DEM-derived geomorphic indices for assessment of tectonic activity at the Dara anticlinal oil structure within the Zagros fold-thrust belt, southwestern Iran

The Dara anticline is one of the anticlinal oil structures in the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt that were formed in the Dezful Embayment west of the Kazerun fault zone. Determination of the tectonically active parts of this structure is important for structural analysis and oil exploration. Consequently, we have used Arc GIS software to analyze active tectonics indexes including the following: hypsometric integral and hypsometric curve (Hi, Hc); elongation ratio (Bs, Re); drainage asymmetry factor (AF); valley floor width to height ratio (Vf); stream gradient index (SL); and swath profile with remote sensing applied to a digital elevation model (DEM). These methods indicate the amount of active longitudinal growth of the Dara anticline. The tectonic activity analyses show that both the northwest and southeast noses of the Dara anticline are more active than the middle parts and that the SE nose is more active than NW nose.