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Interpretation of aeromagnetic data to detect the deep-seated basement faults in fold thrust belts: NW part of the petroliferous Fars province, Zagros belt, Iran
Abstract
Detection and delineation of basement faults are fundamental exercises in petroleum geology. This is because such structures can guide later deformation and the associated structures within the younger overlying sediments. This work presents aeromagnetic data interpretation and a comparison with the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to detect basement structures covering the NW part of the petroliferous Fars province, Zagros belt. Anticlinal axes deflect in the NW-part of the province. The reason for this deflection is debated. We identified basement faults at ∼10–12 km depth from the airborne geomagnetic data. Tilt filtering was applied on the magnetic data to enhance such faults. Two NE-trending cross-sections perpendicular to the anticlinal axes were prepared to show the effect of the basement faults in the sequence stratigraphy. The results of this research indicate a major NW and another NE trending deep-seated fault. Most of the extracted magnetic lineaments correspond to these faults. These faults were confirmed by the high displacement of the layers and changes of the thickness in the sequence stratigraphy. The result of this research suggests that the deep-seated basement faults are the main controlling factor of structural style in the NW part of Fars province in terms of a thick-skinned tectonics.
... The rugged terrain and other factors also create many exploring blind spots. The aeromagnetic survey [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] is a high technology that combines geophysical exploration techniques with aviation technology [15][16][17][18]. It is used to investigate and identify mineral resources and subsurface geological structures, with high-precision optically pumped magnetometers and realtime compensation systems mounted on the aircraft to detect changes in the magnetic field while the aircraft is in operation. ...
... The rugged terrain and other factors also create many exploring blind spots. The aeromagnetic survey [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] is a high technology that combines geophysical exploration techniques with aviation technology [15][16][17][18]. It is used to investigate and identify mineral resources and subsurface geological structures, with high-precision optically pumped magnetometers and real-time compensation systems mounted on the aircraft to detect changes in the magnetic field while the aircraft is in operation. ...
Understanding the characteristics of lead–zinc mine occurrences and mastering effective investigative techniques are paramount in modern ore prospecting. This research focuses on the forested region of Yichun city in China, with a specific emphasis on the strategic mineral resource of a lead–zinc mine. The study examines the distribution patterns of this mineral and employs advanced aeromagnetic exploration methods. Firstly, we analyzed the geological structure and features of the region by leveraging the latest high-precision aeromagnetic data collected using dynamic delta wing technology. This analysis was complemented by an assessment of the geological conditions of the research area, existing lead–zinc deposits, ground magnetic surveys, and verification studies. With the goal of establishing a meaningful correlation between aeromagnetic anomalies and lead–zinc deposits, we employed various potential field conversion techniques, including the reduction to the pole, vertical derivatives, upward continuation, and residual anomaly analysis techniques. Secondly, we investigated the metallogenic sites within this region and provided a comprehensive summary of the metallogenic circumstances and characteristics related to aeromagnetic prospecting. Thirdly, we employed human–computer interaction fitting inversion techniques to predict the potential for lead–zinc mine prospecting in areas exhibiting aeromagnetic anomalies. The study underscores the significance of high-amplitude and large-scale aeromagnetic anomalies in the study area. Furthermore, we examined the interplay between intrusive rocks, strata, and structural elements within the region to identify favorable conditions for lead–zinc mineralization. As a result of our analysis and discussions, a location was predicted where a lead–zinc mine may exist. The research methodology outlined in this article provides valuable insights for future lead–zinc mine exploration efforts in areas characterized by similar geological conditions.
... Arabian-Eurasian plates since the Late Cretaceous (Alavi,1994;Sarkarinejad et al., 2015;Sarkarinejad and Derikvand, 2017;Samani et al., 2020;Partabian and Faghih, 2021;Razavi Pash et al., 2021;Derikvand et al., 2023). Three distinctive parallel structural belts in the Zagros-side on Iran have been introduced (Fig. 1). ...
... The Fars Basin is from the east to the Bastak fault, from the west to the Kazerun and Borazjan faults, from the north to the Karebas and Qir faults, and from the south to the Persian Gulf. The faults of Razak, Hendurabi, Mountain Frontal Fault (MFF), Zagros Foredeep Fault (ZFF), and Bastak fault are important in this basin [13,21,22,47,53]. ...
