Southwestern Anatolia Research Articles

Mitochondrial DNA control region variability of wild boar Sus scrofa with various external phenotypes in Turkey

The wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) is distributed across most parts of Turkey, a major biogeographic crossroads connecting Southwest Asia and Southeast Europe. However, no information on genetic diversity and population structure of this species in Turkey is available. In this study, we report on mtDNA sequence variability and phylogenetic relationships among wild boars with variable external phenotypes from both its European (Turkish Thrace) and Asian (Anatolia) distributions in Turkey. Phylogenetic analyses of mtDNA D-loop sequences (413 bp) of 53 newly sequenced wild boars from different localities in Turkey and 432 wild boar sequences from various geographic origins downloaded from GenBank were performed to particularly compare the phylogeographic position of wild boars from the European part of the Turkish range with that of specimens from Anatolia and to explore a possible phylogeographic substructuring in Anatolia. Relatively high genetic diversity was found in the Turkish samples, with a total of 17 haplotypes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed partitioning of the currently found Turkish haplotypes into two haplogroups, which were, however, only partially concordant with the geographic origins of samples (central and southwestern Anatolia vs. Turkish Thrace and northeastern and southeastern Anatolia). A median-joining network grouped most Turkish haplotypes with those previously reported from the Near East, whereas the remaining two haplotypes were included in the European 1 haplogroup. The combined phylogenetic analysis of the currently obtained sequences and all sequences retrieved from GenBank supported the earlier findings of four major haplogroups. The present study will serve as a baseline for more comprehensive studies to understand phylogenetic relationships of wild boars in Turkey and the Near East.

Hydrogeochemistry of the thermal waters from the Yenice Geothermal Field (Denizli Basin, Southwestern Anatolia, Turkey)

The chemical and isotopic properties of thermal waters (Kamara and Çizmeli) and cold springs from the Yenice Geothermal Field (YGF), in southwestern Anatolia, Turkey are investigated in order to establish a conceptual hydrogeochemical-hydrogeological model. These thermal waters derive from Menderes metamorphic rocks and emerge along normal faults; they are commonly used for heating of greenhouses and bathing facilities. Discharge temperatures of thermal waters are 32°C to 57°C (mean 51°C) for Kamara and 35°C to 68°C (mean 47°C) for Çizmeli, whereas deep groundwaters are 15°C to 20.1°C (mean 17°C) and shallow groundwaters are 12 to 16°C (mean 15°C). Kamara and Çizmeli thermal waters are mostly of Na–Ca–HCO3–SO4 type, whereas deep groundwaters are Ca–Mg–HCO3 and Mg–Ca–HCO3 types and shallow groundwaters are mainly Mg–Ca–SO4–HCO3 and Ca–Mg–HCO3 types.In the reservoir of the geothermal system, dissolution of host rock and ion-exchange reactions changes thermal water types. High correlation in some ionic ratios (e.g. Na vs. Cl, K vs. Cl, HCO3 vs. Cl) and high concentrations of some minor elements (e.g., As, Sr, B, Cl, F) in thermal waters likely derive from enhanced water–rock interaction. Water samples from YGF have not reached complete chemical re-equilibrium, possibly as a result mixing with groundwater during upward flow. Geothermal reservoir temperatures are calculated as 89–102°C for Kamara and 87–102°C for Çizmeli fields, based on the retrograde and prograde solubilities of anhydrite and chalcedony.Based on the isotope and chemical data, a conceptual hydrogeochemical-hydrogeological model of the YGF has been constructed. Very negative δ18O and δ2H isotopic ratios (Kamara: mean of −8.43‰ and −56.9‰, respectively and Çizmeli: mean of −7.96‰ and −53.7‰, respectively) and low tritium values (<1 TU) reflect a deep circulation pathway and a meteoric origin. Subsequent heating by conduction in the high geothermal gradient setting (resulting from regional crustal thinning) drives geothermal waters upwards along faults and fractures that act as hydrothermal pathways. Positive δ13C ratios (+9.45‰ for Kamara and +7.28‰ for Çizmeli) indicate a metamorphic origin of thermal waters. Negative carbon isotope ratios (−8.40‰) found in the cold groundwaters are linked to exchange in freshwater carbonates of the Sazak Formation.

Middle Carnian Arc-Type Basalts from the Lycian Nappes, Southwestern Anatolia: Early Late Triassic Subduction in the Northern Branch of Neotethys

AbstractThe Turunc Unit, which represents one of the tectonic slices within the Lycian Nappes in southwestern Anatolia, preserves the remnants derived from the northern branch of Neotethys. The unit includes basalts intercalated with pelagic limestones of middle Carnian age (early Late Triassic) based on the characteristic radiolarian assemblage of the Tetraporobrachia haeckeli Zone. The Turunc lavas reflect trace element signatures resembling those from subduction zones, displaying selective enrichment of Th and light rare earth elements over high-field strength elements and heavy rare earth elements. Considering the overall geochemical characteristics of the Turunc basalts and given that they are found to be associated with no continent-derived detritus, the Turunc lavas appear to represent fragments of a Late Triassic island arc formed on the Neotethyan oceanic lithosphere. This result is of particular importance, since it reflects the oldest subduction age obtained from the entire Neotethyan realm to ...

