Alkaline Character of Eocene Volcanism in the Middle Part

of Central Iran and its Geodynamic Situation

By SAYED MEHDI AMIDI, MOHAMMADHASHEM EMAMI, Teheran
and ROBERT MICHEL,Grenoble*)

With 5 figures and 1 table

Zusammenfassung
Alkali-Gesteine, die manchmal Feldspatoide enthalten, treten in verschiedenen stratigra-
phischen Stellungen innerhalb des Eoziins des Zentral-Irans auf.
In diesen Vulkaniten ist keinerlei magmatische Zonierung und insbesondere keine syste-
matische Variation der Kaligehalte festzustellen. Diese und andere geologische und geo-
chemische Argumente sprechen gegen eine Deutung als Palgosubduktionszone.
A1s Alternative bietet sich das Modell der Offnung eines Grabens an: der Alkali-Vulk-
anismus steht in Zusammenhang mit den verschiedenen Phasen der Entstehung und Ent-
wicklung eines Riffs w/ihrend des Eoziins.
Die seltenen Vulkanite kalk-alkalischer Zusammensetzung erklgren sich durch Mi-
schung der Magmen von Alkali-Basalten mit den bedeutenden anatektischen Magmen.

Abstract
Alkaline volcanic rocks, sometimes feldspathoid bearing, appear in variable stratigra-
phic positions within the Eocene of the middle part of Central Iran. No magmatic zona-
tion and no K20 enrichment in both time and space can be found in this volcanic sequence.
These facts together with other geochemical and geological features of the Iranian Eocene
provinces do not agree with a volcanism related to a subduction zone model.
Reversely, a rift model may be applied for the interpretation of the origin of Eocene vol-
canic rocks and their geodynamic situation. The emissions of alkaline magma are linked
with rhythmic opening of a rift zone during Eocene.
A mutual contamination between a basaltic magma and a bulky palingenetic acid
magma is responsible for the few volcanic rocks with calc-alkaline trend.

R6sum6
Des roches alcalines, ~ventuellement fi feldspathoide, existent g des niveaux et dans des
secteurs vari6s de la s~quence volcanique 6oc~ne de la partie m6diane de la zone de l'Iran
Central; par ailleurs, dans cette s6rie, on n'a pu mettre en 6vidence ni zonation magmati-
que, ni enrichissement en K20. Ces faits, joints fi d'autres caract+res g6ochimiques et
g6ologiques des provinces ~oc+nes de l'Iran, sont en d6saccord avec un volcanisme li6/l
une zone de suhduction.
En revanche, un mod61e de rift peut ~tre appliqu6 pour interpr6ter l'origine des volca-
nites +oc~nes et leur situation g6odynamique. Les 6missions de magma alcalin sont en effet
en relation avec l'ouverture rhythmique d'une zone de rift pendant l'Eoc6ne.
Quant aux rares roches ~ tendance calco-alcaline, elles r6sultent d'une contamination
mutuelle entre un magma basaltique et un important magma acide paling6n6tique.

*) Authors' adresses: S. M. AMIDI and M. H. EMAMI,Geological Survey of Iran, P. O.

Box 1964, Teheran, Iran and R. MICHEL, Universit6 de Grenoble I, Institut Dolomieu,
Laboratoire de Min6ralogie-P6trographie, rue Maurice-Gignoux, 38 031 Grenoble, France.
59 GeologischeRundschau 73, 3, 917-932, Stuttgart 917
 '~.,~+~'-~+'"
, ": ". " ~-~--+ <<"'~"" ",
'..~,,~,t-""": i!

KUH F. sEFIDA --~

~UH"F-'-YAKH~B

KUH-E- KUH-E- SIAH

SEFIDAB DAVAZDAH KUH
EMAM

KUH-E-//I--_'-7--1 ~'.~-;,
IT ~:l ~1 ~ CHAH AND // !'-----L-El
24 O0 1.2:
\ 6 ....... - ; ,

..,.....i

\ ii-~:1
1600
pJ ej :~T-.. - /

~'I
" "":"-":

800-
2 ~
IZLLI
ill{-)
~0
 Alkaline Character of Eocene VolcaniSm in the Middle Part
Is co~ep~aHHe
I~CYlOqHbIC nopo~bI, co;2ep~ra~He nopo.~ HOJICBbIC IlmaTbl, HaH~CHbI B pa3YlHqHbIX cTpa-
THFpaqbHqeCKl4X FOpH3OHTaX 3OLICHa HeHTpa~TbHOFO I4paHa.
B 3THX ayaKaHnTax Heflb3~l yCTaHOBI/ITb HH pacnpe~e~eHua MaFMb! Ha 3OHbI, HH CI4CTCMaTH-
qect(oro K o ~ e 6 a H ~ co~ep~aHH~ Ka:~H~. ~TH )2aHHble, KaK H ~pyrHe rcooqorHqecKHe apryMeH-
TbI, FOBOp~IT IIpOTHB TOFO, qTO 3~2eCb B na~eo30e Haxo)2HYlaCb 3OHa cy6ayKunH.
AS/bTepaTHBHO.H Mo)KeT ~bITb MO)ICYlbpacKp~IwHa rpa6eHa: IiIe~OtlHrbIHBysncaHH3M CB~I3aH C
pa3~IqHbIMri qba3aMH 06pa30BanH~ n pa3BriTHfl pnqbxa B n e p n o ~ 30tleHa.
He3~taqHTeJIbHoe KosnIqeCYBO ByYlKaHI4TOB Ka~MIHeBo-me:/oqHoro COCTaBa o6pa3oBa~IOCb,
Bcpo~fTHO, nyxeM CMelHaHHfl MarMbI /Hc3OqHblX ~a3aYlbTOB CO 3Haq!4TeYII~HblMHIr
MH aHaTeKTHqCCKHX MarM.

Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to present a synthetic study of Eocene volcanic
rocks covering an area of 8500 km 2 in the middle part of Central Iran (fig. 1).
This area has a mountain-desert morphology, typical of so m a n y arid countries
within the large Central Iranian endoreic system, and it is very sparsely popu-
lated. Low topographic features are present in roughly equal proportions.
From a structural point of view, the area studied belongs to the Central Iran
Zone (STOCKLIN, 1968) constituted by a patchwork of horsts and grabens,
between the folded zones of Zagros to the SW and of Kopet Dagh to the NE.
There, block-faulting tectonics has been accompanied by numerous and bulky
volcanic eruptions, particularly during the Eocene times, but also during
Neogene and Quaternary times. The volcanic range thus generated, called Uru-
mieh-Dokhtar Zone (SCHROEDER, 1944) or Tabriz-Bazman Zone
(NoGoLE-SADATE, 1978) is oriented N W - S E and forms the southwestern fringe of
the Central Iran Zone; it is spreading out on nearly 2000 km and continued to
the N W by the Little Caucasus and the Anatolian mountain ranges. The slice of
the Tabriz-Bazman Zone here studied extends N W - S E over about 400 kin.
The first geological map of Iran published by the NATIONAL IRANIAN OIL
COMPANY in 1959 on the 1 : 2 500 000 scale gave a preliminary glimpse of the
geology of the region under description. It was followed by systematic qua-
drangle mapping by DAVOUDZADEH & AMIDI (in press) on the 1 : 250 000 scale

