Central Taurides Research Articles

Revised Late Campanian-Danian age of the melange-related turbiditic sequence in the Mersin area (Central Taurides, S. Turkey)

A planktonic foraminiferal assemblage obtained from the Yavca stratigraphic section north of Mersin shows that the age of a melange-related turbiditic sequence extends to the Danian (Early Palaeocene). Previously, this turbiditic sequence, termed the Yavca Formation, was considered to be of Late Cretaceous or Campanian-Maastrichtian age. The formation is either depositionally overlain by the Fındıkpınarı ophiolite-related melange or tectonically by Mersin Ophiolite slices or Jurassic-Cretaceous platform carbonates. Clayey limestone and mudstone samples collected from the type area of the Yavca Formation yielded planktonic foraminiferal assemblages, which include Parasubbotina pseudobulloides (Plummer), P. varianta (Subbotina), Praemurica pseudoinconstans (Blow), P. inconstans (Subbotina), Globanomalina compressa (Plummer), G. ehrenbergi (Blow), Subbotina triloculinoides (Plummer), S. triangularis (White), Morozovella praeangulata (White), and Eoglobigerina spiralis (Bolli). These assemblages range from the late Danian P1c subzone to the basal P3a subzone. Basal red pelagic limestones are assigned here to the late Campanian-Maastrichtian, based on the presence of Radotruncana cf. R. calcarata (Cushman) and Contusotruncana cf. C. walfischensis (Todd). The age of the melange-related turbiditic sequence is revised to be late Campanian (Late Cretaceous) to Danian (Early Paleocene). This revised age provides a new insight into the evolution of the Central Taurides and helps refine palaeogeographical interpretation during this time. The timing of the ophiolite emplacement in the Central Taurides is interpreted as post-Danian to pre-Miocene (Late Palaeocene or Late Eocene).

Middle-Upper Miocene paleogeography of southern Turkey: insights from stratigraphy and calcareous nannofossil biochronology of the Olukpınar and Başyayla sections (Mut-Ermenek Basin)

The age of the marine succession capping the basement rocks of the central Taurides in the Mut-Ermenek Basin is constrained using calcareous nannofossil biochronology. The Olukpinar section, which correlates with the biozones between MNN5a and MNN6b (late Langhian-late Serravallian), represents a deeper marine environment developed lateral to the Ermenek platform. The long-term transgressive-regressive cycle of the Olukpinar section, which corresponds to the middle-upper part of the TB2 supercycle, can be subdivided into 2 large-scale (106 years) cycles (TB2.4 and TB2.5) based on the occurrence of 2 major debris flow deposits linked to sea-level drop. The younger late Tortonian Basyayla section represents a transgressive-regressive sedimentary cycle (TB3.2 cycle) responsible for the major transgressive event that occurred at the southern margin of the Central Anatolian Plateau during the Late Miocene. This major transgressive event is responsible for the migration of the coastal onlap of the Mediterranean Sea towards the interior of the Anatolian Peninsula, almost 100 km inland from the present Eastern Mediterranean coast line. The ~8 Ma age of the younger marine sediments deposited during the TB3.2 cycle, which onlap the basement rocks of the central Taurides at an elevation of ~2 km, represents a maximum age for the start of surface uplift of the Central Anatolian Plateau's southern margin.

Origin of dolomite in the Late Jurassic platform carbonates, Bolkar Mountains, Central Taurides, Turkey: Petrographic and geochemical evidence