Petrography, geochemistry, and cathodoluminescence of ancient white marble from quarries in the southern Phrygia and northern Caria regions of Turkey: Considerations on provenance discrimination

Marble quarries exploited in antiquity of the Denizli and Karacasu Basins (Turkey) were characterized by their petrography, carbon and oxygen isotopes, and cathodoluminescence. This study is an useful contribution for provenance studies of archeological artifacts composed of unknown marble. Marble quarries from the Hierapolis, Laodikeia, and Aphrodisias territories were considered; they constitute a homogeneous group of marble extraction districts. Collectively, they were among the most important sites for marble exploitation throughout antiquity from southwestern Anatolia, where only Afyon and Ephesus, which have already been studied extensively, were more important. In spite of that, the exportation of these marbles in ancient times has not yet been demonstrated. This is partially because their identification has never been fully addressed scientifically.Petrography, isotopes, and cathodoluminescence techniques used together are effective in discriminating among the study marbles. This could facilitate the determination of the provenance of these marbles in local monuments and artifacts. However, it could be difficult to determine the marble provenances in cases where a larger set of possible provenances should be taken into consideration.

Ericek, a new Pliocene vertebrate locality in the Çameli Basin (southwestern Anatolia, Turkey)

The Cameli Basin in southwestern Anatolia preserves a sequence of fossiliferous sediments that record the Pliocene and early Pleistocene faunal development in the area. Here, we present the fauna of Ericek, a locality near the bottom of the sequence. The locality is rich in fish remains, particularly pharyngeal teeth of the cyprinids Barbus, Carassius and Capoeta, but also includes rare tooth-bearing bones of a possible cobitid and gobiid. The abundant fish remains agree with the geological interpretation that the Ericek sediments were deposited in a palaeolake. That interpretation is further supported by the abundance of mollusc fossils. The gastropod fauna is dominated by Pseudamnicola, Valvata and other freshwater prosobranch taxa. The dominance of prosobranch taxa over freshwater pulmonate species indicates a well-oxygenated lake environment. A range of aquatic, swamp and terrestrial tetrapod taxa are also represented. The amphibian fauna, documented mainly by anuran skull and postcranial bones and by a single salamander jaw, is consistent with a lacustrine setting for Ericek. Notable among the amphibian fossils are two jaws that may document the second record of palaeobatrachid frogs from Anatolia. Reptiles are represented by a few, incomplete vertebrae of colubroid and indeterminate snakes. Micromammal molars suggest the presence of a forested environment surrounding the palaeolake. Muridae are represented by three species, of which Apodemus cf. dominans is the most abundant. The shrew Asoriculus is the second most abundant species, which argues for a humid palaeoenvironment. The co-occurrences of the vole Mimomys occitanus and of the murids Orientalomys cf. similis and Rhagapodemus cf. primaevus indicate a late MN 15 age for the fauna, at an estimated age of 3.4 Ma.

Between the states: Iron Age interaction in southwestern Anatolia

This paper explores how Iron Age Anatolian communities constructed their identities within the fluid political and economic landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean after the Late Bronze Age collapse. Our study focuses on archaeological survey ceramics from sixteen sites in the Konya-Beyşehir region (KBR), south central Anatolia, a contested zone between the Phrygian and Neo-Assyrian polities. We use a combined stylistic and geochemical analysis to address political/economic interaction within this landscape. Comparing KBR site ceramic decorative styles with those of inland and coastal Anatolian sites allows us to identify local patterns of emulation. We differentiate emulation from actual exchange using geochemical elemental characterization. Together these techniques allow us to evaluate how local communities used emulation and exchange to construct their identities. Our results reveal that Iron Age KBR communities operated within a complex regional exchange sphere, and beyond this showed greatest affinity with Phrygian ceramic styles.

Turkey: Heritage at risk / Early Christian and Byzantine Sites in coastal South Western Anatolia at Risk

Turkey: Heritage at risk / Early Christian and Byzantine Sites in coastal South Western Anatolia at Risk

THE VALVATA SPECIES OF TURKEY WITH A DESCRIPTION OF VALVATA KEBAPCII N. SP. (MOLLUSCA: VALVATIDAE)

The family Valvatidae Gray 1840 has a widespread distribution in the Holarctic. To date, four species of the genus Valvata have been reported from Turkey: V. cristata O.F. Müller 1774, V. piscinalis (O.F. Müller 1774), V. saulcyi Bourguignat 1853 and V. macrostoma Mörch 1864. This study is based on recently collected materials from the comprehensive field survey at Biga Peninsula streams, northwestern Anatolia, between 2009 and 2011. Additional materials were also examined from Cire Brook, Isparta, southwestern Anatolia, Turkey. Valvata kebapcii sp. n. is described here as new for science. Further research is required in order to reveal exact ranges of dispersal of the new Valvata species in Turkey.

