http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987115000432

The style of active tectonic on the deformation and characterization of fluvial landscape has been investigated on three typical skrike-slip fault zones of the Ajay-Damodar Interfluve(ADI) in Eastern India through field mapping,structural analysis and examination of digital topography(ASTER-30 m),multispectral imageries,and Google Earth images,Channel morphology in Quaternary sediment is more deformed than Cenozoic lateritic tract and igneous rock system by the neotectonic activities,The structural and lithological controls on the river system in ADI region are reflected by distinct drainage patterns,abrupt change in flow direction,offset river channels,straight river lines,ponded river channel,marshy lands,sag ponds,palaeo-channels,alluvial fans,meander cutoffs,multi-terrace river valley,incised compressed meander,convexity of channel bed slope and knick points in longitudinal profile,Seven morphotectonic indices have been used to infer the role of neotectonic on the modification of channel morphology,A tectonic index map for the ADI region has been prepared by the integration of used morphotectonic indices,which is also calibrated by Bouguer gravity anomaly data and field investigation.     

Tectonic geomorphology of the easternmost extension of the Gulf of Corinth (Beotia, Central Greece)

The easternmost sector of the Gulf of Corinth, the Beotia area in Central Greece, is an area with active normal faults located between the two major rift structures of Central Greece, the Gulf of Corinth and the North Gulf of Evia. These active normal faults include WNW to E–W and NE to ENE-trending faults affect the landscape and generate basin and range topography within the Beotia. We study four normal fault zones and drainage basin geometry in the easternmost sector of the Gulf of Corinth to document the impact of active tectonics on the landscape evolution. Fault and drainage geometry are investigated based on detailed field mapping and high-resolution digital elevation models. Tectonic geomorphic analysis using several parameters of active tectonics provides information concerning the relative tectonic activity and fault growth. In order to detect areas of lateral stream migration that could indicate recent tectonic activity, the Transverse Topographic Symmetry Factor and the Asymmetry Factor are used to analyse drainage basin geometry in six large drainage basins and a drainage domain covering the study area. Our results show that vertical motions and tilting associated with normal faulting influence the drainage geometry and its development. Values of stream-gradient indices (S_L) are relatively high close to the fault traces of the studied fault zones suggesting high activity. Mountain-front sinuosity (S_mf) mean values along the fault zones ranges from 1.08 to 1.26. Valley floor width to valley height ratios (V_f) mean values along the studied fault zones range between 0.5 and 1.6. Drainage basin shape (B_S) mean values along the fault zones range from 1.08 to 3.54. All these geomorphic parameters and geomorphological data suggest that the analyzed normal faults are highly active. Lateral fault growth was likely produced by primarily eastward propagation, with the WNW to E–W trending faults being the relatively more active structures.     

Stream analysis of small drainage basins in an ancient landform,Korean Peninsula

Much of the topography of Korea is ancient, but many Quaternary fault outcrops and marine terraces have been observed in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula. Sufficient evidence of a Quaternary fault is lacking in the geological features of the commercially developed Jukbyun and Uljin areas. Knickpoints that develop on streams can be formed by tectonic activity such as faulting and folding, or can result simply from the differential erosion rates of bedrock. In this study, we investigated the relationship between stream steepness and faults in the Jukbyun area. Stream profile analyses of the Bugu and Namdae basins were performed using a digital elevation model to estimate Quaternary tectonic movements. Stream parameters obtained from analysis of the longitudinal stream profiles of the Bugu and Namdae drainage basins in the northeastern part of the Korean Peninsula indicated neotectonic movement. Thirty of the thirty-nine knickpoints that developed in the downstream areas of the fluvial channels corresponded to fault zones. It is thought that fault activity results in knickpoints in river systems. The normalized relative slope (K_sn) value (54.9) of the BS1 stream in the Bugu drainage basin was higher than that (28.8–36.3) of the other streams in both basins, despite a similar lithology to NS1 and NS2. Therefore, we concluded that stream steepness might be a result of tectonic forcing rather than a product of rock strength in the study area and that stream parameters could provide indirect evidence of Quaternary tectonics in ancient landforms.     