... The Zagros Fold-Thrust belt, as an external part of the Zagros orogenic belt, consists of a series of fault-related folds. The evolution of these folds developed earthquake prone areas and substantial hydrocarbon reservoirs (e.g., Razavi Pash et al., 2021). Based on the geomorphic and topographic characteristics, from NE to SW this belt can be divided into two subarea including the High Zagros Belt and the Zagros Simply Folded Belt (Berberian and King, 1981;Falcon, 1974;Stocklin, 1968). ...
The structural analysis of the Bizerte area in northern Tunisia, utilizing well data and field observations, reveals a complex arrangement of fold structures characterized by recumbent fold nappes to local sheath-like fold structures, indicative of a deep detachment phenomenon. The genesis and present geometry of these fold structures unravel a multifaceted structural history: (i) In the Tortonian folding phase, a detachment mechanism may have initiated the formation of a horizontal shearing plane at the base of the Paleocene marls. The gradual evolution of syn-shear recumbent fold nappes into sheath folds within sedimentary to pseudo-metamorphic rocks is attributed to a flow perturbation process analogue to "layer-parallel shearing," dictating the geometric configuration of folds subsequent to a simple shear inducing perturbations in pre-existing layer disturbances. (ii) During the Late Quaternary shortening phase, a NW-trending right lateral shear zone emerged, delineated by the reactivation of pre-existing faults under compression. The reorientation of the anterior fold axes is attributed to the counterclockwise rotation of rigid blocks within the framework of P-type conjugate fractures. (iii) The transition to thin-skinned tectonics, characterized by the uplift of previously buried material, was characterized by a significant increase in shortening during Neogene events, encompassed in the broader regional geodynamic context of continental collision. From the Lower Quaternary onward, the structural model exhibits a combination of layer-parallel and layer-normal shear processes.
The Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt (ZFTB) is an outstanding orogen running from eastern Turkey to the Makran area. It is formed as a consequence of the convergence between the Arabian and the Eurasian plates that occurred in the Neogene. This still active and long-lasting process generated a topographic configuration dominated by a series of parallel folding structures which, at places, isolate internal basins. The topographic configuration has, in turn, profoundly influenced the river network evolution, which follows a trellis pattern with the main valleys developed in the synclines and rivers that occasionally cut into anticlines. The peculiar climate, characterised by arid and semi-arid conditions, makes most of the rivers ephemeral, alimented only by short rainfall events. For this reason, the sediments are transported over short distances and deposited in huge alluvial fans. Although the Zagros is one of the most studied belts in the world, its tectonic evolution is far from being fully understood. Debated, for example, are the beginning of collision, the primary deformation mechanism, the evolution of the drainage system, the formation process of the alluvial fans, and the interrelations between landscape, tectonics, and climate. This paper, focusing on the geodynamic, geological, stratigraphic, and topographic configuration of the Zagros belt, is intended to be a compendium of the most up-to-date knowledge on the Zagros and aims to provide the cognitive basis for future research that can find answers to outstanding questions.
The timing of deformation and the age of sediments in foreland basins are key information for reconstructing the
tectonic history of orogenic belts. This study, utilized magnetostratigraphic techniques to determine the ages of
~ 2.5 km-thick strata within the Zagros folded foreland basin in the flank of the NW-SE-trending Emam Hassan
anticline, located above the N–S-trending Khanaqin blind basement fault. This fault separates the Lurestan arc in
Iran from the Kirkuk embayment in Iraqi Kurdistan. These ages were combined with a detailed structural study to
establish the timing of folding and integrate it into the regional framework of the Zagros folded belt. Magne-
tostratigraphic results indicate a Serravallian age at ~ 13.4 Ma for the stratigraphic boundary between the
Gachsaran Formation and the pre-growth Aghajari Formation, whereas the base of the Aghajari growth strata is
Tortonian age (early Late Miocene) at ~ 10 Ma. The mean sediment accumulation rate for the Aghajari For-
mation is ~ 44 cm/kyr, with short peaks reaching up to 90 cm/kyr. Linear extrapolation of these rates proposes a
younger age than ~ 6.5 Ma (Messinian) for the base of the unconformable conglomerates of the Bakhtyari
Formation. The Emam Hassan folding and related Gachsaran diapirism began ~ 10 Ma and continued for at least
3.5 Myr until ~ 6.5 Ma, coevally with the deposition of ~ 1.3 km of the upper Aghajari Formation. Regional
synthesis reveals that multi-detachment folding within the Lurestan arc propagates in-sequence towards the
foreland. Although not the central focus of this study, our results, combined with the regional structural un-
derstanding, illustrate the potential 3-D structure at the depth of the seismogenic Khanaqin Fault, the source of
the 2017 Mw 7.3 Sarpol-e Zah¯ab Earthquake.