The Late Jurassic-early Senonian Cehennemdere Formation extending in an E-W direction in a wide area at the south of the Bolkar Mountains (Central Taurides, Turkey) is composed of platform carbonates. The formation was deposited in an environment that was being transformed from a shallow carbonate platform to an open shelf and a continental slope, and was buried until late Paleocene uplift. The formation, with a thickness of about 360m, was chiefly developed as textures consisting of mudstone and wackestone and has been commonly dolomitized. Based on petrographic and geochemical properties, four types of replacement dolomites and two types of dolomite cements were distinguished. Replacement dolomite (RD), which is cut by low-amplitude stylolites developed as (1) fine crystalline planar-s dolomite (RD1); (2) medium crystalline planar-s dolomite (RD2); (3) medium-coarse crystalline planar-e dolomite (RD3) and; (4) coarse crystalline planar-s (e) dolomite (RD4). Two types of dolomite cements (CD) observed in low abundance and overlie low-amplitude stylolites: (1) coarse crystalline dolomite cement (CD1) filling dissolution voids and fractures in RD1 dolomites, and; (2) rim dolomite cement (CD2) that commonly develops on the space-facing surfaces of RD4 dolomite. Replacement dolomites are non-stoichiometric (Ca54–59Mg41–46), have similar geochemical properties, and are generally dull red/non luminescent in appearance. Replacement dolomite is represented by δ18O values from −4.5 to −0.5‰ VPDB, δ13C values of −0.7 to 2.7‰ VPDB, and 87Sr/86Sr ratios ranging from 0.707178 to 0.707692. Petrographic and geochemical data indicate that replacement dolomite (particularly RD2, RD3, and RD4 dolomite) was formed at shallow-intermediate burial depths during the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous, from seawater and/or from slightly modified seawater. The replacement dolomite (RD) was then recrystallized at increased burial depths and temperatures. Dolomite cements are similar to replacement dolomites in that they are non-stoichiometric (Ca55Mg45) and have similar trace element compositions. CD1 dolomite, which cuts low-amplitude stylolites, was formed during intermediate to deep burial following stylolite development. CD2 dolomite was precipitated in intercrystal pores in association with RD4 dolomite. Remaining pore space was filled with bitumen.

Discovery of Middle Permian volcanism in the Antalya Nappes, southern Turkey: tectonic significance and global meaning

Detailed stratigraphic studies on the Middle-Upper Permian rocks of the Tahtalıdağ nappe (Antalya Nappes), largely exposed along the Güzelsu Corridor in central Taurides, have revealed the presence of basaltic volcanic rocks intercalated within the shallow-marine fossiliferous carbonate successions. Vitrophyric basaltic extrusions producing distinct pillows in the Kızılbağ Formation severely dolomitized the associated carbonate rocks.The coeval Çukurköy Formation, devoid of volcanic layers, is also exposed in the same corridor and was probably representing a part of the carbonate platform bordering this volcanic activity. The Middle-Upper Permian successions of the Kızılbağ and Çukurköy Formations have been calibrated based on a foraminiferal zonation and a Capitanian age has been assigned to the basaltic interval. Basalts are also chronostratigraphically located just below a horizon interpreted as the mid-Capitanian mass extinction event. Based on these data, two fundamental conclusions can be driven from this study. The discovery of basaltic volcanism brings a strong evidence for a much longer history about the rift-associated volcanic events in the Antalya Nappes. The Capitanian volcanic rocks are contemporaneous with the Emeishan Large Igneous Province in South China which is linked to the mid-Capitanian mass extinction event.

Sedimentary and structural evidence for two-phase Upper Cretaceous and Eocene emplacement of the Tauride thrust sheets in central southern Turkey

Abstract The development of the central Tauride region was dominated by rifting and passive margin development during Triassic–Early Cretaceous. The Tauride continental margin was later destabilized, followed by subsidence and collapse to form a flexurally controlled foredeep. Volcanic–sedimentary mélange and ophiolitic rocks were thrust onto the northern margin of the Tauride carbonate platform (Geyik Dağ) during Campanian–Maastrichtian. The remaining non-emplaced Tauride shelf subsided to form a second-stage foredeep during the Eocene. This basin was finally over-ridden by large thrust slices of Tauride shelf sediments, represented by the Hadim and Bolkar nappes, together with previously emplaced continental margin and ophiolitic units. Large- and small-scale field kinematic data indicate regional emplacement towards the west or SW. The ophiolitic rocks and related mélange were emplaced directly onto the Tauride autochthon (Geyik Dağ) in response to regional-scale out-of-sequence thrusting. Localized backthrusting to the NE took place in a transpressive setting. In the south, the relatively distal Bolkar nappe was emplaced over the more proximal Hadim nappe to produce the present thrust stacking order. The two-phase emplacement reflects initial northward subduction, which culminated in trench-continental margin collision (Campanian–Maastrichtian). This was followed by continent–continent collision (Eocene) related to suturing of a Mesozoic ocean basin to the north.