The effects of the North Anatolian Fault on the geomorphology in the Eastern Marmara Region,Northwestern Turkey

North-western Anatolia has been actively deformed since Pliocene by the right-lateral North Anatolian Fault (NAF). This transform fault, which has a transtensional character in its western end due to effects from the Aegean extensional system, is a major control on the regional geomorphologic evolution. This study applied some geomorphic analyses, such as stream longitudinal profiles, stream length-gradient index, ratio of valley floor width and valley height, mountain front sinuosity, hypsometry and asymmetry factor analyses, to an area just east of the Sea of Marmara in order to understand the tectonic effects on the area’s geomorphological evolution. The active and fastest northern branch of the NAF lies within a topographic depression connecting Sea of Marmara in the east to the Adapazar? Basin in the west. This depression filled with early Pleistocene and younger sediment after a series of pull-apart basins opened along the NAF. North of this depression lies the Kocaeli Peneplain, whose southern edge the NAF uplifted. Meandering streams on the central peneplain were incised possibly due to baselevel changes in the Black Sea. South of the depression, an E-trending mountainous area has a rugged morphology. Based on geomorphic analyses, uplifted Pliocene sediment, marine terraces, and recent earthquake activity, this area between northern and southern branches of the NAF is actively uplifting. The geomorphic indices used in this study are sensitive to vertical movements rather than lateral ones. The bedrock lithology that played an important role on the area’s geomorphologic evolution also affects the geomorphic indices used here.     

Activity level of tectonic basins,western section of the North Anatolian Fault Zone,Turkey

We employed quantitative techniques to investigate tectonic activity levels and development stages of the Bolu, Yenicaga, Dortdivan, Cerkes, Ilgaz, and Tosya structural basins along the western portions of the main trace of the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ). Our methodology incorporates six morphometric indices: basin shape (basin elongation and compactness), hypsometric integral, mountain-front sinuosity, stream length gradient index, valley floor width-to-height ratio, and asymmetry factor, obtained from the digital elevation model of the region generated from 1/25,000-scale topographic maps. These indices are integrated within the framework of an analytical hierarchy process to provide relative activity level values of the individual basins. The new analyses indicate that the basins have contrasting tectonic activity characteristics. Judging from the applied indices, the relative increasing order of the tectonic basin activity is Dortdivan, Cerkes, Yenicaga, Ilgaz, Tosya, and Bolu. Among the basins located to the north of the NAFZ, the activity decreases eastwards, whereas to the south of this profound fault zone, it decreases towards the west.     

基于DEM的活动构造研究

地形地貌参数指标是分析区域活动构造的有力工具。本文以渭河上游流域的活动构造研究为例,通过提取地貌的参数指标,如面积-高程积分(Hi)、流域盆地不对称度(AF)、山前曲折度(Smf)以及谷底宽度与谷肩高度的比值(Vf)、盆地形状指数(Bs)等,然后对地貌参数指标等级进行算术平均化(S/n),可得到区域的相对构造活动程度(Iat),分为:低、中等、高、较高四类等级。研究认为渭河上游流域的构造活动程度相对高(Iat=1.50),这种方法对探讨整个区域活动构造的差异性具有很好的效果和意义。     

Evolution of neotectonic activity of East Anatolian Fault System (EAFS) in Bingöl pull-apart basin,based on fractal dimension and morphometric indices

This study is an attempt of a semi-automatic geomorphological GIS analysis based on morphometric indices. In the study, 10-m-resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are used to assess the neotectonic signals regarding the recent topographic developments and to attach additional significance to active tectonics in the Bingöl basin area. The methodology incorporates the determination of the structural similarities of the faults in the basins using fractal concepts and the application of four morphometric indices (Stream Power Index (SP), Multi-resolution Index of Valley Bottom Flatness (MRVBF), Terrain Ruggedness Index (TRI) and Valley Width-to-Height Ratio (Vf)). In order to detect the deviation from spatial randomness of the applied indices, the weighted correlation coefficient Moran’s I is used and the results are interpreted at a confidence interval of 99%. The spatial distribution of integrated index values is evaluated with the tectonically active fault zones in order to determine the probable activity and the structural deformation in the basin.The applied methodology reveals that the fractal analysis of the fault lines and the spatial analysis of the morphometric indices proved to be effective tools in analyzing the tectonic influence of the fault system on the basin area. Within the basin area, a relatively lesser degree of tectonic activity is observed, in contrast with the high tectonic activity outside the basin.     

