematics; Fault-propagation fold; Four-way dip enclosure; Lineament analysis; Rois Anticline; Southern Kirthar Fold BeltAbstract
The Rois anticline is located in the Southern Kirthar Fold Belt, Pakistan, and it exhibits an ideal example of fault-related folding. In this study we analyzed outcrop and lineaments data to understand geometry, lineament distribution pattern and kinematics of the fault-propagation Rois anticline. The outcrop observations were supported with geometrical parameters determined through stereographic projections to understand geometry of the anticline. Outcrop observations indicated that the Rois anticline is about 6.5Km along and 02Km across strike, N-S trending, culminated anticline having steep eastern and gentle western limbs, exhibiting four-way dip enclosure. The anticline is bounded by emergent frontal thrust in the eastern limb and by tear fault (lateral ramp) along the northern part. Geometrical parameters, i.e. fold axis, axial plane, interlimb angle and fold vergence, indicated that the Rois anticline is an asymmetrical, doubly-plunging, inclined to upright, gentle to open and ESE-vergent fold. The lineaments were extracted automatically from Digital Elevation Models. The transverse and longitudinal lineaments are identified in the Rois anticline. Transverse lineaments occur in the culmination, indicating anticline has experienced outer-arc extension. The longitudinal lineaments are concentrated in hinge area of the Rois anticline, which indicate fold-parallel stretching in its high-strain parts. The lineaments are interpreted as fold-related axial fractures or minor faults associated with propagating fault. Emergent frontal thrust, fold asymmetry, steep eastern limb and longitudinal axial lineaments supports the model of fault-propagation fold. It is developed due to east-directed compressional stresses linked to the oblique collision of the Indian Plate and Afghan Block along the Ornach-Nal and Chaman plate boundary. The Rois anticline has accommodated localized coaxial strain partitioning, associated with regional pure shear.
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