CONODONT DISTRIBUTION ACROSS THE MID-CARBONIFEROUS BOUNDARY IN THECENTRAL TAURIDES, TURKEY

The Mid-Carboniferous boundary in the Aladað Unit of the Central Taurides, previously delineated on the basis of foraminifers, is now further recognizable on the basis of conodonts. Latest Serpukhovian conodonts are assigned to the Rhachistognathus muricatus Zone, whereas the early Bashkirian forms correspond to the Declinognathodus inaequalis - Declinognathodus noduliferus Zone. Conodont assemblages discovered in the Taurides are comparable to those described from Mid-Carboniferous boundary sections in North America, Japan, southern Urals, southern China, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. The Mid-Carboniferous boundary is located at a horizon marked by the first appearance of Declinognathodus inaequalis , just above the last appearance of the conodont Gnathodus girtyi simplex . This horizon coincides with the boundary indicated by foraminiferal data.

Origin and Metamorphism of Corundum‐Rich Metabauxites at Mt. Ismail in the Southern Menderes Massif, SW Turkey

AbstractThe corundum‐rich metabauxites, found at the northwest limb of an NE–SW‐trending isoclinal recumbent fold at Mt. Ismail, are enclosed in thick‐bedded platform‐type marbles of Late Cretaceous age, surrounding the polymetamorphic core series in the southern part of the Menderes Massif (SW Turkey). The metabauxite horizons observed as typically boudine‐like structure, extend laterally over c. 3 km and are 1 to 5 m thick. These rocks have dominant mineral assemblages of corundum (∼50 modal %), chloritoid (∼30 modal %), white mica (margarite, muscovite), diaspore, Fe–Ti‐Oxides (ilmenite, ilmenohematite, rutile), and goethite, limonite, pyrite, tourmaline (uvite, schorl) as minor phases. Chemical analyses of whole rock samples and the mineral assemblage indicate that coexisting minerals of metabauxites are highly aluminous. A number of minerals (e.g. chloritoid and margarite) display a large compositional variation reflecting the initial chemical inhomogenetiy of the karstbauxites. The field observations, trace‐element accumulation coefficients, concentration of elements such as Cr, Zr, Ga and Ni and low amounts of immobile elements all suggest that the studied corundum‐rich metabauxites can be classified as karstbauxites, and are more likely to be a product of weathering of intermediate igneous or argillaceous parental rocks, similar to the karstic Tauric bauxites in the Central Taurides (Seydi şehir region) and probably are similar in age (Cenomanian–Turonian). In respect of tectono‐metamorphic evolution, the studied corundum‐rich metabauxites were regionally metamorphosed at ∼5–6 kbar pressure and 500–600°C as a consequence of the Barrovian metamorphism referred to as the ‘Main Menderes Metamorphism’ related to the ophiolitic obduction onto the Menderes platform from the Izmir–Ankara Suture during the Middle Eocene.

