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The unique geological formations found in Iran are a product of intense geological activity shaped by the mountain ridges and valleys of the Greater Caucasus range, situated southwest of the Caspian Sea. These formations began developing between 10 million and 50 million years ago during a significant collision between the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which resulted in sedimentary layers becoming compacted and transformed over time. The vibrant colours of the rocks, which vary from terracotta to shades of green and blue, reveal the complex history of this area. Satellite imagery from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Earth Observatory illustrates the clustering patterns of the landscape across different epochs.
Among the notable images captured are those portraying distinct layers of sediment, local vegetation, and the Zanjan-Tabriz freeway that connects Tehran to Poznan. Additionally, imagery of the Qezel Ozan River emerges, which is crucial for irrigation purposes in the region. Ongoing tectonic movement in the area indicates that the earth is still shifting; recent studies suggest that an oceanic crust slab is currently being disrupted beneath both Iraq and Iran.
Unraveling the Tectonic Drama of Iran’s Folded Rocks
Nasa experts have documented that the striking layers of Iran’s terrain result from a tectonic showdown between the Eurasian and Arabian continents, which has led to the folding of these brilliant rock layers into monumental structures. This area contains mountains and valleys from the Greater Caucasus mountain range, where the sedimentary rocks became distorted during the initial collision between the tectonic plates. This significant geological event, estimated to have transpired between 10 and 50 million years ago, set the stage for the distinctive formations visible today.
Research indicates that beneath Iraq and Iran, crustal segments linked to the oceanic crust are undergoing fragmentation, contributing to unusual silt formations at the earth’s surface. The intricate relationship between the topography of the land, the flow of the Qezel Ozan River, and the influence of the Neotethys oceanic plate, which is exerting downward pressure, creates a fascinating dynamic in the region’s geological makeup.
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