INTERCONNECTION OF GEODYNAMIC PROCESSES IN THE CAUCASUS AND ADJACENT REGIONS (TURKEY, IRAN)

Year 2025, Volume: 27 Issue: 1, 25 - 37, 30.05.2025

Ilyas Kazimov Sabina Kazimova

Abstract

This article is dedicated to the study of the tectonic evolution of the Caucasus within the context of the central segment of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt, including the adjacent
territories of Turkey and Iran. Based on paleotectonic and geophysical data, including the research of A.A.Belov (1986), R.Kolman (1974), N.Kelder (1975), N.Falcon (1977), V.E.Khain (1990), F.Ahmedbeyli (2010), Cowgil (2016), Forte (2015), T.Kengerli (2018) and others, the stages of regional formation from the Mesozoic to the present are analyzed. It is established that the Caucasus, Turkey, and Iran initially constituted a single tectonic block associated with Gondwana, the collapse of which during the Jurassic period and the subsequent formation of the Red Sea Rift led to their tectonic differentiation. Special attention is given to the role of Arabian Plate movement, the influence of compression, and autonomous geodynamic processes in the development of structures such as the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, Pontides, Taurides, Elburz, and Zagros, as well as differences in geological structure, volcanic activity, and rock distribution. An analysis of GPS data (2018–2024) and Lode-Nadai coefficient maps (2019–2024) reveals a shift in dominant stresses in the region—from extension in 2019–2022 to compression in 2023–2024 linked to tectonic activity and earthquakes. Linear seismic zones reflecting the region’s high seismicity are identified, including events such as the Shamakhi (1902), Spitak (1988), and Racha (1991) earthquakes. In conclusion, it is emphasized that the tectonic evolution of the region is driven by both horizontal and vertical movements, and the Caucasus, Turkey, and Iran remain interconnected without breaking into separate plates. This study is significant for assessing seismic hazards
and predicting geodynamic processes.

Keywords

Caucasus , Turkey , Iran , Alpine-Himalayan belt , tectonics , geodynamics , Gondwana , Red Sea Rift , seismicity , GPS , Lode-Nadai coefficient.

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