Fig. 1. Geological map of the studied area and correlation chart of the main Eocene rock
units.
Pre-Eoeene rocks: 1.
Upper Paleocene - Lower Eocene rocks: 2 = PE (basal Unit); 3 = E~ 1(marls, etc.); 4 = E~
(alkali-intermediate Association); 5 = E( (rhyolite Unit).
Middle Eocene rocks: 6 = E 2 (Green Series).
Upper Eocene rocks: 7 = E~ (ignimbrites); 8 = E~ (tuff Unit); 9 = E~ (alkalic-intermediate
pyroclastites, and lava flows); 10 = E l (rhyolitic pyroclastites, and lava flows); 11 = E~b
andesite-basaltic lava flows); 12 = E 3r5 (rhyolitic tuffs, breccias, and ignimbrites); 13 = Eft
(shoshonitic lava flows).
Post-Eocene intrusive rocks: 14.
Oligoeene, Miocene, Pliocene deposits: 15.
Quaternary deposits: 16.
Inset: sketch map of the main structural zones in Iran: (1) Zagros, (2) Sanandaj-Sirjan, (3)
Central Iran (3' Tabriz-Bazman), (4) Makran, (5) Alborz, (6) Kopet Dagh. Black square:
map area.
919
 SAYED MEHDI AMIDI, MOHAMMAD HASHEM EMAMI and ROBERT MICHEL

to the east of the region studied. From 1975 to 1978, the southern part of the area
was investigated by geologists of the Soviet TECHNOEXPORT COMPANY. Finally,
the northwestern part of the area was the subject of a study by EMAMI (1981).
The present paper makes use of all previous results. It is an attempt towards a
synthesis of the geology, geodynamics, and origin of the volcanic rocks of this
part of Central Iran.

Stratigraphy
The Eocene volcanics in this area are mostly acid to intermediate, rarely basic
in composition. Effusive volcanic activity is less common, but explosive volca-
nism appears to have played a major role.
The simultaneous presence of submarine and subaerial volcanics in both time
and space, is an indication of a very active basin and range environment. Thick,
rapidly accumulated sediments, volcano-sedimentary rocks, pyroclastics and
lava flows were deposited in subsiding basins.
The Eocene formations are separated from the underlying older rocks by a
marked erosional angular unconformity. The Eocene sequence in the southern
part is predominantly volcanic, whereas in the northern segment, shallow facies
and continental deposits, accompanied by volcanics, are dominant.
Detailed paleontological and radiometric dating indicate an Upper Paleocene
to Uppermost Eocene age for this sequence which also contains some erosional
periods. The maximal thickness of the Eocene sequence does not exceed 3000 m.

Upper Paleocene-Lower Eocene

B a s a 1 U n i t (PE). - In most part of the area, the Eocene sequence com-
monly shows basal coarse-elastic beds of uneven thickness. This unit is overlaid
by Upper Paleocene to Lower Eocene nummulitic limestones and marly shales.
Alkali-intermediate Association (El). - Most of the Lower
Eocene volcanics are trachybasaltic, trachyandesitic, shoshonitic, and trachytic
in composition. They lie unconformably upon older rocks. Both their facies and
thickness change rapidly. In the Kuh-e-Gorgab they are mainly represented by
lava flows (the thickness of which varies between 12-15 m), pyroclastics are vir-
tually lacking. In the southern part of this range tufts and agglomerates take the
place of the lavas. In the Kuh-e-Dom area this unit is made up of lawis and tufts.
In the northwestern part of the area, its equivalent mainly consists of marls
(fig. 1, E? ~) in the topmost part (200-500 m) of which siliceous limestones, tuf-
rites, tufts, tuff breccias, and lava flows can be observed.
R h y o 1 i t i c U n i t (E~). - In most part of the area, the alkali-intermediate
association is succeeded by rhyolitic lava flows, pumice tufts, tuff breccias, and
lava breccias. The number of lava flows is variable; occasionally they make up
the whole of the sequence.

Middle Eocene
G r e e n S e r i e s (E2). - It consists of various green tuffaceous sedimentary
rocks, acid tufts, tuffites, marls, limestones and conglomerates. This unit is sepa-
rated from the underlying formations by a marked erosional surface and a
regional unconformity. In the northern part, the top of the unit is accompanied
920
 Alkaline Character of Eocene Volcanism in the Middle Part
by gypsiferous marls. The age of this sequence is Middle Eocene but, in some
part, it passes into the Upper Eocene.

Upper Eocene
I g n i m b r i t e s (E~). - These rocks mainly rhyodacitic in composition, are
easily distinguished by their bulky outcrops and their steep slopes. In the field,
they typically exhibit phen0crysts of feldspar, quartz and biotite; the ignimbritic
flames are little visible. Acid tuffs (from 3 to 8 m in thickness) lie at the base of
this unit. The K / A r age of the base is 39 m.y. (Technoexport Company USSR,
1979).
T u f f U n i t (E~). - It consists predominantly of light coloured, rhyolitic to
rhyodacitic tuffs, in which the following rocks can also be found: lapilli tufts,
pumices, ignimbrites, and in some parts tuffites and sandstones. Rhyolitic lavas
(up to 15 m thick) are locally present. These rocks lie conformably upon the
Green Series (E2) and the ignimbritic Unit (E~). The E~ unit in Chah Alikhan is
overlaid by alkalic-intermediate pyroclastites and lava flows (E~).
In the Kuh-e-Chah Kalleh and Yakhab, formations of the same age as the
ignimbritic and tuff Units are pyroclastites and lava flows of rhyolitic composi-
tion; they are interbedded into red conglomerates, sandstones, and gypsiferous
marls (E~). Some andesite-basahic lavas are locally present in this unit. Here the
E~ Unit is overlaid by thick andesite-basaltic lava flows (E~b).
In the Siah Kuh area, the rhyolitic tuffs (E2) are overlaid (1) by hyaloclastites,
and (2) by green to yellow tuffaceous beds. These are followed by continental
volcanic products, mainly rhyolitic in composition (E~b). The latter are com-
posed of tuffs, breccias, and ignimbrites, with few basic to intermediate lava
flows in their upper part.
In the Davazdeh Emam mountain, the Green Series is overlaid (1) by hyalo-
clastites, (2) by shallow marine limestones, marls, tuffites, and tufts, and (3) by
gypsiferous marls and by gypsum. The latter are interbedded with basic to inter-
mediate lava flows having a shoshonitic trend (E~v).

Post Eocene intrusive Rocks

Some granodioritic bodies are sometimes intruded into the Eocene; they late-
rally grade into quartz monzonite, quartz diorite, and diorite.

Post Eocene Deposits

Continental-lagoonal deposits mark the beginning of the Oligocene. The last
marine incursion into the area studied took place during the Oligo-Miocene. Its
deposits are mostly calcareous and marly sediments. At the end of the Lower
Miocene, thick red continental-lagoonal sediments replace transitionnally the
marine facies. During the Plio-Pleistocene these sediments were succeeded by
mainly conglomeratic deposits. Finally, Quaternary deposits cover vast parts of
the area studied.

