Northern Iraq’s Zagros Mountains are slowly sinking due to the movement of an oceanic tectonic slab known as the Neotethys slab. Research from MIT highlights the geological processes behind this phenomenon, which occur over millions of years. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics for earthquake predictions and geothermal energy development in affected regions.
The region surrounding the Zagros Mountains in northern Iraq is experiencing gradual sinking due to geological processes. Researchers have discovered that an oceanic tectonic slab beneath the Earth’s surface is causing this subsidence. Renas Koshnaw, a geologist at MIT and the study’s lead author, emphasizes that the geological activities responsible for this phenomenon occur over an extended time scale, spanning millions of years, making their effects imperceptible within human lifespans.
The sinking is primarily attributed to plate tectonics, specifically a developing rift within the Neotethys oceanic slab. This slab, which traces back to an ancient ocean over 66 million years old, is gradually detaching and sinking from southeast Turkey to northwest Iran. Koshnaw notes that the complexities of this process unfold slowly, taking tens of millions of years to affect landscapes significantly.
Supported by a joint research effort involving the University of Göttingen and the University of Bern, the study investigated the Zagros Mountains to understand the impact of tectonic collisions on the underlying oceanic slab. Their findings revealed that the depressions around the Zagros region are deeper than anticipated due to these tectonic interactions, ultimately linking the subsidence of this area to the movement of the Neotethys slab.
The implications of this research extend beyond understanding geological processes; they provide insight into earthquake prediction. According to Koshnaw, comprehending the mechanics of plate tectonics can inform models that depict Earth’s deep geological structures. This knowledge is crucial in ascertaining where earthquakes are likely to occur, their depth, and potential intensity, given the area’s history of seismic activity.
Koshnaw also notes that analyzing changes in the Earth’s topography over millions of years aids in estimating geothermal gradients suitable for energy production. Such insights are particularly important following the devastating earthquakes in February 2023 that impacted southern Turkey and northern Syria, underscoring the need for improved geological understanding in earthquake-prone regions.
In summary, the gradual sinking of northern Iraq, particularly around the Zagros Mountains, is driven by complex tectonic processes involving the Neotethys oceanic slab. This research has significant implications for earthquake prediction and understanding geological dynamics. By revealing the interconnectedness of Earth’s structures, scientists can enhance models that predict seismic activity and assess geothermal potential, ultimately informing safety and energy production efforts in the region.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