The tectonic stress field and deformation pattern of northeast India,the Bengal basin and the Indo-Burma Ranges: A numerical approach

We performed numerical simulations to determine the contemporary maximum horizontal compressive stress (σ_Hmax) in the northeast India region, the Bengal basin (Bangladesh), and the adjoining Indo-Burma Ranges, with different boundary conditions. The regional tectonic stress was simulated using the finite element method (FEM) under the plane stress condition. Most of the study areas show NE–SW regional stress orientation, which is consistent with other stress indicators, such as earthquake focal mechanism solutions. The E–W trending Dauki fault, which separates the Shillong plateau to the north from the Bengal basin to the south, plays a major role in the stress distribution and regional deformation. This fault alone accommodates ～25% of the regional surface displacement rate of the study area. The fault pattern of the study area was also simulated using rheological parameters and the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion. The simulated results reproduce the observed tectonic state of the area, including a strike-slip regime along the Dauki fault, in the southwestern part of the Bengal basin, and in the Tripura fold belt areas. The modeling indicates that the Brahmaputra valley to the north of the Shillong plateau and to the south of the Himalayan frontal thrust exhibits thrust/reverse faulting with a strike-slip component, and in the Indo-Burma Ranges, strike-slip faulting is predominant with a reverse fault component.     

基于DEM渭河上游流域的活动构造量化分析

渭河上游流域位于青藏高原东北缘,横跨近东西向的秦岭北缘构造带和近南北向的贺兰山构造带的复合部位,是青藏高原向大陆内部扩展增生的前缘部位。晚更新世以来,伴随着青藏高原的不断隆升与扩展,研究区构造活动程度强烈。同时,受印度板块和欧亚板块碰撞的远程效应的扩散作用和南北构造带活动的叠加作用影响,造成流域内部构造活动相对程度的差异性,因而需要对其分区域分析。本文利用DEM数据和3S技术,对区域地形地貌进行三维可视化和统计分析,提取地貌的参数指标,如面积-高程积分(Hi)、流域盆地不对称度(AF)、河长坡降度(SL)、山前曲折度(Smf)、谷底宽度与谷肩高度的比值(Vf)、盆地形状指数(Bs)等,然后对地貌参数指标等级进行算术平均化(S/n),可得到区域的相对构造活动程度(Iat),分为低、中等、高和较高四类等级。分析结果认为: 渭河上游流域相对构造活动程度(Iat)值为1.50,流域相对构造活动程度等级为2级,属于区域活动构造程度高的地区。其中六盘山东麓断裂南端和西秦岭北缘断裂带(天水-武山断裂和漳县断裂)构造活动程度(Iat=1.33)较强,面积约占流域总面积8.79% 。而研究区东南部的八渡-虢镇断裂和陇县-岐山断裂构造活动程度中等,反映了晚更新世以来,该区域构造活动减弱。研究结论与野外地质和地貌调查结果一致。     

祁连山西段党河流域地貌特征及其构造指示意义

党河流域位于祁连山西段, 流域内发育有三危山断裂、阿尔金断裂、野马河断裂和党河南山断裂等。这些断裂晚第四纪新活动性明显, 控制着区内的构造变形、山体隆升与河流水系地貌发育。流域地貌参数指标能够很好地反映区域构造变形特征, 因而党河流域地貌的发育和演化过程也记录了该区构造活动的重要信息。本文基于GIS空间分析技术, 利用SRTM-DEM数据, 系统提取了研究区内水系网络并对其进行Strahler分级后, 获取党河流域各级亚流域盆地共计554个, 进而计算了各亚流域盆地的面积-高程积分(HI)值, 并对HI值进行空间插值, 获取党河流域HI值空间分布特征。通过对比区内各个地貌参数指标, 发现其与构造活动具有很好的相关性和同步性, 表明构造活动对于流域地形地貌发育具有强烈的控制作用。区内亚流域盆地的面积-高程积分值分布特征表明, HI低值区与第四纪断陷盆地的范围相一致, 而HI高值区则与晚更新世以来主干断裂的逆冲活动山体隆升范围相一致, 反映了该区山体隆升和盆地沉降作用的总体面貌。     

