The Maradi fault zone: evidence of Late Neogene tectonics in the Oman mountains

Abstract

This paper documents for the first time the occurrence of Late Neogene (Plio-Pleistocene) structures in the Oman mountains. The Maradi fault zone is a major NW–SE fault near Natih, SE of the Oman mountains, traceable for at least 60 km. It separates rocks of Campanian/Maastrichtian age (Fiqa shales and mark) to the NE from Campanian/Maasttichtian and Tertiary (Palaeocene and Eocene) rocks on the SW side. The southern region of the fault is dominated by Campanian/Maasttichtian rocks which lie on both sides of the fault. Neogene intramontane wadi gravels unconformably overlie Palaeogene limestones in the area. Both are folded by movements on the fault. Investigation of the en echelon folds associated with the fault reveal a possible transtensional nature. This structure has been previously linked to the Saiwan-Nafun Fault in the HuqfHaushi area of Oman to the SE. This correlation cannot be proven on structural evidence.