Neotectonics of Zindapir Anticline and Sulaiman Fold and Thrust Belt: Inferences from SRTM DEM

Abstract

The current study deals with the significance of surface dynamics (SDs) and its relationship to tectonics and
active erosion in Zindapir Anticline (ZPA) and neighboring Sulaiman Fold and Thrust Belt (SFTB) which is a direct
result of transform plate movement between Indo-Pak continent and Eurasia. The Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission
Digital Elevation Model SRTM DEM with 30 m resolution was employed to compute SDs; Isobase (IBL), drainage
density (DD), relative relief (RR) and vertical dissection (VD) thematic maps for the study area. The results obtained
show that the DD, RR, VD and IBL have higher values in north west, central segments and south west of the SFTB,
whereas the Zindapir anticline represents dextral movement on its east side while sinistral sense of movement is
observed on its western edge. High values of RR and VD correspond to highly incised topography with great surface
roughness. The enhanced values of IBL and DD in the northwest, south west and central SFTB correspond to uplifted
active topography segments and can trigger medium level earthquakes in this region. The conjugate movement of ZPA
is an indication of its neotectonic nature and recent uplift is causing surface deformation which needs to be understood
in the context of SFTB development as a result of India-Eurasia transform movement.

Keywords: Drainage density, Isobase level, relative relief, vertical dissection, Zindapir anticline.