Evaluation of relative tectonic activity of Buin Zahra-Avaj area,northern Iran

Present active tectonics is affecting central Alborz and created various dynamic landforms in Buin Zahra-Avaj area, northern Iran. The area, located between the southern central Alborz and the edge of northwestern central Iran, is the result of both the Arabian–Eurasian convergence and clockwise rotation of the south Caspian Basin with respect to Eurasia in which most of the steep fault planes have a left lateral strike-slip component and most of the dip-slip faults are reverse, dipping SW. Since this region consists of several residential and industrial areas and includes several fault zones, the assessment of the structures of the present activity is vital. Six significant morphometric indices have been applied for this evaluation including stream length–gradient (SL), drainage basin asymmetry factor (Af), hypsometric integral (Hi), ratio of valley floor width to valley height (Vf), drainage basin shape (Bs), and mountain front sinuosity (Smf). The combined analyzed indices, represented through the relative tectonic activity (Iat), were used. The study area was divided into four regions according to the values of Iat. These classes include class 1 (very high activity,18%), class 2 (high, 20%), class 3 (moderate, 44%), and class 4 (low, 18%). The results of these indices are consistent with field observations on landforms and the deformation of Quaternary deposits.     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987111001265

Landscapes in tectonically active Hindu Kush（NW Pakistan and NE Afghanistan） result from a complex integration of the effects of vertical and horizontal crustal block motions as well as erosion and deposition processes.Active tectonics in this region have greatly influenced the drainage system and geomorphic expressions.The study area is a junction of three important mountain ranges （Hindu Kush-Karakorum-Himalayas） and is thus an ideal natural laboratory to investigate the relative tectonic activity resulting from the India-Eurasia collision.We evaluate active tectonics using DEM derived drainage network and geomorphic indices hypsometric integral（HI）,stream-length gradient （SL）.fractal dimension（FD）.basin asymmetry factor（AF）.basin shape index（B_s）,valley floor width to valley height ratio（Vf） and mountain front sinuosity(S_mf). The results obtained from these indices were combined to yield an index of relative active tectonics （IRAT） using CIS.The average of the seven measured geomorphic indices was used to evaluate the distribution of relative tectonic activity in the study area.We defined four classes to define the degree of relative tectonic activity:class 1 very high（1.0≤IRAT 1.3）;class 2-high（1.3≥IRAT<1.3）:class 3—moderate（1.5≥IRAT<1.8）;and class 4—low（l.8≥1RAT）.In view of the results.we conclude that this combinetl approach allows the identification of the highly deformed areas related to active tectonics.Landsat imagery and held observations also evidence the presence of active tectonics based on the dellected streams,deformed landforms.active mountain fronts and triangular facets.The indicative values of IRAT are consistent with the areas of known relative uplift rates,landforms and geology.     

Tectonic geomorphology of the Kemalpaşa Basin and surrounding horsts,southwestern part of the Gediz Graben,Western Anatolia

The Kemalpa?a Basin is one of the Quaternary basins in Western Anatolia and represents the south-western branch of the Gediz Graben system in this extensional province. This basin has been formed under the NNE–SSW trending extensional tectonic regime. It is bounded by a major fault, the Kemalpa?a Fault, in the south and it is bounded by a number of downstepping faults, called as Spilda?? Fault Zone, in the north. Both margin-bounding faults of the Kemalpa?a Basin are oblique-slip normal faults. In order to better understand the activities of these faults, we investigated the tectonic geomorphology of the Kemalpa?a Basin and interpreted the effect of tectonic activity on the geomorphological evolution using geomorphic markers such as drainage basin patterns, facet geometries and morphometric indices such as hypsometric curves and integral (HI), basin shape index (B_s), valley floor width-to-height ratio (V_f) and mountain front sinuosity (S_mf). The morphometric analysis of 30 drainage basins in total and mountain fronts bounding the basin from both sides suggests a relatively high degree of tectonic activity. The mountain front sinuosity (S_mf) generally varies from 1.1 to 1.3 in both sides of the basin suggesting the active fronts and facet slopes (12°–32°) suggest a relatively high degree of activity along the both sides of the Kemalpa?a Basin. Similarly, the valley floor width-to-height ratios (V_f) obtained from the both sides indicate low values varying from 0.043 to 0.92, which are typical values (<1) for tectonically active mountain fronts. The all values obtained are lower for the southern side. Therefore, we suggest that the tectonic activity of the Kemalpa?a Fault higher than the Spilda?? Fault Zone. This difference that can be arised from the different uplift rates also reveals the typical asymmetric characteristics of the Kemalpa?a Basin. Additionally, the trapezoidal facets which have been observed on the southern side of the basin indicate that the Kemalpa?a Fault is evolutionally more active as compared to the Spilda?? Fault Zone. The geomorphic indices indicate that the Quaternary landscape evolution of the Kemalpa?a Basin was governed by tectonic and erosional processes, and also the all results of morphometric analysis suggest a relatively high degree of tectonic activity along the faults bounding the Kemalpa?a Basin. Moreover, considering that active large normal faults with an average 15 km long can cause major earthquake, the earthquake hazard in the Kemalpa?a Basin should be investigated in detailed paleoseismological studies.     