Discovery of a Mississippian Reef in Turkey: The Upper Viséan Microbial-Sponge-Bryozoan-Coral Bioherm From Kongul Yayla (Taurides, S Turkey)

For the first time, a Mississippian reef is described from Turkey. This microbial-sponge-bryozoan-coral bioherm has been discovered in the Central Taurides (South Turkey), at Kongul Yayla located between Hadim and Taşkent. The bioherm contains a rich and diversified fauna: sponges and rugose corals are of particular interest. The bioherm shows four main facies reflecting distinct growth stages from the base to the top: (1) the basal bioclastic beds, (2) the core facies formed of framestone comprising rugose corals, lithistid sponges, fistuliporid bryozoans and microbial boundstone, (3) the crest facies with large colonies of cerioid rugose corals and chaetetid sponges, and (4) the bioclastic facies containing reworked material from the bioherm in lateral and overlying positions to it. The entire bioherm is topped by siltstones with thin bioclastic horizons, often slumped. Siphonodendron pauciradiale and Lithostrotion maccoyanum are the guide taxa for the RC7\beta biozone and indicate an upper Asbian age for the bioherm. The Kongul Yayla bioherm resembles most the Cracoean reefs from northern England. It confirms the position of this buildup type along the platform margins and edges in the Palaeotethyan realm as seen in the British Isles, Belgium, southern France, southern Spain and North Africa. Facies and the coral fauna argue for a European affinity of the Anatolian terrane.

Akkuyu Formation, Central Taurids, Turkey

Akkuyu Formation, Central Taurids, Turkey

Late Miocene surface uplift of the southern margin of the Central Anatolian Plateau, Central Taurides, Turkey

The timing and pattern of surface uplift of Miocene marine sediments capping the southern margin of the Central Anatolian Plateau in southern Turkey provide a first-order constraint on possible mechanisms of regional uplift. Nannofossil, ostracod, and planktic foraminifera biostratigraphy of the Basyayla section (Mut-Ermenek Basin) within the Mut and Koselerli Formations suggests a Tortonian age for marine sediments unconformably capping basement rocks at ∼2 km elevation. The identification of biozone MMi 12a (7.81–8.35 Ma) from planktic foraminifera in the upper part of the section provides the tightest constraint on the age, which is further limited to 8.35–8.108 Ma as a result of the reverse polarity of the collected samples (chron 4r.1r or 4r.2r). This provides a limiting age for the onset of surface uplift at the margin of one of the world’s major orogenic plateaus, from which an average uplift rate of 0.24–0.25 mm/yr can be calculated. Subhorizontal beds of the uppermost marine sediments exposed throughout the Mut-Ermenek Basin suggest minimal localized deformation, with just minor faulting at the basin margin and broad antiformal deformation across the basin. This implies that the post–8 Ma uplift mechanism must be rooted deep within the crust or in the upper mantle. Published Pn-wave velocity data for the region are compatible with topography compensated by asthenosphere across the southern margin of the plateau, showing a close match to the highest topography when elevations are filtered with a 100-km-wide smoothing window. Uplift along the southern margin of the Central Anatolian Plateau is also reflected by the pattern of Miocene marine sediments capping the margin, which form an asymmetric drape fold over the topography. These observations, together with tomographic evidence for slab steepening and break-off beneath the Eastern Anatolian Plateau, suggest that at least some of the ∼2 km of post–8 Ma uplift of the southern Central Anatolian Plateau margin is compensated by low-density asthenospheric mantle that upwelled following slab break-off.

Late Devonian–Late Triassic sedimentary development of the central Taurides, S Turkey: Implications for the northern margin of Gondwana

