Possible Role of the Main Makran Fault in the Collapse of the Ancient Civilizations Along the Makran Shoreline

Document Type : Short Article

Author

Department of Geology, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

Abstract

The Makran is the location of ancient civilizations and one of the most important tsunamigenic zones in the world.
Historical and instrumental records indicate the occurrence of large earthquakes on the main Makran fault and the
resulting tsunamis but the accuracy of a number of these has been questioned. Geological and tectonics studies
alone cannot confirm the occurrence of paleo-tsunamis. Archaeological data showing the collapse of the ancient
civilizations along with geological records of paleo-tsunami can be of great help to have a better understanding this
phenomenon in the future. The interaction of geology and archaeology can lead to a re-reading of the history of
tsunamis which have influenced coastal civilizations, so provide a better estimate of the occurrence of tsunamis and
their catastrophe in the future. Thus, to assess the environmental causes for the collapse of the ancient civilizations
in the Makran shoreline, it is necessary to support geoarchaeological studies.

Keywords

References

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