Problems of the relationship between surface structure and deep displacements illustrated by the Zagros Range

Summary The object of this paper is to discuss some of the unknown or little-known relationships between surface structure and deep displacements in the well-exposed Zagros orogenic belt of south-west Iran, which can be divided into three major structural belts. The subjective nature of all inferences about deep structure in the absence of seismic data supported by deep borehole evidence is accentuated. Only at relatively shallow depths where the rock succession is well known can concealed structure be predicted with confidence from surface geology alone.