Evaporate salt exploration by two dimensional (2D) seismic reflection method: Ankara-Polatlı region, Central Turkey

Abstract

The presence of the Evaporate salt zone in Ankara-Polatlı region has been determined by the drillings and is thought to be the largest reserve in Turkey. The seismic reflection method was used to determine the top-bottom levels of the zone; its depth; its thickness and extent boundaries; the horst-graben structures; base depth and tectonic movements affecting the study area. Data were collected on three seismic lines. The near-surface tomographic velocity sections were compatible with the top of the zone depth observed in the drillings. As a result of the study, the depth and thickness of the top-bottom of the zone were determined along the lines. Within the scope of the study, a combined interpretation was made on the lines by using gravity and seismic data. The extent of the ore zone was determined only in the E-W direction section, but not in the north-south direction lines since they are outside the license area and so, the seismic lines. The closest point of the evaporate zone to the surface is approximately 150 m, deepest point is approximately 310 m, average thickness is approximately 100 m and maximum thickness is 185 m.