The sedimentary development of the northern continental margin of Gondwana is illustrated here by a study of Devonian to Triassic facies in the Alpine-age Hadim and Bolkar nappes, which overlie the regionally autochthonous Geyik Dağ continental platform. Successions begin with Middle–Upper Devonian terrigenous sandstones, shales and limestones deposited on a shallow-marine, continental shelf. Regional thermal subsidence, crustal extension and glacioeustatic sea level changes exerted a significant influence. Overlying Carboniferous successions are subdivided into four facies associations in both nappes. Carboniferous sediments accumulated on a shallow-marine shelf, influenced by global sea-level change during a time of southern hemisphere glaciation. Lower Carboniferous dark shales, with localised phosphatic material, probably accumulated in a productive, transgressive shelf setting. Localised volcanism in an adjacent autochthonous unit (Sultan Dağ) is suggestive of tectonic instability during Late Tournasian–Early Visean time. Shallow-marine shelf carbonate deposition continued through the Permian, with an increase in sedimentation rate that probably reflects rift-related subsidence of the north-Gondwana margin. Further low energy, shallow-marine deposition took place during the Early–Middle Triassic, ranging from relatively proximal carbonates to more distal mudstones. The Devonian–Triassic sandstones and mudstones are terrigenous, probably derived from local basement highs and the Pan-African craton to the south. Thickness variations suggest the Tauride platform segmented into a several differentially subsiding sub-basins. There was a profound change to coarser grained, shallow-marine to alluvial sedimentation during Triassic-earliest Jurassic related to the evolution of the Neotethyan ocean to the north. The overall succession was, therefore, controlled by interplay of sea level change and tectonics.

Pervasive Palaeogene remagnetization of the central Taurides fold-and-thrust belt (southern Turkey) and implications for rotations in the Isparta Angle

The Turkish Anatolide-Tauride block rifted away from the northern margin of Gondwana in the Triassic, which gave way to the opening of the southern Neo-Tethys. By the late Palaeocene to Eocene, it collided with the southern Eurasian margin, leading to the closure of the northern Neo-Tethys ocean. To determine the position of the Anatolide-Tauride block with respect to the African and Eurasian margin we carried out a palaeomagnetic study in the central Taurides belt, which constitutes the eastern limb of the Isparta Angle. The sampled sections comprise Carboniferous to Palaeocene rocks (mainly limestones). Our data suggest that all sampled rocks are remagnetized during the late Palaeocene to Eocene phase of folding and thrusting event, related to the collision of the Anatolide-Tauride block with Eurasia. To further test the possibility of remagnetization, we use a novel end-member modelling approach on 174 acquired isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) curves. We argue that the preferred three end-member model confirms the proposed remagnetization of the rocks. Comparing our data to the post-Eocene declination pattern in the central Tauride belt, we conclude that our clockwise rotations are in agreement with data from other studies. After combining our results with previously published data from the Isparta Angle (that includes our study area), we have reasons to cast doubt on the spatial and temporal extent of an earlier reported early to middle Miocene remagnetization event. We argue that the earlier reported remagnetized directions from Triassic rocks--in tilt corrected coordinates--from the southwestern Antalya Nappes (western Taurides), are in good agreement with other studies from the area that show a primary origin of their characteristic remanent magnetization. This implies that we document a clockwise rotation for the southwestern Antalya Nappes since the Triassic that is remarkably similar to the post-Eocene (∼40°) rotation of the central Taurides. For the previously published results that are clearly remagnetized, we argue that their remagnetization has occurred in the Palaeocene to Eocene.

Foraminiferal biostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy across the mid-Carboniferous boundary in the Central Taurides, Turkey

The Aladag Unit is one of the main tectonic units in the Tauride Belt, located in southern Turkey. It includes a continuous Paleozoic carbonate sequence encompassing the mid-Carboniferous boundary, with outcrops being especially well exposed in the Hadim region. The boundary succession lithology is mainly composed of carbonates with intercalated quartz arenitic sandstone layers. Based on foraminifers, four biostratigraphic zones have been defined in the interval from the Upper Serpukhovian to the Lower Bashkirian. These zones are, in ascending order: the Eostaffella ex gr. ikensis—E. postmosquensis Zone (Zapaltyubinsky Horizon, Upper Serpukhovian); the Plectostaffella jakhensis—P. bogdanovkensis Zone, and the Millerella marblensis Zone (Bogdanovsky Horizon, lower Bashkirian); and the Semistaffella sp. Zone (Syuransky Horizon, lower Bashkirian). The mid-Carboniferous boundary occurs between the Eostaffella ex gr. ikensis—E. postmosquensis Zone and the Plectostaffella jakhensis—P. bogdanovkensis Zone. Boundary beds are characterized by eight, repeatedly occurring microfacies types, namely: (1) coated crinoidal packstone; (2) coated bioclastic grainstone; (3) oolitic grainstone; (4) oolitic packstone-grainstone; (5) intraclastic grainstone; (6) mudstone-wackestone; (7) quartz-peloidal packstone; and 8) quartz arenitic sandstone. Based on microfacies stacking patterns, various types of shallowing-upward cycles have been recognized. Depositional sequences and sequence boundaries are correlatable with those described from North America and Russia and Carboniferous global sea-level curves. The duration of cycles has been estimated as 100 ky, suggesting that cycle periodicities correspond to the Milankovitch eccentricity band.

