Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 May 2009
This note outlines some thoughts on the possible significance of the April 1972 Qir earthquake with respect to the geological structure of Fars Province, SW Iran. The area in which the disturbance occurred belongs to a belt of simple folds of the Zagros system. These folds exhibit localized anomalies of structure which are attributed both to renewed movements along deep-seated basement features and to the modifying effects of salt mobility in the subsurface. The absence of surface indications of rupture in the devastated area is puzzling, but the alignment of zones of maximum destruction to buildings suggests a shallow epicentre associated with a concealed N70°W trending thrust fault system. Such seismicity is indicative of the continued activity of the Zagros orogenic movements.