This review synthesizes existing research to elucidate the factors driving the distinct tectonic behaviors in the western and eastern Makran subduction zone, focusing on seismic activity, uplift rate, convergence rate, coupling, and subduction angle. The literature identifies the asymmetry in pressure and the variation in subduction angles between the western and eastern parts of the Makran as key factors in defining the region’s tectonic patterns. The western region has a steeper subduction angle, resulting in lower pressure, reduced coupling, and decreased seismic activity. This disparity arises from different interactions between the subducted and overriding plates. This article offers an overview of the Makran subduction zone, identifies some knowledge gaps, and suggests directions for future research to improve our understanding of this complex geological region. The review highlights the need for more comprehensive GPS stations and targeted studies on subduction dip angles to better understand the region’s tectonic dynamics.

On 14 November 2021, a doublet earthquake, each event of which had an Mw of 6.1, struck near Fin in the Simply Folded Belt (SFB) in southern Iran. The first quake occurred at 12:07:04 UTC, followed by a second one just a minute and a half later. The SFB is known for its blind thrust faults, typically not associated with surface ruptures. These earthquakes are usually linked to the middle and lower layers of the sedimentary cover. Identifying the faults that trigger earthquakes in the region remains a significant challenge and is subject to high uncertainty. This study aims to identify and determine the fault(s) that may have caused the doublet earthquake. To achieve this goal, we utilized the DInSAR method using Sentinel-1 to detect deformation, followed by finite-fault inversion and magnetic interpretation to determine the location, geometry, and slip distribution of the fault(s). Bayesian probabilistic joint inversion was used to model the earthquake sources and derive the geometric parameters of potential fault planes. The study presents two potential fault solutions—one dipping to the north and the other to the south. Both solutions showed no significant difference in strike and fault location, suggesting a single fault. Based on the results of the seismic inversion, it appears that a north-dipping fault with a strike, dip, and rake of 257°, 74°, and 77°, respectively, is more consistent with the geological setting of the area. The fault plane has a width of roughly 3.6 km, a length of 13.4 km, and a depth of 5.6 km. Our results revealed maximum displacements along the radar line of sight reaching values of up to −360 mm in the ascending orbit, indicating an unknown fault with horizontal displacements at the surface ranging from −144 to 170 mm and maximum vertical displacements between −204 and 415 mm. Aeromagnetic data for Iran were utilized with an average flight-line spacing of 7.5 km. The middle of the data observation period was considered to apply the RTP filter, and the DRTP method was used. We calculated the gradient of the residual anomaly in the N-S direction due to the direction of the existing faults and folds. The gradient map identified the fault and potential extension of the observed anomalies related to a fault with an ENE-WSW strike, which could extend to the ~ E-W. We suggest that earthquakes occur in the sedimentary cover of the SFB where subsurface faulting is involved, with Hormuz salt acting as an important barrier to rupture. The multidisciplinary approach used in this study, including InSAR and magnetic data, underscores the importance of accurate fault characterization. These findings provide valuable insights into the seismic hazard of the area.

The Makran subduction zone is located in southeastern Iran and southern Pakistan. It was formed by the subduction of part of the oceanic crust of the Arabian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. In the eastern part of this zone, the convergence rate, coastal uplift and seismicity are higher than in the western part of this zone. In addition, there are a larger number of Quaternary volcanoes in the western part due to a subduction arc of the oceanic lithosphere. The study of the velocity vectors shows that the asymmetric pressure impressed the Makran and in addition a number of tectonic evidences were attributed to different dip angles of subduction. The results indicate that the segmentation of the Makran is influenced by two key factors: asymmetric pressure, resulting in varying convergence rates, and different subduction dip angles. These factors are identified as the origin parameters that contribute to the formation of two distinct blocks with contrasting structures. Based on the considerations made in this study, subduction in the Makran was modeled. And a new structural segmentation was presented in this zone. The results indicate a propagation of the eastern boundary of the Lut block in Makran. The model presented in this paper was able to show the tectonic problems of the Makran and furthermore demonstrate the discrepancy between the tectonic features of the western and eastern blocks of the Makran.

The western structural boundary of the Makran Subduction Zone (MSZ) corresponds to the Minab–Zendan–Palami (MZP) dextral strike-slip fault system, a critical transitional zone that accommodates the velocity gradient between the Zagros and western Makran regions. This study investigates the kinematic behavior and mechanisms of the MZP fault system to enhance our understanding of fault dynamics and their implications for seismic hazards and subduction-zone processes. Continuous monitoring is essential to advance our knowledge of this complex fault system. However, the existing GPS network lacks the density \ necessary for effective fault monitoring. To address this knowledge gap, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-based analysis is well-suited for studying the MZP fault system. This study applies the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) method to a decade of SAR data from the ascending path (57) of Sentinel-1A (2014–2024). The results detect and quantify subtle crustal deformations and fault kinematics with high precision. We classified the fault system motions based on their displacement characteristics. In conclusion, this research makes significant contributions to the fields of geodesy and geodynamics by refining our understanding of fault systems at tectonic boundaries and providing critical insights for seismic hazard assessments in this tectonically complex and seismically active region.