Frasnian (Late Devonian) foraminiferal biostratigraphy from Taurides, southern Turkey

The stratigraphic sections Halevikdere, Kocadere and Eceli covering the Devonian succession in the Eastern and Central Taurides have been measured and studied for biostratigraphy, geochemistry, sedimentology and facies in the context of the project "Devonian Ecosystems andClimate of Turkey (DEVEC-TR)". TheDevonian sedimentary succession consists of carbonates and siliciclastic sediments mostly deposited in shallow marine environments. The samples taken from the carbonate beds throughout the sections reveal abundant and diverse assemblages of the foraminifera. This paper, however, includes the foraminifers described only from the Frasnian (Late Devonian) depositional sequence in the studied sections. The Frasnian foraminiferal microfauna in the Taurides can be characterized predominantly by a common occurrence of nanicellids, paratikhinellids and tikhinellids which are biostratigraphically significant elements of the Frasnian strata in the Russian Platform and Urals. The foraminiferal assemblages from the Frasnian deposits in the measured sections consist of 15 genera and 12 species. The distribution of the foraminifers described herein allowed the recognition of three biostratigraphic zones characterized successively by Nanicella ovata Zone, Paratikhinella cannula Zone and Tikhinella fringa Zone.

Pseudomarssonella Redmond 1965 (Foraminifera) and related taxa from the Jurassic platform carbonate succession of the Central Taurides, S Turkey: its phylogenetic relation with the subfamily Paleopfenderininae

AbstractPseudomarssonella and related taxa have been recorded in the upper part of the Redmondoides lugeoni/Redmondoides cf. rotundatus Zone, Paleopfenderina trochoidea-salernitana and Kurnubia ex. gr. palastiniensis zones, and the lower half of the Clypeina jurassica Zone, from the Bathonian to the lower Tithonian of the Central Taurides (S Turkey) inner platform carbonate succession. A tentative phylogenetic tree of the Jurassic pfenderinids (paleopfenderins) is given in this study. The Paleopfenderininae are suggested to have evolved from PseudomarssonellaRedmond 1965 which might have diverged from RedmondoidesBanneret al. 1991 or RiyadhellaRedmond 1965. This evolution was carried out during the early Bathonian by the acquisition of accessory, cribrate apertural plate and more numbers of chambers per whorl. Pseudomarssonella has been removed from the family Chrysalidinidae (subfamily Paravalvulininae) since it is phylogenetically and taxonomically separated from Paravalvulina, which is fundamentally triserial, has cribrate septal flap as a prolongation of septum and has no secondary infillings. Herein it is placed into the family Pfenderinidae, subfamily Paleopfenderininae.

