OICC Press Iranian Journal of Earth Sciences 2228-785X 18 2 2026 06 30 The Shortening and Strain Partitioning in the Southern Kerman-Behabad Coal Field Revealed by Fold Analyses 10.57647/j.ijes.2025.16907 EN Yadollh Pourahmadi Toghrolgerdi Department of Geology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Mohsen Pourkermani Department of Geology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Amir Shafiei Bafti Department of Geology, Zarand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zarand, Iran Sohilah Bozari Department of Geology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Ali Elahi Department of Mininig Engineering, Higher Education Complex of Zarand Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran Journal Article 2026 06 30 This paper discusses the shortening and strain in folds regarding the structural variation of this tectonically active region of the southern Kerman coal field. Indeed, the stress that resulted from the compression and tension of central Iran has largely manifested itself in the form of folding and faulting, which represents the major deformation of the area. Results of the research show the compression of the folds in the study area. The results also indicate the complete succession of the relative age of ductile and brittle structures due to shearing the limbs of most folds in the region by faults. It is, therefore, possible to say in a tentative manner that, except for the Kuhbanan and Lekarkoh faults, which existed prior to the folds and hence played a major role in the area formation, the rest of the faults in the region occurred after the fold formation. It is in this aspect that the maximum shortening percentage rate of the area is 70% for the Babnizo fold and the minimum of 42% for the Eshkli syncline.