Neotectonic Characteristics of Central Anatolia

Abstract

The Central Anatolian Crystalline Complex and its Tertiary cover have been highly dissected by neotectonic structures. The period of neotectonic activity is dominated by three main fault systems in Central Anatolia—the Tuzgolu fault zone, the Ecemis fault zone, and the Yozgat-Akdagmadeni-Bogazliyan fault system. The Tuzgolu fault zone, trending in a NW-SE direction, is located WSW of the Central Anatolian Crystalline Complex (CACC). This fault zone consists of parallel to subparallel, normal, and oblique right-lateral strike-slip faults displaying a step-like half-graben and horst-graben pattern. It controls the eastern margin of Tuzgolu, fault-parallel depressions, and the western margin of the Central Anatolian volcanic province. The Ecemis fault zone is located east of the CACC and is characterized by NE-SW-trending, left-lateral strike-slip faults controlling the eastern margin of the Central Anatolian volcanic province. The Yozgat-Akdagmadeni-Bogazliyan region is dominated by NW-SE- and NE-SW-trending conjugate faults. These three fault systems control the widely distributed Plio-Quaternary depressions, calc-alkaline-alkaline volcanic activity, and deposition of talus, alluvial fan, travertine, and terrace deposits. Alignment of hot springs, cinder cones, drainage offsets, and linear valleys are the characteristic features of strike-slip fault patterns observed in the region. Both morphotectonic features and recent earthquakes strongly suggest that most of the segments of these fault zones are stilt active.