Geological and geomorphological evidence for the southwestern extension of the East Anatolian Fault Zone, Turkey

Abstract

The left lateral strike slip East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ) is the main structural link between the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) in north and subduction in the Mediterranean Sea and the transform Dead Sea Fault Zone (DSFZ) in south. We studied the southwestern continuation of the EAFZ using combined field investigations including geomorphology, geology and paleoseismology. Mapping of offset drainages, lineaments, shutter ridges and fault planes in young geological units suggests existence of active faults between the Mediterranean coast and Türkoğlu where it intersects with the DSFZ. Yumurtalık and Toprakkale faults are the main tectonic structures and detailed examination of geological and geomorphological evidences suggest their Quaternary activity. Paleoseismic trenching on these faults provided evidence for at least two surface rupturing events in the last 9,000 yr. Detailed examination of paleo-valleys of the Ceyhan River suggests that the course of the river migrated due to the activity of the Toprakkale Fault. Obtained geological and geomorphological data indicates that the EAFZ continues across the Amanos Mountains and the slip transfer is mainly accommodated by the Toprakkale and Yumurtalık faults.