921
 SAYED MEHDI AMIDI, MOHAMMAD HASHEM EMAMI and ROBERT MICHEL

Petrography
1. A l k a l i - i n t e r m e d i a t e Association (Lower Eocene)
The rocks of this association can be observed in close genetic connection to
each other. They include: trachybasalts, trachyandesites, shoshonites and tra-
chytes.
T r a c h y b a s a 1 t s. - Phenocrysts make up from 50 V0 to 70 V0 of the rock
volume; they include plagioclase An 55-70, with twinning and zoning, clinopy-
roxene (augite, salite), hornblende, and rarely olivine. The mafic minerals were
converted into carbonate, chlorite, quartz, epidote and iron oxides. Plagioclases
are commonly replaced by sericite, albite, prehnite, pumpellyite, and calcite. The
groundmass is generally composed of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, hornblende,
opaque minerals, and glass.
T r a c h y a n d e s i t e s. - They are generally porphyritic, with phenocrysts of
plagioclase (An 48-62) and of augite in varying proportions. They also contain
rare biotite and olivine. The microcrystalline groundmass is composed of glass
and microlites of plagioclase (An 35), sanidine, augite, biotite, magnetite, and
apatite. Hornblende-bearing varieties are rarer; their phenocrysts (plagioclase
and hornblende) are embedded in a groundmass composed of plagioclase, horn-
blende, and K-feldspar, with some quartz.
S h o s h o n i t e s. - They generally exhibit a porphyritic texture. The pheno-
crysts are mainly labradorite (An 68-55), clinopyroxene, and olivine. The
groundmass is generally composed of plagioclase microlites (labradorite-ande-
sine), clinopyroxene, olivine (rare), opaques, and sanidine. In the more basic
rocks (absarokite) some crystals of analcite also appear in the groundmass.
T r a c h y t e s. - They usually have a porphyritic texture. Plagioclase pheno-
crysts (andesine) are abundant and are normally surrounded by clear rims or K-
feldspar. Sanidine laths and augite phenocrysts are also present. The groundmass
consists of plagioclase microlites, sanidine, opaques, clinopyroxene (rare), and
accessory minerals.

2. A l k a l i rhyolitic Association
The acid rocks of this association appear in the different sequences of Eocene
age. They include rhyolitic to rhyodacitic lavas, dacites, ignimbrites, and tufts.
Rhyolites-rhyodacites. - These rocks are spherolitic, felsitic,
fluidal, and sometimes perlitic, in structure. In the spherolitic rhyolites, the
groundmass is cryptocrystalline to felsitic and the spherofites are composed of
fibrous quartz with argilized alkali feldspar. These spherolites sometimes grow
upon quartz.
In the felsitic rhyolites, the groundmass is essentially quartzo-feldspatic, with
some opaque minerals (hematite, leucoxene, etc.), together with apatite, calcite,
and some fibrous zeolites.
The perlitic rocks usually show a devitrified groundmass, composed of a
quartzo-feldspatic assemblage. Vesicular cavities are present in these rocks; they
are filled with calcite, quartz, etc. The phenocrysts are usually: corroded quartz,
sanidine and sodic plagioclase.
D a c i t e s. - The Lower Eocene dacites, which locally show a basic trend, are
922
 Alkaline Character of Eocene Volcanism in the Middle Part
porphyritic. They contain phenocrysts of plagioclase, hornblende, biotite, sel-
dom of quartz and sanidine. The groundmass consists of sodic plagioclase and
hornblende the interstices of which are filled with K-feldspar, quartz, magnetite,
carbonate and sericite. Biotite-bearing dacites are locally observed: phenocrysts
of plagioclase (An 15-28), biotite flakes, and corroded quartz, are embedded in a
groundmass composed of quartz, K-feldspar, biotite, and accessory minerals.
The Upper Eocene dacitic lavas in the Siah Kuh area can be divided into two
groups.
The f i r s t g r o u p is composed of biotite-bearing dacitic lavas with a felsitic
and fluidal structure. The groundmass (85 to 90 ~/0 by volume) is made up of
quartz, together with sanidine, plagioclase microlites, small flakes of biotite,
opaques, apatite, and calcite. The phenocrysts are mostly andesine with some
flakes of biotite.
The s e c o n d g r o u p comprises clinopyroxene-bearing dacitic lavas with a
felsitic-fluidal to hyalomicrolitic-fluidal structure. The phenocrysts (15 ~0 by
volume) are composed of sodic labradorite to andesine, and clinopyroxene. The
groundmass is essentially composed of plagioclase microlites, quartz, and alkali
feldspar.
I g n i m b r i t e s. - These rocks are frequently observed in the acid Eocene
units (especially in the Upper Eocene units). Their textures vary; the flames-bear-
ing ignimbrites show vitroclastic and fluidal structures, in which the lenticular
flames and phenocrysts are oriented along the fluidity; in the case of ignimbrite-
lava (VINCENT 1963), they show vitrophyric and fluidal structures.
In these rocks, the phenocrysts (or phenoclasts) are usually composed of pla-
gioclase, biotite, and amphibole or other destabilized Fe-Mg minerals, K-feld-
spar and quartz. The cryptocrystalline-felsitic groundmass is mostly quartzo-
feldspatic, with opaque grains, secondary minerals (calcite, chlorite, sericite,
epidote), and accessory minerals (apatite, zircon, rutile). Lithic fragments are
also found in some ignimbrites.
T u f f s. - The acid tufts of rhyolitic to dacitic composition are very common
in the Eocene sequences (especially in the Middle-Upper Eocene ones). They
consist of vitric tufts, crystal tufts (containing fragments of sodic plagioclase,
quartz, biotite, and amphibole), and lithic tufts.

3. I n t e r m e d i a t e to basic Association
In the Chah Alikhan area, the rocks of this association are characterized by
andesite-basalts and andesites, which represent a continuous series of porphyri-
tic rocks. The phenocrysts (30-50 V0 by volume) are plagioclase (An 50-60) and
clinopyroxene (augite, diopside). Some varieties contain olivine, which is
replaced by secondary minerals. Hypersthene and common hornblende are occa-
sionally present. The groundmass consists of plagioclase (An 35-50), clinopyro-
xene, magnetite, apatite, and devitrified glass. Sanidine is observed in the more
alkaline varieties.
In the Northwest (Davazdeh Emam), this association consists of basic to inter-
mediate rocks of the shoshonitic series (absarokites, shoshonites). Here, pheno-
crysts of olivine, of clinopyroxene, and of labradorite occur in a groundmass
923
 SAYED M E H D I A M I D I , MOHAMMAD HASHEM EMAMI a n d ROBERT M I C H E L

composed of plagioclase microlites, clinopyroxene, olivine, opaques, abundant

K-feldspar (sanidine), and analcite (in absarokites).
There are also basic to intermediate rocks which show aphyric to subaphyric
textures. They contain microphenocrysts of labradorite, of clinopyroxene, and of
olivine (usually pseudomorphed). The groundmass (80-85 % by volume) con-
tains microlites of andesine-labradorite (mainly andesine in the intermediate
rocks), clinopyroxene, rare pseudomorphed olivines, opaques, and accessory
and secondary minerals. In these rocks, the latter are well-developped; calcite,
chlorite, sericite, serpentine, epidote, actinolite, hematite, and leucoxene are
common; albite and quartz are rare. The development of these minerals is the
result of hydrothermal metamorphism (AMIDI ~; EMAMI, 1982).