The Zagros Fold‐Thrust Belt is a tectonically active region within the Alpine‐Himalayan orogenic system resulting from ongoing convergence between Afro‐Arabian and Central Iranian plates. The presence of various geomorphic features in this region provides an ideal natural case for identifying deformed landforms resulting from active tectonics. The relative tectonic activity along the Lar and Didehban faults within the Zagros Fold‐Thrust Belt, SW Iran was evaluated using six DEM‐derived geomorphic indices: the stream‐gradient index (SL), drainage basin asymmetry (AF), hypsometric integral (HI), valley floor width‐valley height ratio (Vf), drainage basin shape (Bs), and mountain‐front sinuosity (Smf). These indices were combined to yield the relative active tectonics index (Iat) that allows the variation of tectonic activity along the Lar and Didehban faults to be related to variations in rates of incision, tectonic tilting and uplift. This variable tectonic activity was characterized by different Iat values along the faults. The low to high relative tectonic activity (class 1: 1 < Iat < 1.5, class 2: 1.5 < Iat < 2, class 3: 2 < Iat < 2.5, class 4: 2.5 < Iat) correlates with variable geomorphic features along the faults. The results of this study present an approach for assessing the effects of active tectonics and also for sustainable land use planning over a large area.
The Zagros fold and thrust belt (ZFTB) of Iran, aside from economic significance, is a natural laboratory that holds valuable information about kinematics of Arabia-Eurasia convergence/collision. This young orogenic belt is characterized by noticeable variations along-strike in the stratigraphic makeup and structural style, as well as by discontinuous ophiolite occurrences along the Zagros suture line. In this work, it is argued that tectono-stratigraphic attributes of the ZFTB are controlled by the irregular pre-collisional geometry at the northeastern edge of the Arabian Plate. The proposed collisional model in this paper can a) better explain the modes of tectonic deformation along different parts of the ZFTB and the orogen-parallel variations in stratigraphic architecture of the resulting foreland basin, and b) have implications for understanding the overall dynamics of the Arabia-Eurasia convergence.
Aeromagnetic data acquired over part of the Anambra Basin is analyzed to determine the structural pattern and sedimentary thickness of the basin. The study area is covered by high resolution aeromagnetic data on sheets 301 (Udi), 302 (Nkalagu), 312 (Okigwe) and 313 (Afikpo), and lies between latitudes 5o30’0’‘-6o30’0’‘ and longitudes 7o0’0”-8o0’0”. The whole area was divided into 25 overlapping blocks of 37.2km2 each and a 2D energy spectral analysis was carried out. Total magnetic intensity data was subjected to filtering and analytical techniques to determine the structural pattern, mineralization potential, depth to the basement, variation in the sedimentary thickness. The structural map generated using the vertical derivatives shows that the major structural orientation of the area is in the ENE-WSW trend and the minor trend is the NW to SE direction widespread all over the area. These structures are as a result of the various near-surface magnetic intrusion within the study area. The spectral analysis result shows two depth layers, the deep and the shallow depth, the depth to magnetic basement for the deep anomalous source ranges from 3.3km to 4.8 4km with an average depth of 3.99km, while the depth to shallow magnetic sources ranges between 0.46km to 0.67km and an average of 0.56km within the area. The mineralization pattern in this area follows the ENE-WSW direction.
The role of pre-existing structures during the building of the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt is a matter of debate. The orientation of the pre-existing basement faults varies in different parts of the Zagros belt. Major directions of the basement faulting in the Arabian plate and Zagros are N-S, NE-SW, NW-SE and E-W. Reactivation of these inherited pre-existing faults occurred at the Cretaceous. In this study, analogue modelling was constructed to test the effect of various orientations of the pre-existing basement faults on the deformation style in the northern boundary of Dezful Embayment. The model consisted of sand layers that partly overlay a viscous layer of silicon above wooden plates. Model results explain the development of deflection in the deformation front and the incompatibility location of faults in the basement and surface. The presence of the basal décollement horizon between the basement and overlying sedimentary sequences separated faulting geometry in the basement from sedimentary cover. Model results suggest that the flexure of the Zagros Mountain Front Faults (ZMFF) in the north part of Dezful Embayment is resulted by reactivation of pre-existing Bala Rud fault (BRF) which is an oblique ramp. The close similarity between the major structures produced during the analogue experiments and those observed in nature, suggests that BRF as a pre-existing basement fault has a major role in the deformation of the structures in the study area.