Causes and mechanisms of the modification of the fluvial drainage basins

The relationship between the tectonic structure of the Ai–Ufa interfluve (Southern Urals), its morphology, the recent deformations, and the distribution of clastic material in the fluvial basins were studied. Geological interpretations are suggested for the problematic local areas of the drainage basins, whose structure and evolution are distinct from the model scenarios. The sedimentary regime of the river valleys is controlled, first of all, by their configuration and orientation of the valley segments relative to the tectonic zones, as well as by the amount of clastic material that is delivered by tributaries, the climate history of the fluvial basin, and its recent tectonic activity.     

Morphotectonics of a small river basin in the South Indian granulite terrain: An assessment through spatially derived geomorphic indices

Neotectonic activity in Mahe (Mayyazhi) river basin and its implication in landform development and stream characteristics were investigated with the help of the digital elevation model-derived geomorphic indices. The analysis is based on the commonly used geomorphic indices such as hypsometric curve and integral, drainage basin asymmetry, transverse topographic symmetric factor (T), stream length (SL) gradient index and longitudinal profiles of the stream. Hypsometric integrals indicate that the basin has reached the base level and lesser amount of material remains for erosion and transportation. The basin is asymmetric and has a south-south-east directional tilt, but with a probable spin caused due to the presence of major strike slip fracture, the mouth portion of the Mahe river has been tilted towards north-north-west. The SL index with sudden and non-uniform variations supports the finding and indicates the relative tectonic activity and its influence over the river networks in the area. Longitudinal profile of the stream also reveals gradational changes in the profile with the presence of knick points. Cross comparison of the analysed geomorphic indices points towards neotectonic activity in the basin, which modified the river basin to the present morphology and is reflected in the characteristics of the river and the basin as a whole.     

滇西新生代盆山耦合与砂岩型铀矿找矿方向

滇西新生代盆地初始成盆时间约为14Ma,与腾冲微板块东缘泸水-瑞丽弧形右旋走滑断裂带和西缘那邦右旋走滑断裂带晚期活动时间相耦合。新生代盆地演化可分为沉积成盆与改造盆地2个阶段,前者与走滑造山带走滑活动相耦合,形成走滑盆地;后者与盆地整体隆升剥蚀密切相关,形成残留盆地。滇西地区存在2种类型的新生代盆地,其盆地沉积演化、火山活动、地貌景观等不同,砂岩型铀矿成矿条件亦存在差异。寻找砂岩型铀矿最有利处是北部腾冲地区改造盆地阶段盆地持续隆升、存在大规模火山活动、深切割低山-丘陵-河谷阶地地貌的新生代盆地。     

赣杭构造带红层盆地原型及其沉积作用

盆地原型是指盆地沉积时的构造属性类型,盆地原型分析就是按阶段的盆地结构分析法。文章暂不讨论赣杭带晚侏罗世-早白垩世早期的火山杂色断陷盆地,而以实地观察资料和前期研究成果,对早白垩世晚期以后形成的一系列NEE方向分布的红色断陷盆地及其沉积作用进行综合分析。盆地红层下部夹有玄武岩层,已有的K-Ar年龄值为 105~98Ma,由此判断赣杭带红色断陷盆地演化从早白垩世晚期开始。早期属典型的断陷盆地,呈现半地堑式形态,北界为向南倾斜的正断层,南界为超覆不整合。晚白垩世中后期演变为拗陷盆地,沉积盆地扩大,南北两侧均见到超覆不整合,北侧部分地段保留早期断裂边界。河流沉积作用为最主要沉积作用方式,盆地中心部位可见少量内生沉积的白云岩、泥灰岩及炭质泥岩。沉积组合大致为湖泊相、冲积扇相、三角洲相及河流相,代表了拉张型盆地的基本沉积类型,也反映了断陷湖盆由初始拉张断陷、中后期扩张为拗陷、到最后萎缩的完整过程。     

Appraisal of relative tectonic activity along the Kazerun Fault Zone,Zagros Mountains,Iran: insight from spatial analysis of geomorphic indices