0
16

12 Si 0 2 =45-47.50

20
Q
C 0

16

12 $i0 = 47. 51 - 50

20

16
a Co: Oe

12 Si = 50.01-52,50

20
e0
0 9
16

12 i 0 2 ;52.51- 55

2 4 6 8 Na 20 * K20

Fig. 2. A1203/Na20 + K20 (SiO2) diagram (KuNo 1960, 1968) showing the basic volcanic
rocks of Eocene (SiOz < 55 %). Black dots: Lower Eocene; crosses: Middle Eocene; white
dots: Upper Eocene.

Geochemistry, (table 1)
1. A l k a l i intermediate Association (Lower E o c e n e ) . - The
rocks of this association which range from trachybasalts to trachytes are the first
volcanic manifestation in the area. They petrographically and geochemically
show alkaline characters. In the A1203/Na20 + K20(SiO2) diagram (fig. 2; KuNo
1960, 1968), most of the basic rocks (SiO2 < 55 %) lies in the field of olivine
alkali basalts (domain C). These observations are also supported in the
924
 Alkaline Character of Eocene Volcanism in the Middle Part
Na20 + K~O/SiO2 diagram (fig. 3; KuNo, 1959). In the latter diagram, rocks of
this association lie in the field of alkaline rocks. Their SiO2 contents ranges from
50 to 65 V0; their alkali contents may come close to 12 %. As can be seen in the
K20/SiO2 diagram (fig. 4; PECCER~LLO& TAYLOR, 1976), this alkali intermediate
association is essentially potassic in character, but for two samples with a defi-
nitely sodic trend. In this diagram they fall essentially in the shoshonitic series
field (domain IV). One of the most important features of the shoshonitic series is
its K 2 0 / N a 2 0 ratio, as high as 1 or even more. This affinity can be seen for
numerous rocks of this association. In the KzO/NazO(SiO2) diagram (fig. 5),
they concentrate close to the limit where KzO/Na20 = 1. Also, according to
KESSON & SM~a'I-I(1972), the TiOz contents of these shoshonitic rocks is low ( <
1,3 %).
To conclude, in the area studied, the volcanic rocks of Lower Eocene age
belong essentially to the field of alkaline rocks; many of them exhibit shoshonitic
features.
Na O * K
2 2
O "
9 ,iF
.F -I-

9 9 +
+ +
" ~ C

7
o.~
9 " ~
: . ' & : . # ~ b
9

1 /

i i

40 50 60 70 S i 0
2
Fig. 3. Na20+ K20/SiO2 diagram (KuYo 1959) showing the volcanic rocks of Eocene.
a: tholeiitic series; b: calc-alkaline series; c: alkaline series. Black dots: Lower Eocene;
crosses: Middle Eocene; white dots: Upper Eocene.

2. A l k a l i - r h y o l i t i c Association. - Under this title are included

rocks of rhyolitic to dacitic composition. The SiO2 contents of this association
chiefly range from 65 to 77 V0. Except for a few samples which fall in the field of
calc-alkalic rocks (Na20+K20/SiO2, fig. 3, Kt~No 1959), the majority of the
rocks (especially those with a dacitic trend) belongs to the alkaline domain. The
alkali contents can reach up to nearly 11 ~0 (mostly as K~O). This can be seen in
the K20/SiO 2 diagram (fig. 4; PECCERILLO& TAYLOR, 1976), in which the majority
of the rocks has more than 4 % K20 and lies in the field of shoshonitic rocks
(domain IV). This potassic trend is also apparent in the K20/Na20(SiO2) dia-
gram (fig. 5) in which numerous rocks of this association have a KzO/NazO ratio
higher than 1.
In short, the acid rocks of Middle to Upper Eocene age in the area studied are
mainly alkaline, with a potassic trend (except for a few samples which fall
chemically in the calc-alkalic field).
925
 SAVED MEHDI AMIDI, MOHAMMAD HASHEM EMAMI and ROBERT MICHEL

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

SiO 2 51.03 53.21 55.08 55.94 56.62 57.16 57.48 57.57 58.20 57.79 60.77 61.02 63.17
A1203 14.20 18.50 17.30 18.93 16.18 16.59 15.62 16.41 17.00 16.72 16.01 16.24 15.44
Fe203 3.08 3.70 5.98 5.11 4.43 4.83 6.55 2.80 3.38 4.81 3.61 4.51 2.24
FeO 5.10 3.16 2.52 0.69 3.24 6.50 0.74 3.93 5.34 1.79 0.35 1.15 1.68
MnO 0.14 0.12 0.21 0.09 0.16 0.11 0.35 0.ii 0.08 0.89 0.15 0.i0 0.ii
MgO 5.70 2.36 4.00 0.52 2.42 0.91 1.26 2.75 2.05 3.37 0.25 0.79 0.64
CaO 8.55 7.55 4.52 7.68 5.90 5.21 4.50 5.24 0.98 2.37 4.20 2.03 3.64
Na20 2.62 3.05 3.28 3.55 3.80 3.50 3.92 3.35 2.36 4.59 3.01 4.16 3.95
K20 1.63 2.87 3.61 3.40 3.00 4.45 3.52 3.21 6.61 3.28 5.34 6.80 4.27
TiO 2 0.91 0.97 1.40 0.82 1.18 0.89 0.75 0.93 1.28 0.98 1.30 0.87 0.60
P205 0.31 0.33 0.29 0.28 0.61 8.30 0.48 0.26 0.36 0.29 0.42 0.30 0.22
H20 6.66 5.98 1.90 5.12 2.20 4.86 4.85 3.17 1.90 3.90 4.13 1.69 3.24

Total 99.93 98.80 100.01 99.13 99.74 99.31 99.86 99.73 99.54 99.90 99.54 99.66 99.20