Discovery of the Late Triassic (Middle Carnian–Rhaetian) radiolarians in the volcano-sedimentary sequences of the Kocali Complex, SE Turkey: Correlation with the other Tauride units

The Kocali Complex in SE Turkey includes pelagic sediments (pelagic limestones, cherts, etc.), basic volcanic rocks of oceanic crust origin together with platform-derived sediments. Its depositional age was previously assigned as Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous. In order to study the radiolarian contents of volcano-sedimentary sequences in this complex, six stratigraphic sections have been measured mainly at the NE and NW Adiyaman city. Radiolarian faunas from these stratigraphic sections reveal that the age of these sequences ranges from middle Carnian to Rhaetian. Based on these data, the depositional age of the complex is older than the previously assigned. Lithological characteristics (widespread Triassic basic volcanic rocks associated with pelagic sediments) and radiolarian contents of these sequences have close similarities with the sequences of the Alakircay Nappe of the Antalya Nappes in western and central Taurides. Based on taxonomic studies, 99 taxa have been determined of which one genus ( Adiyamanium) and four species ( Monocapnuchosphaera kocaliensis, Paronaella speciosa, Ferresium okuyucui and Adiyamanium crassum) are described as new.

Geochemical/isotopic evolution of Pb–Zn deposits in the Central and Eastern Taurides, Turkey

The Central and Eastern Taurides contain numerous carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposits, mainly in Devonian and Permian dolomitized reefal–stramatolitic limestones, and in massive Jurassic limestones. We present and compare new fluid inclusion and isotopic data from these ore deposits, and propose for the first time a Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) mode of origin for them. Fluid inclusion studies reveal that the ore fluids were highly saline (13–26% NaCl equiv.), chloride-rich (CaCl2) brines, and have average homogenization temperatures of 112°C, 174.5°C, and 211°C for the Celal Dağ, Delikkaya, and Ayraklı deposits, respectively. Furthermore, the δ34S values of carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposits in the Central and Eastern Taurides vary between –5.4‰ and +13.70‰. This indicates a possible source of sulphur from both organic compounds and crustal materials. In contrast, stable sulphur isotope data (average δ34S –0.15‰) for the Çadırkaya deposit, which is related to a late Eocene–Oligocene (?) granodioritic intrusion, indicates a magmatic source. The lead isotope ratios of galena for all investigated deposits are heterogeneous. In particular, with the exception of the Suçatı district, all deposits in the Eastern (Delikkaya, Ayraklı, Denizovası, Çadırkaya) and Central (Katranbaşı, Küçüksu) Taurides have high radiogenic lead isotope values (206Pb/204Pb between 19.058 and 18.622; 207Pb/204Pb between 16.058 and 15.568; and 208Pb/204Pb between 39.869 and 38.748), typical of the upper continental crust and orogenic belts. Fluid inclusion, stable sulphur, and radiogenic lead isotope studies indicate that carbonate-hosted metal deposits in the Eastern (except for the Çadırkaya deposit) and the Central Taurides are similar to MVT Pb–Zn deposits described elsewhere. The primary MVT deposits are associated with the Late Cretaceous–Palaeocene closure of the Tethyan Ocean, and formed during the transition from an extensional to a compressional regime. Palaeogene nappes that typically limit the exposure of ore bodies indicate a pre-Palaeocene age of ore formation. Host rock lithology, ore mineralogy, fluid inclusion, and sulphur + lead isotope data indicate that the metals were most probably leached from a crustal source such as clastic rocks or a crystalline massif, and transported by chloride-rich hydrothermal solutions to the site of deposition. Localization of the ore deposits on autochthonous basement highs indicates long-term basinal fluid migration, characteristic of MVT depositional processes. The primary MVT ores were oxidized in the Miocene, resulting in deposition of Zn-carbonate and Pb-sulphate–carbonate during karstification. The ores underwent multiple cycles of oxidation and, in places, were re-deposited to form clastic deposits. Modified deposits resemble the ‘wall-rock replacement’ and the ‘residual and karst fill’ of non-sulphide zinc deposits and are predominantly composed of smithsonite.