This paper investigates the impact of active tectonics on the geomorphic processes and landscape evolution along the Kazerun Fault Zone (KFZ) in the Zagros Mountains of Iran using spatial analysis of geomorphic indices. We document how topography and morphology are influenced by active tectonic deformation. The Zagros fold–thrust belt is an area of active crustal shortening where northwest–southeast oriented fault‐related folds become younger from north to south and from southeast to northwest. This temporal and spatial evolution of the belt was tested using geomorphic indices of active tectonics that include mountain front sinuosity index (Smf), the valley width/height ratio (Vf), drainage basin asymmetry factor, hypsometric integral, drainage basin shape ratio and mean axial slope of the channel. Change in the geomorphic indices is the result of active fold growth and change in the uplift rate. Decreasing Smf and Vf values from north (Smf = 2.01; Vf = 0.5) to south (Smf = 1.12; Vf = 0.2) and from southeast (Smf = 1.84; Vf = 0.8) to northwest (Smf = 1.54; Vf = 0.1) points to a migration of the active crustal shortening towards W–SW. The combined geomorphic (field evidences) and morphometric data (quantitative analysis of geomorphic indices) provide evidence of relative variation in the tectonic activity along the Kazerun Fault Zone and related landforms. The utilization of geomorphic parameters with comparison to the field observations exhibits change in relative tectonic activities mostly corresponding to the change in mechanism of the prominent fault zones in the study area. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

滇中地块新生代晚期的变形机制:基于构造地貌学分析

滇中地块位于青藏高原东南缘,是研究青藏高原东南缘新生代晚期构造变形机制的理想场所. 滇中地块新生代晚期的变形机制主要有“下地壳流”和“刚性块体挤出”两种模式,前者认为地块构造活动分布较为均匀,后者认为构造活动沿断裂带更为强烈. 由于地貌指数对构造活动非常敏感,为厘定研究区新生代晚期的变形机制,基于30 m分辨率的SRTM?3数字高程模型（DEM）提取了滇中地区319个（亚）流域盆地,通过分析获得了面积高程积分曲线及面积高程积分（HI）、流域形状指数（BS）、流域盆地不对称度（AF）、标准化河流阶梯指数（SLK）、谷底宽度与谷间高度比（VF）这5种地貌指数,综合这五种指数得出相对活动构造指数（I_at）,并利用构造地貌指数（I_at）揭示了研究区的相对构造活动分布特征. 研究表明丽江-小金河断裂带、则木河-小江断裂带、红河断裂带及金沙江两侧的I_at值相对较小,其他部位相对较高,这表明滇中地区的构造活动性强的区域主要集中发育在断裂带附近,与“刚性块体挤出”模式相一致. 滇中地块中部的金沙江两侧I_at值相对较低,表明其地貌活动性较强. 这是由于新生代晚期青藏高原东南缘的隆升及河流重组,导致的金沙江及其支流切割力增强,从而造成金沙江两侧HI值、BS值、SLK值增高和VF值降低,使得金沙江两侧I_at值相对较低.      

Tectonic evolution of the Qumran Basin from high-resolution 3.5-kHz seismic profiles and its implication for the evolution of the northern Dead Sea Basin

The Dead Sea Basin is a morphotectonic depression along the Dead Sea Transform. Its structure can be described as a deep rhomb-graben (pull-apart) flanked by two block-faulted marginal zones. We have studied the recent tectonic structure of the northwestern margin of the Dead Sea Basin in the area where the northern strike-slip master fault enters the basin and approaches the western marginal zone (Western Boundary Fault). For this purpose, we have analyzed 3.5-kHz seismic reflection profiles obtained from the northwestern corner of the Dead Sea. The seismic profiles give insight into the recent tectonic deformation of the northwestern margin of the Dead Sea Basin. A series of 11 seismic profiles are presented and described. Although several deformation features can be explained in terms of gravity tectonics, it is suggested that the occurrence of strike-slip in this part of the Dead Sea Basin is most likely. Seismic sections reveal a narrow zone of intensely deformed strata. This zone gradually merges into a zone marked by a newly discovered tectonic depression, the Qumran Basin. It is speculated that both structural zones originate from strike-slip along right-bending faults that splay-off from the Jordan Fault, the strike-slip master fault that delimits the active Dead Sea rhomb-graben on the west. Fault interaction between the strike-slip master fault and the normal faults bounding the transform valley seems the most plausible explanation for the origin of the right-bending splays. We suggest that the observed southward widening of the Dead Sea Basin possibly results from the successive formation of secondary right-bending splays to the north, as the active depocenter of the Dead Sea Basin migrates northward with time.