We analyze deformation of the Fars Arc in the eastern Zagros, Iran, including earthquake slip vectors, GPS velocities, paleomagnetism data, and fold orientations, to understand how this fold‐and‐thrust belt works and so better understand the generic issue of fold‐and‐thrust belt curvature. The Fars Arc is curved, convex southward. GPS‐derived rotation rates are ≤0.5° Myr⁻¹: Rotation is clockwise west of 53°E and counterclockwise to the east. These rotation senses are opposite to previous predictions of passive “bookshelf” models for strike‐slip faults during north‐south convergence. West of 53°E, average GPS vectors, thrust earthquake slip vectors, strain axes derived from GPS data, and orthogonal directions to fold trends are all aligned, toward ~218°. East of this meridian, the average GPS vector is toward 208°, but the averages of the other data sets are distinctly different, all toward ~190°. We propose that fault blocks in eastern Fars, each ~20–40 km long, rotate predominantly counterclockwise, whereas in western Fars, the regional clockwise rotation takes place mainly on the array of active right‐lateral faults in this area. Thus, localized block faulting and rotations accumulate to produce the overall strain and regional curvature. Active folds of different orientations in eastern Fars intersect to produce domal interference patterns, without involving separate deformation phases, indicating that fold interference patterns should not be interpreted in terms of changing stress orientations unless there is clear evidence. Fars Arc curvature is best explained by deformation being restricted at tectonic boundaries at its eastern and western margins, with significant gravitational spreading.
Ground based magnetic survey conducted between longitude 06O 55I 51IIN – 06O 55I 54IIN and latitude 03O 52I 06IIE – 03O 52I 4.8IIE (Olabisi Onabanjo University) remarkably revealed a consistent subsurface NW - SE structural azimuth of localized discontinuities within the shallowly buried heterogeneous basement rocks, which at exposed locations are composed of strongly foliated granite gneiss and migmatite-gneiss with veins and veinlets principally orientated in NNW – SSE direction. Magnetic survey of the area was preceded by site inspection to avoid metallic objects interferences. Field procedure in the area involved Cartesian gridding, base station establishment, data acquisition at gridded points, and repeated bihourly diurnal checks at the base station. At the processing stage, diurnal variation effect was aptly removed before subjection to Kriging (gridding). The gridded data was then prepared as input for Forward Fourier Filter Transform (FFT), which upon definition and implementation enabled Butterworth filtering of isolated ringing effects, reduction to the equator (RTE) for geomagnetic correction, and the use of Gaussian and Upward Continuation filtering for regional magnetic intensity trend determination. Removal of the regional magnetic intensity (RMI) from the total magnetic intensity (TMI) resulted in the derivation of the residual anomaly. Enhancement filters adopted for better resolution of the residual magnetic gradient include analytical signal (AS), tilt-angle derivative (TDR), vertical derivative deconvolution (VDD), and the first vertical derivatives (FVD). TMI and RMI values range between 32925nT – 33050nT and 32935nT – 333050nT respectively, while the residual gradient ranges between 15nT/m and 10nT/m; AS ranges between 0.28nT/m and 4.1nT/m; and TDR ranges from -1.4nT/m to 1.4nT/m. Source depth calculation estimated from power spectrum analysis and Euler deconvolution ranges between 1m and 15m. Composite overlay of magnetic maps revealed jointed and faulted zones within the area; exhibiting a NW-SE principal azimuth of Liberian orogenic impress, which are in consistence with the foliation direction of the jagged foliated bedrock with an estimated maximum overburden of about 15m. The structural significance of this area as a prospective hydro-geological centre, and as an undesirable spot for high-rise building has been accurately evaluated from research findings. Application of integrated geophysical approach, complemented by detailed geological studies may furnish greater information about the subsurface structural architecture.