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

SiO 2 64.00 64.50 65.60 51.03 59.00 52.00 58.20 60.74 57.79 58.00 56.15 55.63 58.90
A1203 16.00 16.50 15.50 14.20 15.00 17.00 15.50 16.29 16.72 15.08 17.00 17.42 15.30
Fe203 3.78 3.02 0.86 3.08 5.88 3.50 5.31 2.80 4.81 5.32 6.45 5.67 2.15
FeO 0.57 1.03 1.72 5.10 4.20 2.58 1.51 1.44 1.79 !.12 1.67 0.86 2.30
MnO 0.i0 0.09 0.08 0.14 0.23 0.16 0.15 0.10 0.09 0.14 0.12 0.09 0.i0
MgO 0.45 0.45 2.25 5.70 3.20 2.27 3.71 1.71 3.37 2.35 2.50 1.71 2.15
CaO 2.91 3.10 4.78 8.55 3.64 9.86 5.71 3.85 2.31 5.16 3.22 5.66 4.41
Na20 4.63 8.00 7.20 2.62 1.46 2.72 4.18 3.06 4.59 3.39 4.30 3.14 3.76
K20 4.30 0.09 0.44 1.63 5.09 2.69 2.27 3.56 3.20 5.00 3.82 4.33 4.06
TiO 2 0.71 0.84 0.80 0.91 0.90 0.91 0.60 0.56 0.48 0.77 0.96 0.88 0.55
P205 0.22 0.22 0.05 0.31 0.32 0.39 0.15 8.25 0.29 0.25 0.31 8.41 0.33
H20 2.40 2.30 0.75 6.66 4.83 5.84 2.35 5.25 3.90 3.59 3.51 3.97 5.20

Total 100.07 100.14 100.03 99.93 99.75 99.92 99.64 99.61 99.34 100.09 100.01 99.77 99.21

27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

SiO 2 61.40 54.26 51.00 52.08 52.21 55.17 56.80 55.90 57.44 60.46 68.28 68.68 69.43
AI203 16.35 17.23 17.78 16.69 15.70 16.60 18.80 18.40 20.00 15.56 14.85 14.74 15.03
Fe203 3.27 5.84 8.58 5.91 5.62 5.06 3.01 2.94 2.92 4.96 2.69 1.68 2.39
FeO 0.50 0.72 0.67 2.08 0.98 1.49 8.40 1.32 0.45 0.94 0.42 2.51 0.i0
MnO 0.10 0.05 0.07 0.08 0.12 0.08 0.07 0.i0 0.02 0.08 0.05 0.08 0.02
MgO 0.79 1.58 2.24 1.66 2.48 3.25 0.25 1.45 1.47 0.75 0.63 0.79 0.06
CaO 5.17 4.62 4.24 5.26 7.63 6.37 5.41 3.55 3.57 6.05 2.62 3.18 0.56
Na20 4.52 3.30 4.20 3.90 3.20 3.84 3.52 5.22 4.52 3.40 2.00 3.20 2.50
K20 4.40 5,20 4.40 4.00 4.32 4,00 6.10 6.62 5.84 4.00 8.20 4.40 8.20
TiO 2 0.47 0.96 1.23 1.13 0.90 0.93 0.75 0.76 0.66 0.60 0.58 0.48 0.39
P205 0.25 0.59 0.78 0.67 0.47 0.44 0.49 0.44 0.31 0.03 0.15 0.24 0.06
H20 2.36 5.34 4.53 6.44 5.78 2.18 4.00 3.25 2.36 2.28 2.09 2.80 0.85

Total 99.58 99.69 99.64 99.90 99.41 99.4J 99.60 99.95 99.56 99.11 99.56 99.78 99.59

40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52

SiO 2 73.00 73.00 7i.32 73.50 74.00 76.66 62.90 63.50 65.20 67.70 66.10 64.12 66.80
AI203 12.70 14.55 12.72 12.50 13.00 11.46 13.50 19.30 15.00 14.45 13.90 15.45 14.50
Fe203 1.30 0.85 1.50 1.01 0.99 1.04 1.59 2.89 2.22 1.90 3.00 3.21 3.10
FeO 0.82 0.91 1.44 1.09 1.15 0.i0 1.09 1.33 2.14 1.44 0.32 1.00 1.27
Mn0 0.06 0.03 8.09 0.05 0.08 0.03 0.15 0.ii 0.ii 0.08 0.14 8.17 0,08
MgO 0.96 8.68 0.47 0.80 0.35 8.06 1.78 1.14 1.38 0.80 0.20 0.74 1.00
CaO 1.60 1.48 2.20 1.12 0.80 0.48 4.76 3.61 2.37 3.01 3.62 3.46 1.75
Na20 1.82 7.40 1.44 2.22 3.00 0.97 2.54 4.23 2.68 4.00 1.50 3.42 4.25
K20 8.84 0.11 8.30 6.00 5.60 7.81 5.49 2.51 5.52 2.40 6.40 4.07 5.00
TiO 2 0.25 8.47 0.21 8.22 0.25 0.i0 0.46 0.55 0.42 0.33 0.40 0.78 0.42
P205 0.ii 0.06 0.ii 0.05 0.05 0.01 0.19 0.16 0.09 0.10 0.12 0.28 0.14
H20 1.40 0.75 3.01 1.35 0.68 0.96 4.96 4.33 2.18 3.82 4.16 2.91 1.83

Total 99.88 100.13 99.81 99.91 99.92 99.68 99.41 99.66 99.31 100.03 99.86 99.61 100.14
 Alkaline Character of Eocene Volcanism in the Middle Part
53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65

SiO 2 66.40 64.10 64.20 68.16 68.60 71.28 71.00 68.70 70.00 69.80 68.40 70.50 60.67
AI203 13.90 18.20 15.70 12.90 14.10 14.00 14.00 15.00 13.20 13.58 14.35 13.50 11.98
Fe203 2.16 3.77 3.87 3.85 2.06 1.72 1.73 2.87 2,00 2.23 2.24 2.12 2.45
FeO 0.40 8.57 0.55 0.48 0.40 0.52 0.51 0.19 0.55 0.15 0.32 0.52 0.40
MnO 0.08 0.i0 0.09 0.i0 0.06 0.05 0.06 8.07 0.09 0.09 0.13 0.07 0.12
MgO 1.77 0.64 1.40 0.24 0.17 0.28 0.70 0.30 0.35 0.30 0.30 0.55 0.18
CaO 2.00 3.07 2.82 1.56 2.80 1.37 1.10 1.48 2.67 2.47 3.06 2.15 7.67
Na20 1.79 2.32 3.40 8.82 3.60 5.15 3.83 3.84 1.89 1.28 2.10 2.55 1.68

K20 8.90 7.82 5.78 9,68 4.96 4.12 8.44 6.24 6.44 7.24 5.36 6.44 7.75
TiO 2 0.32 0.52 0.55 0.46 0.82 0.36 8.31 0.27 0.28 0.26 0.37 0.42 0.82
P205 0.06 0.15 0.19 0.16 0.12 0.09 0.05 8.06 0.12 8.07 0.08 8.12 0.29
H20 2.83 1.25 1.38 1.52 2.88 1.26 1.83 8.57 3.82 2.40 2.81 1.87 6.47

Total 100.31 99.51 99.93 99.89 100.19 100.12 99.76 99.56 100.31 99.78 99.52 99.81 100.42

