Information AboutZagros |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT ZAGROS MOUNTAINS | |
| mountain ranges of iran | |
| mountains of iraq | |
| mountains of kurdistan | |
| ecoregions | |
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The Zagros Mountains were formed by collision of two Tectonic Plate s — the Eurasian and Arabian Plate s. Stresses induced in the Earth's crust by the collision caused extensive folding of the preexisting layered Sedimentary Rock s. Subsequent erosion removed softer rocks, such as Mudstone (rock formed by consolidated mud) and Siltstone (a slightly coarser-grained mudstone) while leaving harder rocks, such as Limestone (calcium-rich rock consisting of the remains of marine organisms) and Dolomite (rocks similar to limestone containing Calcium and Magnesium ). This differential Erosion formed the linear ridges of the Zagros Mountains. The depositional environment and tectonic history of the rocks were conducive to the formation and trapping of Petroleum , and the Zagros region is an important part of Persian Gulf oil production. Salt Dome s and Salt Glacier s are a common feature of the Zagros Mountains. Salt domes are an important target for oil exploration, as the impermeable salt frequently traps petroleum beneath other rock layers. ETYMOLOGY The name ''Zagros'' is derived from the Zagarthians/Sagarthians--and Indo-European, Iranic immigrants from Europe who once inhabited the mountains, from the shores of Lake Van to the coasts of Makran . The Zangana and Chigini tribes of the Kurds are the remnants of these ancient Sagarthians . Other explanations deriving the name from Greek ''Zagreus'', meaning stormy, or the name Za-G'R' means 'great mountain' in the Avestan Language , are invalid. TYPE AND AGE OF ROCK The mountains are divided into many parallel sub-ranges (up to 10, or 250 km wide), and have the same age as the Alps . Iran's main Oilfield s lie in the western central foothills of the Zagros mountain range. The southern ranges of the Fars Province have somewhat lower summits, reaching 4000 metres. They contain some limestone rocks showing abundant marine Fossil s. |
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