Tectonic consequences of the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates: Finite element models

Abstract

The tectonic consequences of northward motion of the Arabian plate and its push against the Anatolian plate are modeled using a two-dimensional, plane-stress, finite element scheme. Interaction of four plates (African, Arabian, Anatolian and Eurasian) and rupture of major faults inside and around Anatolia are investigated by assigning northward motions to the Arabian (5 cm/yr) and the African (3 cm/yr) plates. A number of boundary conditions are used to match the known fault motions with theoretical models. The faults are modeled as “weak” zones which could fail by slip (strike-slip faulting) and/or separation (normal faulting). Numerical models show that northward convergence of the Arabian and African plates alone cannot explain movements on all known faults. An additional driving force that would produce about 2 cm/yr westward motion of the Anatolian plate is required. With such a boundary condition added, the finite element models produce movements along five major faults (North Anatolian, East Anatolian, Dead Sea or Levant fracture, Tuz Golu and Ecemis) with current magnitudes and directions.