66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78

SiO 2 63.24 64.46 65.28 65.64 64.29 69. 76 75.29 82.35 54.20 55.90 51.80 52.20 57.30
AI203 15.03 18.37 15.09 18.66 15.19 14.33 12.64 9.28 17.00 16.80 19.00 17.20 13.48
Fe203 1.72 4.34 3.94 2.59 3.64 1.11 0.87 0.26 3.71 5.94 7.19 5.73 2.57
FeO 0.23 0.54 0.44 0.29 8.39 0.i0 8.05 0.01 4.14 1.68 1.18 3.22 2.55
MnO 0.02 0.07 0.06 0,08 0.13 0.83 0.03 0.00 0.17 0,13 0.08 0.17 0.11
MgO 0.05 0.99 1.42 0.61 0.83 8.65 0.03 0.02 4.80 3.47 4.75 4.75 8.36
CaO 0.72 2.02 1.55 2.13 2.18 1.76 0.99 0.43 6.52 7.41 5.95 8.08 3.29
Na20 2.53 3.79 4.36 2.91 5.45 1.09 8.67 0.18 3.70 3.44 4.88 3.20 2.94
K20 8.43 6.09 5.32 7.19 3.34 7.83 8.14 5.54 2.18 2.00 1.60 1.90 2.98
Ti02 0.58 0.86 0.85 0.52 0.82 0.20 0.21 0.06 1.18 1.02 1.26 1.48 0.54
P205 0.i0 0.18 0.17 0.15 0.17 0.05 8.03 0.02 8.68 0.68 8.58 0.38 0.23
H20 8.13 1.78 1.95 2.26 2.96 3.07 1.40 2.65 1.31 1.00 2.74 1.12 5.60

Total 100.78 100.49 100.43 100.00 99.29 99.98 100.35 100.80 99.89 99.44 100.13 99.32 99.79

79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 98 91

SiO 2 58.70 59.50 57.70 58.70 58.20 59.50 57.84 57.94 53.08 50.03 80.67 46.88 49.14
AI203 16,50 15.48 17.00 16.00 16.35 15.40 15.51 17.70 17.67 18.35 15.83 16.58 18.32

Fe203 6.11 3.43 5,43 5.02 5.77 4.38 2.70 4.34 5.16 3.9] 3.45 3.18 5.03
FeO 1.03 2.79 1.77 2.01 1.20 2.10 2.30 8.65 2.43 3.18 2.40 5.90 4.83
MnO 0.i0 8.20 0.14 0.18 0.18 0.i2 0.27 0.32 0,16 0.28 0.13 0.34 0.18
MgO 0.90 0.78 2.28 3.i0 2.38 1.63 0.79 0.52 1.47 1.76 3.74 1.99 3.94
CaO 5.89 5.30 6.03 3.92 6.30 8.03 7.30 7.71 7.23 10.78 9.47 10,89 9.09
Na20 2.89 2.61 2.86 4.88 2.94 3.32 3.86 3.82 4.01 2.34 4.05 3.68 4.06

K20 2.89 3.54 4.40 1.54 3.48 2.31 3.80 3.60 4.91 8.96 1.71 2.27 2.38

TiO 2 0.88 0.85 0,75 0.68 0.60 0.62 0.68 0.73 0.97 1.04 1.00 1.21 ].13

P205 0.29 0.39 0,21 0.24 0.19 0.16 0.29 0.28 0.44 0.55 0.39 0,45 0.57

H20 3.90 4.51 1.11 3.50 1.90 2.36 4.52 3.11 2.28 1.34 7,53 7.66 1.73

Total 100.08 99.30 99,38 99.69 99.49 99.90 99.86 100.42 99.78 99.52 100,67 100.85 100.40

Table 1 Chemical analyses of Lower Eocene (1-35), Middle Eocene (36-73), and Upper
Eocene (74-91) volcanic rocks from the studied area. All analyses taken from TECHNOEX-
PORT COMPANY USSR (1979), except 65 to 73 and 87 to 91 (EMAgI, 1981). Nomenclature
after MIDDLEMOST (1980). 1: basalt; 2: andes]tic basalt; 3-10: trachyandesites; 11: andesite;
12-16: trachytes; 17: basalt; 18: trachyandesite; 19: basalt; 20-26: trachyandesites; 27: tra-
chyte; 28: trachyandesite; 29-33: trachybasalts; 34-35: trachytes; 36: trachyandesite; 37-38:
trachytes; 39: alkali rhyolite; 40-45: rhyolites; 46: trachyte; 47: dacite; 48: trachyte; 49: rhy-
odacite; 50-57: trachytes; 58-59: rhyolites; 60: trachyte; 61-64: rhyolites; 65-70: trachytes;
71-73: rhyolites; 74: trachyandesite; 75: andesite; 76: trachybasalt; 77: basalt; 78-80: ande-
sites; 81: trachyandesite; 82-84: andesites; 85-86: trachyandesites; 87-88: trachybasalts;
89-91: alkali basalts
927
 SAYED M E H D I A M I D I , MOHAMMAD HASHEM EMAMI a n d ROBERT M I C H E L

K20

+ +
+ + + +

+ 4-
4-
O 9 + 247
+
t 9 +#
+ +
9 9 9 eo 9

, :,. o" + . J

J
J
+
52 56 63 70
Si 0 2
Fig. 4. K:O/SiO2 diagram (PECCERILLO& TAYLOR1976). I: tholeiitic series; II: calc-alka-
line series; III: high-K calc-alkaline series; IV: shoshonitic series. Black dots: Lower
Eocene; crosses: Middle Eocene; white dots: Upper Eocene.

3. I n t e r m e d i a t e to basic Association. - The volcanic rocks of

this association, which belong to the Upper Eocene, are chemically more varied.
The basic rocks of this association (SiO2 < 55 ~/0, A12OJNa20 + K20(SiO2) dia-
gram, fig. 2; KUNO, 1960, 1968) are plotted in the olivine-alkali basalts field
(domain C). This can also be seen, in the Na20 +K20/SiO2 diagram (KuNo,
1959). But the intermediate facies can be divided into two groups, viz., calc-alka-
line and alkaline ones (diagram alkali versus SiO2). These volcanic rocks are also
rich in K20 since they lie in the field of shoshonitic rocks (domain IV, K20/SiO2
diagram) or of high-K calc-alkaline rocks (domain III). One single sample lies
into the calc-alkaline field (domain II). In the K20/Na20(SiO2) diagram, the
rocks of this association can be also divided into two groups, viz., one group with
potassic trend (K20/Na20 -> 1), and another group which is sodic (K20/Na20
ratios < 1).
In conclusion the intermediate-basic association of the Upper Eocene shows
an alkaline affinity for the basaltic rocks, and alkaline or calc-alkaline chemical
characters for the intermediate ones.

928
 Alkaline Character of Eocene Volcanism in the Middle Part
30 K20 / Na20

10 4- 4-

5 +
+
9 ++ +
4-
++
V 3 0 9
9 r + \
+
.~ Q.e --,~-~d-*~, o*+++ + *
1 -o~ : : ~ - .
9 +
8o
0.6 0 ~ O 00~ +-~ +

oo
0
0.2

s0 6o 7o 8o si o
2

Fig. 5. K20/Na20(SiO2) diagram showing the KzO/Na20 ratios of the Eocene volcanic
rocks. Black dots: Lower Eocene; crosses: Middle Eocene; white dots: Upper Eocene.