Systematics and biostratigraphic notes of the upper Moscovian-upper Gzhelian fusulinid foraminifers from the Anatolian Platform in the Southern Turkey

The systematics and biostratigraphy of the upper Moscovian-upper Gzhelian fusulinid fauna of the Anatolian Platform have been investigated in three stratigraphic sections (Ozbek Tepe, Eskibey and Bademli) from the Eastern and Central Taurides. Forty fusulinid taxa belonging to sixteen genera and three subgenera are identified from the upper Moscovian-upper Gzhelian strata. Three species, Protriticites tokerae, Triticites guvenci and Triticites oezbekensis, are here described as new. This fusulinid succession allows assignment of particular parts of the sections studied to the upper Moscovian-upper Gzhelian in the Anatolian Platform, thus serving as a basis for further definition of biostratigraphic zones. The fusulinid faunas of the Anatolian Platform have close resemblance and are well correlative with the Upper Carboniferous (Middle and Upper Pennsylvanian) standard and reference sections of the Moscow Basin, Southern Urals, Donets Basin, Central Asia and Southern China.

Structure and geochemistry of the adakitic Horoz granitoid, Bolkar Mountains, south-central Turkey, and its tectonomagmatic evolution

High-Al granitic and granodioritic rocks of the 55 Ma Horoz pluton in the Bolkar Mountains of southern Turkey provide important new constraints on the early Cenozoic evolution of the eastern Mediterranean region. The ENE–WSW-trending, sill-like pluton is intrusive into late Palaeozoic–early Mesozoic metamorphic rocks of the Central Tauride block, and is unconformably overlain by Plio-Pleistocene alluvial deposits. The metaluminous to peraluminous granitoids have high-K calc-alkaline to high-K shoshonitic compositions, and show enrichment in large ion lithophile and depletion in high-field strength elements relative to ocean ridge granite. Their high Al2O3 contents (15.9–20.06 wt%) and low SiO2, MgO, and Mg numbers are consistent with adakitic compositions. These geochemical features, coupled with low Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios and trace-element patterns, suggest that the Horoz magmas were produced in part by partial melting of a subduction-metasomatized mantle. The high-Al adakitic and calc-alkaline compositions are consistent with partial melting of a hydrated lithospheric mantle and an amphibolitic–eclogitic mafic lower crust that was triggered by delamination-induced asthenospheric upwelling. We propose that, following Palaeocene continental collision between the Tauride and Central Anatolian Crystalline Complex, the inferred lithospheric delamination was a result of foundering of the overthickened orogenic root. Asthenospheric upwelling beneath the young orogenic belt thermally weakened the crust, and caused uplift and tectonic extension leading to core complex formation (Nigde massif), development of an extensional volcanic province (Cappadocia), and tectonic collapse of the Central Tauride block (Bolkar Mountains). The shallow-level Horoz pluton was unroofed by ∼23 Ma as a combined result of crustal uplift and erosion throughout the Palaeogene.

Latest Permian foraminifers from the Vlasic mountain area, northwestern Serbia

Foraminifers from the Permian-Triassic boundary interval in the upper part of the "Bituminous Limestone" Formation of the Komiri section, northwestern Serbia are described and illustrated here for the first time. Four new species of foraminifers are described: Hemigordius komiricensis n. sp., H. smiljkae n. sp., Multidiscus vlasicensis n. sp., and Eomarginulinella serbica n. sp. The genus Eomarginulinella Sosnina 1969 is considered to be a valid genus and reinstated herein. The youngest Late Permian foraminifers are found together with conodonts of the Lower Hindeodus praeparvus Zone, the next to the last of the youngest conodont zones of the Upper Permian. The assemblage of the foraminifers from the upper part of the "Bituminous Limestone" in northwestern Serbia is most similar to coeval foraminiferal assemblages from the upper Changhsingian Belolabinskaya Group of the northwestern Caucasus and from the Nagyvisnyo Limestone Formation of the Bukk Mountains in northeastern Hungary. It is less similar to coeval foraminiferal assemblages of the Carnic Alps, Central Taurides of Turkey, Transcaucasia and China.