Relationship Between Thermal Springs of Western Alborz Mountains and Regional Tectonics

Abstract

Alborz Mountain Range in northern Iran stretching from the borders of Azerbaijan and Armenia in the northwest to Kopedagh in north east of Iran. Its geology is linked with mysterious geology of South Caspian basin, central Iranian Plateau and Subduction of Arabian plate under Eurasia. Dormant quaternary volcanoes of Damavand and Sabalan are located not too far outside of west and east of the study area respectively and seem to be related to active tectonics of the study area. Thermal springs in Western Alborz Mountain range in eastern parts of Gilan Province and western parts of Mazandaran Province are related to active tectonic system. Hydrogeochemical characters of thermal springs in Gilan Province are not related to hydrothermal systems like those which are located around quaternary volcanoes of Iran. Changes in amount of discharge and location of these springs indicate their link with tectonic activity. In Eastern Parts (Ramsar Area) thermal springs flows from hillsides of Alborz Mountains very close to Caspian Sea with strong sulfur and radioactive emission. Alamkooh and Akapol are two recognized intrusives in eastern parts that can be a heat source. Dense forests and high amount of precipitation enforces the need for future researches to understand the exact heat source in Ramsar Area.