Iran’s Stunning Salt Dome Cluster: A Natural Wonder and a Geological Marvel Waiting to be Protected

In the distant past, a salt dome cluster was formed in the Zagros range, a remarkable feat of nature that stands out for its variety, shape, and development process. The formation of this cluster was a result of the receding Persian Gulf sea, which led to the accumulation of salt as sediments washed down from the mountains covered the area. Over time, the weight of sediment and rock caused the salt to behave like a fluid, rising up through weak spots in the sediment layer to create salt domes and occasionally salt glaciers.

The salt structures are scattered throughout southern, southwestern, and central regions of Iran. The most notable examples can be found in the Zagros Mountains along the Iranian coast in the Persian Gulf. Salt tectonics has led to more than 130 salt domes in southern parts of the Zagros range alone. This phenomenon is caused by movement under pressure and has contributed significantly to their formation. The collision of Arabian Plate with Eurasian Plate created the Zagros Range that allowed for their appearance.

UNESCO is considering granting World Heritage status to this unique collection of salt structures. Apart from these impressive formations, there are also various other geological features present here such as salt caves, salt glaciers, salt valleys, karst sinkholes and springs. However, future oil exploration activities may pose a threat to these structures due to their ability to trap petroleum and have been exploited elsewhere for oil extraction purposes.