Discussion and Conclusion

From the seventies the Iranian volcanic provinces has been ascribed to calc-al-
kalic series and have been said to be a consequence of a subduction (VIALON et
al., 1972; TAKIN, 1972; DEWEY et al., 1973; FORSTER, 1976; JUNG et al., 1975; AL-
BERTI et al., 1980; BERBERIAN et al., 1981).
Unfortunately, no real attention was paid to the geochemical pecularities of
the Iranian volcanic rocks and to the location of the volcanic emissions both in
time and in space. One of the mean features of subductional volcanic manifesta-
tions is the magmatic zonation which can be seen in the volcanic sequences of is-
land arcs or in those of active continental margins (KuNO, 1959; SUGIMURA,
1961, 1968; GILL, 1970; JAKES & WHITE, 1969, 1972; MACKENZIE (~ CHAPPELL,
1972; MIYASHIRO, 1974; LEFI~VRE, 1979, etc.). In these orogenic provinces, the
earliest volcanic events are tholeiitic ones (they may be absent in the active conti-
nental margins) which occur on the oceanic side of island arcs. The tholeiitic
rocks are stratigraphically or laterally followed by calc-alkaline rocks, and final-
ly by shoshonites or by alkaline rocks. Geochemical variations also exist in these
volcanic provinces and, from the trench towards the continent, there are: 1) pro-
gressive increase in KzO and alkali contents for a given SiO2 contents, 2) increase
in the KzO/Na20 ratio, and 3) decrease in Fe enrichment (DICKINSQN & HA-
THERTON, 1967; JAKES (~; WHITE, 1972; MIYASHIRO, 1975, etc.). The TiO2 con-
tents appear also to increase across an island arc towards the continent and to
reach its maximum in the shoshonitic or alkaline associations (JAKES & WHITE,
1972; LEF~VRE, 1979).
In the recent years, many detailed studies on the geochemical features of the
Iranian volcanic rocks have been carried out by AMIDI (1975), LESCUYER et al.
(1976), DIDON et al. (1976), CAILLATet al. (1978) and EMAMI (1981). These inves-
tigations show no agreement with a volcanism related to a subduction zone, and
indicate the following points:
929
 SAYED MEHDI AMIDI, MOHAMMADHASHEMEMAMIand ROBERTMICHEL
1. There is no K20 enrichment, either in time or in space, in the Iranian volca-
nic sequences. Other major elements or factors (alkali contents, TiO2 contents,
Fe enrichment, K 2 0 / N a 2 0 ratio, etc.) which change through the volcanic rocks
of orogenic areas, are also in disagreement with the hypothesis of a volcanism re-
lated to a subduction zone.
2. The migration of volcanism does not agree with a subduction model and the
younger volcanic manifestations are not found farther and farther from an
ophiolitic suture of a hypothetical Benioff zone.
3. The ophiolitic rocks of the hypothetical collision suture are in places intru-
ded by volcanic rocks (SARZ~HEI, 1974; AMIDI, 1975; L~NSC~ et al., 1980, etc.).
4. No magmatic zonation can be found, either stratigraphically or laterally, in
the Iranian volcanic provinces. It has been shown here that rocks of alkalic or
shoshonitic series appear during the first volcanic manifestations (Lower Eoce-
ne) in the area studied. This is not peculiar to this area. It can also be seen farther
to the South in the Qom-Aran area (EMAMI, 1981), where the basic alkaline rocks
appear in the first volcanic phases.
We see that the alkaline or shoshonitic lavas are erupted during the Eocene
and not at the latest stage of the Eocene volcanic phases. This is similar to the
Mianeh area (LEscvvER et al., 1976) where two shoshonitic associations appear
at the beginning and at the end of the Eocene volcanic sequences. This shows
that the alkaline rocks appear, at any time, anywhere in the Eocene volcanic se-
quences. The alkaline rocks of the Iranian volcanic provinces are much more ex-
tensive than previously believed.
5. The question of the lack of metamorphic zonation ( H P / B T and HT/BP)
has been raised by SABZEHEI (1974), who states that the metamorphic events ob-
served in the region studied by him cannot be explained by a subduction model.
Therefore, all the geochemical and geological features of the Eocene volcanic
sequences are in contradiction with a volcanism related to a subduction zone
model, which is inadequate to explain the repartition of the Eocene volcanic
rocks of Iran and their geochemical properties.
The Iranian volcanic provinces are disposed along cratonic fractures, which
throughout geologic times have been active during various phases (some since
the Precambrian; HAGHIPOUR, 1974). Eocene volcanic activities are accompa-
nied by the opening up of the basins which gave birth to a new horst-graben sys-
tem and alkaline volcanics outputs are restricted to the neighbourhood of deep-
seated fractures brought into replay by distensional phenomena.
The presence of feldspathoidal lavas in the Paleocene-Lower Eocene (studied
area, Ahar area), Upper Eocene (studied area, Kerman, Saveh, Mianeh, Ahar
and Taleghan areas) and Oligo-Miocene (Natanz, NW of Tafresh, Taleghan
areas) enhances the analogy to a rift zone of continental area. The strongly un-
dersaturated lavas are located on zones of crustal weakness, characterized by
high mobility during the Tertiary. The rift model proposed by Sabzehei (1974)
was discussed in detail by a number of authors (AMIDI, 1975; LESCVYER et al.,
1976; DIDON et al., 1976; CAILLAT et al., 1978; EMAML 1981) who applied it to
the interpretation of the origin of Eocene volcanic rocks and to their geodynamic
situation; the ground covered by these various authors stretches from Azerbaid-
jan to the Karkas region, i. e. over 800 km along the Tabriz-Bazman Zone. There
the emissions of alkaline magma are linked with rhythmic opening of this rift zo-
930
 Alkaline Character of Eocene Volcanism in the Middle Part

ne during the Eocene. The latter intermediate (calc-alkaline) volcanic activities

are the result of a c o n t a m i n a t i o n p h e n o m e n o n . It has been shown by EMAMI
(1981), both petrographically and geochemically, that a mutual c o n t a m i n a t i o n
p h e n o m e n o n between a basaltic m a g m a and a bulky palingenetic acid m a g m a is
responsible for the calc-alkaline trend.

