The salt dome cluster in the Zagros range, located in Iran, is a geological phenomenon that has been formed millions of years ago. This area is known for its unique diversity, shape, and formation process, which can be traced back to a time when the Persian Gulf covered a much larger area and left behind huge amounts of salt as the water evaporated and receded. The layers of salt were then covered by sediments washed down from the mountains by rainwater, causing the salt to rise up through the rocks due to pressure. This process led to the formation of salt domes and occasionally salt glaciers in the region.
The Zagros Mountains, where many of these salt structures are found, were formed due to the collision of the Arabian Plate with the Eurasian Plate, creating ideal conditions for salt domes to appear. UNESCO has designated this site as a potential World Heritage site due to its uniqueness and significance. In addition to salt domes, there are over 130 other geological features in this area such as salt caves, glaciers, valleys, sinkholes and springs.
However, there is concern that future oil exploration activities in the area could pose a risk to this valuable site. Salt domes are often associated with trapping petroleum beneath other layers of rock, making them a potential target for oil extraction. Countries like US, Mexico, North Sea Germany and Romania have been exploiting salt domes for oil for many years and Iran’s vast resources could face similar threats in the future. The unique geological features and biodiversity of this cluster make it an essential site that needs protection and preservation before it’s too late.
