Some comments On plate tectonics and the geological history of Iran

Following the great interest in plate tectonics, several interpretations for
the Iranian region have been recently proposed. In this article the limitations
of plate tectonics are pointed out in order to discourage a too enthusiatic support
for a strong antagonism towards plate tectonics. Some comments are
also given on the objections and criticisms raised by Eftekharnejad (1973) on
the proposals of Takin (1972).
For example it is pointed out that the Zagros is a continuation of the
Arabian shield and that the oceanic areas between the Zagors and the rest of
Iran were older and probably more extensive than those or the other parts of
the country. The latter existed for short durations and were probably comparable
with the Red Sea to-day. The suggestion that Iran was once part of the
Gondwanaland is discussed. It is mentioned that paleomagnetic data are needed
in order to find out the position of Iran relative to Arabia or even to Africa
in the Paleozoic and the Precambrian times. It is emphasized that the Paleozoic
facies similarities alone are not conclusive for solving the problem. It is
also suggested that the northern border of Iran at that time probably ran through
Mashhad, Gorgan, and Talesh areas. The proposal by Eftekharnejad (1973) is
discussed and it is mentioned that the weight of the accumulated sediments does
not cause the down-bending and the start of subduction in trenches