References
ALBERTI, A. A., COMIN-CHIARAMONTI,P., SINIGOI, S., NICOLETTI, M., & PETRUCCIANI, C. :
Neogene and quaternary volcanism in Eastern Azerbaidjan (Iran): some K-Ar age
determinations and geodynamic implications. Geol. Rdsch., 69, 1, 216-225, 1980.
AMrDI, S. M.: Contribution /t l'6tude stratigraphique, p6trologique et p6trochimique des
roches magmatiques de la r6gion de Natanz-Na'fn-Surk (Iran Central). Th6se Doctorat
Etat, Grenoble, 316 p., 1975.
AMIDI, S. M., & EMAMI, M. H.: Thermometamorphism of zeolite and greenschist facies
occuring in the Tertiary igneous rocks of Iran and their geodynamic setting (in per-
sian). Geological Survey of Iran, internal report, Tehran, 1982.
BERBERIAN, F., BERBERIAN,M.: Tectono-plutonic episodes in Iran. American Geophysical
Union, Geodynamics series, 3, 5-32, 1981.
CAILLAT, C., DEHLAVI, P., & MARTEL-JANTIN,B.: G6ologie de la r6gion de Saveh (Iran).
Contribution g l'6tude du volcanisme et du plutonisme tertiaires de la zone de l'Iran
central Th~se 3eme cycle, Grenoble, 325 p., 1978.
DAVOUDZADEH, M., & AMIDI, S.M.: Geological Map of Anarak Quadrangle. Scale:
1 : 250 000. Geol. Surv. of Iran (in press).
DEWEY, J. F., PITMAN,W. C., RVAN,W. B., & BONNIN,J. : Plate tectonics and the evolution
of the Alpine system. Geol. Soc. Amer. Bull., 84, 3137-3180, 1973.
DICKINSON, W.R., & HATHERTON, T.: Andesitic volcanism and seismicity around the
Pacific. Science, 157, 801-803, 1967.
DIDON, J., & GEMAIN, Y. M.: Le Sabalan, volcan plio-quaternaire de l'Azerbaidjan orien-
tal (Iran). l~tude g6ologique et p6trographique de l'6difice et de son environnement
r6gional. Th6se 36mecycle, Grenoble, 304 p., 1976.
EMAMI, M. H.: G+ologie de la r6gion de Qom-Aran (Iran). Contribution ~ l'6tude dyna-
mique et g6ochimique du volcanisme tertiaire de l'Iran central. Th6se Doctorat Etat,
Grenoble, 489 p., 1981.
FOERST~R, H. : Continental drift in Iran in relation to the Afar Structures. In: Afar between
continental and oceanic rifting (V. II). Edited by A. PILCER & A. ROSLER, E. Schwei-
zerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart, 182-190, 1976.
GILL, J. B.: Geochemistry of Viti Levu Fiji, and its evolution as an island arc. Contrib.
Mineral. Petrol., 44, 179-203, 1970.
HAOnlPOUR, A.: Etude g6ologique de la r6gion de Biabanak-Bafq (Iran Central). Th6se
Doctorat Etat, Grenoble, 404 p., 1974.
JAKES, P., &WnITE, A. J. R. : Structures of the melanesian arcs and correlation with distri-
bution of magma types. Tectonophysics, 8, 223-236, 1969.
- & -: Major and trace element abundances in volcanic rocks of orogenic areas. Geol.
Soc. Amer. Bull., 83, 29-42, 1972.
JUNG, D., & TARKIAN,M.: Post-mesozoic volcanism in Iran and its relation to the subduc-
tion of the Afaro-arabian plate under Eurasian plate. Afar Monograph, Deutsche For-
schungsgemeinschaft, 1975.
KESSON, S. E., & SMITH, 1. E.: TiO2 contents and the shoshonite and alkaline associations.
Nature, Phys. Sci., 236, 68, 110-111, 1972.
KuNo, H.: Origin of Cenozoic petrographic provinces of Japan and surrounding areas.
Bull. Volcanol., 20, 37-76, 1959.
- : High alumina basalt. J. Petrology, 1, 121-145, 1960.

931
 SAYED MEHDI AMIDI, MOHAMMADHASHEM EMAMI and ROBERT MICHEL

- : Differentiation of basalt magmas. In: HESS & POLDERVAART:Basalts., 2 vol., 862 p.,
John Wiley, New York, 1968.
LEE~VRE,C. : Un exemple de volcanisme de marge active dans les Andes du P6rou (sud) du
Miocene ~ l'actuel (zonation et p&rogen6se des and6sites et shoshonites). Th6se Docto-
rat Etat, Montpellier, 555 p., 1979.
LENSCH,G., MIHM, A., & ALAVI-TEHRANI,N. : The postophiolitic volcanics north of Sabze-
vat (Iran): geology, petrography and major elements geochemistry. Neues Jahrb. Geol.
Palfiontol., Monatsh. 11, 686-702, 1980.
LESCUYER,J. L., & RIOU, R. : G6ologie de la r6gion de Mianeh (Azerba'idjan). Contribution
/t l'6tude du volcanisme tertiaire de l'Iran. Th6se 3eme cycle, Grenoble, 233 p., 1976.
MACKENZIE,D. E., & CHAPPELL,B. W.: Shoshonitic and calc-alkaline lavas from the High-
lands of Papua, New Guinea. Contrib. Mineral. Petrol., 35, 50-62, 1972.
MIDDLEMOST~E. A. K.: A contribution to the nomenclature and classification of volcanic
rocks. Geol. Mag., 117, 51-57, 1980.
MIYASHIRO,A. : Volcanic rock series in island arcs and active continental margins. Amer. J.
Sci., 274, 321-355, 1972.
- : Island arc volcanic rock series: a critical review. P6trologie, 1, 177-187, 1975.
N. I. O. C. : Geological Map of Iran. Scale 1 : 2 500 000. Tehran, 1959.
NOGOLE-SADATE,M. A. A.: Les zones de d6crochement et les virgations structurales en
Iran. Cons6quences des r6sultats de l'analyse structurale de la r6gion de Qom. Th6se
3+me cycle, Grenoble, 202 p., 1978.
PECCERILEO, A., ~: TAYLOR, S. R.: Geochemistry of Eocene alkaline volcanic rocks from
the Kastamonu Area, northern Turkey. Contrib. Mineral. Petrol., 58, 63-81, 1976.
SABZEHEI,M.: Les m61anges ophiolitiques de la r6gion d'Esfandagheh (Iran m6ridional).
Etude p&rologique et structurale. Interpr6tation dans le cadre Iranien. Th6se Doctorat
Etat, Grenoble, 306 p., 1974.
SCHROEDER~J. W. : Essai sur la structure de l'Iran. Eclog. Geol. Helv., 37, 37-81, 1944.
ST6CKLtN, J.: Structural history and tectonics of Iran. A review. Amer. Assoc. Petrol. Geo-
logists, 52, 1229-1258, 1968.
SUGIMUR& A. : Regional variation of the K20-Na20 ratios of volcanic rocks in Japan and
environs. Geol. Soc. Japan J., 67, 292-300, 1961.
- : Spatial relations of basaltic magmas in Islands arcs. In: HESS & POLDERVAART:
Basalts., 2 vol., 862 p., John Wiley, New York, 1968.
TAKIN, M.: Iranian geology and continental drift in the Middle East. Nature, 235,
147-150, 1972.
TECHNOEXPORT COMPANY USSR: Geology and minerals of Anarak area (Central Iran).
Preliminary Report N ~ 2 and 5 (unpublished).
VIALON, P., HUSHMANZADEH,A., & SABZEHEI,M.: Proposition d'un mod61e de l'6volution
p6trostructurale de quelques montagnes iraniennes comme une cons6quence de la tec-
tonique des plaques. 24 th Int. Geol. Congress Montr6al, section 3, 196-208, 1972.
VINCENT, P. M.: Les volcans tertiaires et quaternaires du Tibesti occidental (Sahara du
Tchad). Th6se Doctorat Etat, Paris et M6m. B. R. G. M., 23, 307 p., 1963.

932