Structural styles in the Zagros foreland fold-and-thrust belt varies spatially. Differential lateral propagation of folds causes to create tear faults in this belt. In this research, tear faults are studied in northern Dezful Embayment. Tear faults have been accommodated the different structural styles in sedimentary cover during the compressional regime in the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt. Different structural styles indicate a difference in intensity deformation. These faults originated as the pre-existing inverted reactive deep-seated faults or which activate in the sedimentary strata during the compressional regime. Investigation of the structural style of folds in the sedimentary cover is a key point to recognize tear faults. In this research, the structural style of the Kabood, Qale Nar, Bala Rud and Lab-e-Safid subsurface anticlines in the northern Dezful Embayment has been studied. The interpretation of seismic profiles, balanced cross sections, restoration, and 3D structural modeling are investigated to study the structural style of mentioned anticlines. The area of the studied region is 92×20 Km2.Two tear faults with NNE trending have been separated Qale Nar and Bala Rud anticlines (in the central part) from Lab-e-Safid and Kabood anticlines in eastern and western parts, respectively. The intensity of deformation in the Lab-e-Safid anticline is less than the Qale Nar and Bala Rud anticlines on its western side. Displacement and deformation of the Kabood anticline are more than the Qale Nar anticline in its eastern side. Kabood anticline is multi-bend fault bend fold, Qale Nar and Bala Rud are fault bend folds and Lab-e-Safid is detachment fold. Tear faults have been accommodated by these different structural styles in this region.
The present study was designed to give a clear and comprehensive understanding of the structural situation in the Sohag region and surrounding area by applying several edge detectors to aeromagnetic data. In this research, the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) values were removed from the aeromagnetic data and the data obtained were then reduced to the north magnetic pole (RTP). A combination of different edge detectors was applied to determine the boundaries of the magnetic sources. A good correlation was noticed between these techniques, indicating that their integration can contribute to delineating the structural framework of the area. Consequently, a detailed structural map based on the results was constructed. Generally, E-W, N45-60E, and N15-30W directions represent the main tectonic trends in the survey area. The structural map shows the existence of two main basins constituting the most probable places for hydrocarbon accumulation. The results of this study provide structural information that can constitute an invaluable contribution to the gas and oil exploration process in this promising area. They show also that the decision in choosing the location of the drilled boreholes (Balyana-1 and Gerga) was incorrect, as they were drilled in localities within an area of a thin sedimentary cover.
Numerous studies have investigated the geodynamic history and lithological composition of the Proterozoic basement, Caledonian nappes, and Devonian extensional basins and shear zones onshore west Norway. However, the offshore continuation of these structures, into the northern North Sea, where they are suspected to have influenced the structural evolution of the North Sea rift, is largely unknown. Existing interpretations of the offshore continuation of Caledonian and Devonian structures are based on simple map-view correlations between changes in offshore fault patterns and pronounced onshore structures, without providing evidence for the presence, nature, and geometry of offshore, basement-hosted structures. By integrating three-dimensional (3-D) seismic, borehole, and onshore geological and petrophysical data, as well as two-dimensional (2-D) forward modeling of gravity and magnetic data, we reveal the structural architecture and composition of the crystalline basement on the Måløy Slope, offshore west Norway. Based on 3-D mapping of intrabasement reflection patterns, we identified three basement units that can be correlated with the Caledonian thrust belt, and the major Devonian Nordfjord-Sogn detachment zone, located only 60 km to the east, onshore mainland Norway. Similar to that observed onshore, offshore crystalline basement of the Proterozoic basement (Western Gneiss Region) and allochthons is folded into large-scale antiforms and synforms. These units are separated by the strongly corrugated Nordfjord-Sogn detachment zone. Our analyses show that different types of crystalline basement can be distinguished by their seismic reflection character, and density and magnetic properties. We speculate that the main causes of the observed intrabasement reflectivity are lithological heterogeneities and strain-induced structures such as shear and fracture zones. Our interpretation of the architecture of crystalline basement offshore west Norway has important implications for the location of the suture zone between Baltica and Laurentia.
The current
study exposes the results of aeromagnetic data interpretation and a combined
analysis of 1-A sentinel radar image that cover the study area of Beni Mellal
Atlas in order to describe the structural geometry and to understand its
tectonic evolution.The map of the reduced to pole of residual magnetic field
highlights various magnetic anomalies with high amplitudes that correspond to
Jurassic-Cretaceous basaltic formations outcropping synclinal basins of Beni
Mellal Atlas. The interpretation of magnetic data using tilt derivative (TDR),
horizontal gradient technique coupled to upward continuation and Euler
Deconvolution allows us to distinguish the fractures network that is affecting
the study area. In order to complete this analysis, the Sentinel-A radar image
is processed and filtered using SNAP ESA Sentinel-1 toolbox software to extract
lineaments. The final structural map reveals four faults groups oriented
respectively NE-SW, ENE-WSW to E-W, N-S and NW-SE Their depths estimated by the
application of Euler deconvolution exceed 1500 m.Thoses faults have played a
major role in structural evolution of Beni Mellal Atlas.
Many seismic surveys and exploration wells have been conducted in offshore Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. However, the Neoproterozoic basement and the Infracambrian Hormuz salts were not imaged or penetrated by seismic and well data. To delineate the morphology of the basement and distribution of salt bodies, we applied a 3-D constrained inversion method to aerogravity and aeromagnetic data covering offshore Abu Dhabi. Well and seismic data were used to constrain and validate the inversion results. The magnetic inversion model resulted in a robust basement model that varies in depth from 8 to 10 km with two highs at 8 and 8.5 km highlighting possibly magmatic bodies. In contrast, the gravity inversion model does not delineate very well the basement morphology, possibly due to the lower density salt bodies masking the gravity response of the higher density basement. By calculating and removing the gravity response of the magnetic basement model from the observed gravity data, we recovered the residual gravity response of the Hormuz salts. The 3-D gravity inversion of the residual shows that the Hormuz salts are more wide-spread and thicker than previously thought with a depth to top of salt varying from 5.5 to 8.5 km. This salt model suggests that the giant oilfields in offshore Abu Dhabi, such as Umm Shaif, Nasr, Abu Al-Bukhoosh, Zakum, Sarb and Hail, occur exactly above crests of salt pillows. In addition, a series of smaller oilfields are found located at the margin of the northern basement high, and three structural lineament trends (NE-SW, NW-SE, and N-S) were identified from the inverted basement and salt models. Reactivation of these fault trends and associated diapiric salt uplifts, as observed in the seismic sections and curvature map, played a major role in shaping the basement morphology and mobilization of the Hormuz salts.
Salt tectonics in the Eastern Persian Gulf (Iran) is linked to a unique salt‐bearing system involving two overlapping ‘autochthonous’ mobile source layers, the Ediacaran–Early Cambrian Hormuz Salt and the Late Oligocene–Early Miocene Fars Salt. Interpretations of reflection seismic profiles and sequential cross‐section restorations are presented to decipher the evolution of salt structures from the two source layers and their kinematic interaction on the style of salt flow. Seismic interpretations illustrate that the Hormuz and Fars salts started flowing in the Early Palaeozoic (likely Cambrian) and Early Miocene, respectively, shortly after their deposition. Differential sedimentary loading (downbuilding) and subsalt basement faults initiated and localised the flow of the Hormuz Salt and the related salt structures. The resultant diapirs grew by passive diapirism until Late Cretaceous whereas the pillows became inactive during the Mesozoic after a progressive decline of growth in the Late Palaeozoic. The diapirs and pillows were then subjected to a Palaeocene–Eocene contractional deformation event, which squeezed the diapirs. The consequence was significant salt extrusion, leading to the development of allochthonous salt sheets and wings. Subsequent rise of the Hormuz Salt occurred in wider salt stocks and secondary salt walls by coeval passive diapirism and tectonic shortening since Late Oligocene. Evacuation and diapirism of the Fars Salt was driven mainly by differential sedimentary loading in annular and elongate minibasins overlying the salt and locally by downslope gliding around pre-existing stocks of the Hormuz Salt. At earlier stages, the Fars Salt flowed not only towards the pre-existing Hormuz stocks but also away from them to initiate ring‐like salt walls and anticlines around some of the stocks. Subsequently, once primary welds developed around these stocks, the Fars Salt flowed outwards to source the peripheral salt walls. Our results reveal that evolving pre-existing salt structures from an older source layer have triggered the flow of a younger salt layer and controlled the resulting salt structures. This interaction complicates the flow direction of the younger salt layer, the geometry and spatial distribution of its structures, as well as minibasin depocentre migration through time. Even though dealing with a unique case of two ‘autochthonous’ mobile salt layers, this work may also provide constraints on our understanding of the kinematics of salt flow and diapirism in other salt basins having significant ‘allochthonous’ salt that is coevally affected by deformation of the deeper autochthonous salt layer and related structures.