A new subspecies of Lyciasalamandra flavimembris (Urodela: Salamandridae) from Muğla, southwestern Turkey

A new Lycian salamander subspecies, Lyciasalamandra flavimembris ilgazi subsp. nov., is described from southwestern Anatolia, Turkey. It differs from nominate subspecies by its characteristic color pattern, especially the ground color of the dorsum, tail, upper eyelids, and limbs. Its distribution is limited to the type locality (Kötekli, Muğla Province, Turkey).

Studies of Geogenic Groundwater Contamination in Southwestern Anatolia, Turkey

The present study provides an overview of the geogenic contamination in Southwestern Anatolia based on its origin, occurrence and impacts. The Isparta, Çeltikçi, Tefenni, Çöl and Sandıklı groundwater basins, whose geogenic contaminations were determined, are considered in this study. Quaternary alluvium and Pliocene units are the most important aquifers. Groundwater is widely used for drinking, domestic and irrigation purposes in these basins. The increase of Al content in groundwater is originates from water-rock interaction as related to feldspar, kaolin and mica minerals within volcanic rocks. Weathering and dissolution of arsenic minerals, water–rock interactions, and geothermal processes cause groundwater to be enriched in As contents in the study area. The increase of Fe and Mn contents in groundwater are caused by magmatic rocks and sandstone levels of the Elmalı formation, which have iron and manganese ores due to water–rock interaction. The increase of F content in surface and groundwater originated from the solution of apatite and more commonly from the solution of fluoride - bearing micas and amphiboles within Miocene clastics, Gölcük pyroclastics and volcanic rocks in the Isparta region. Groundwater quality is supremely important for people's health. In these basins Mn, Al, Fe, As and F contents of groundwater reached up to 433μg/l, 3540μg/l, 6190μg/l, 21.8μg/l and 5620μg/l, respectively. When compared to drinking water guidelines established by WHO [22,23] Turkey and the EPA, these elements are above the critical values in the different sampling time as locally.

The 10 June 2012 Fethiye Mw 6.0 aftershock sequence and its relation to the 24–25 April 1957 Ms 6.9–7.1 earthquakes in SW Anatolia, Turkey

The 10 June 2012 Mw 6.0 aftershock sequence in southwestern Anatolia is examined. Centroid moment tensors for 23 earthquakes with moment magnitudes (Mw) between 3.7 and 6.0 are determined by applying a waveform inversion method. The mainshock is a shallow focus strike-slip with reverse component event at a depth of 30km. The seismic moment (Mo) of the mainshock is estimated as 1.28×1018Nm and rupture duration of the Fethiye mainshock is 38s. The focal mechanisms of the aftershocks are mainly strike-slip faulting with a reverse component. The geometry of the focal mechanisms reveals a strike-slip faulting regime with NE–SW trending direction of T-axis in the entire activated region. A stress tensor inversion of focal mechanism data is performed to obtain a more accurate picture of the Fethiye earthquake stress field. The stress tensor inversion results indicate a predominant strike-slip stress regime with a NW–SE oriented maximum horizontal compressive stress (SH). According to variance of the stress tensor inversion, to first order, the Fethiye earthquake area is characterized by a homogeneous interplate stress field. The Coulomb stress change associated with the mainshock and the largest aftershock are also investigated to evaluate any significant enhancement of stresses along the Gulf of Fethiye and surrounding region. Positive lobes with stress more than 0.4 bars are obtained, indicating that these values are large enough to increase the Coulomb stress failure towards NNW–SSE and E–W directions.

Petrology of Quaternary volcanic rocks and related plutonic xenoliths from Gölcük volcano, Isparta Angle, Turkey: Origin and evolution of the high-K alkaline series

The Quaternary volcanism of Isparta, south-western Anatolia, belongs to the post-collisional alkali-potassic to ultrapotassic magmatism, active since Miocene, from Afyon to Isparta. In the so-called Isparta Angle, the magmatism is contemporaneous with the Aegean extensional regime initiated during the Late Miocene and active throughout the Pliocene and Quaternary. The Gölcük volcano-forming stages consist of three main eruptive cycles: Cycle I comprising 200m-thick pyroclastic flow deposits; Cycle II consisting of tephriphonolitic lava dome-flows extruded throughout the caldera; and Cycle III characterized by tuff-ring deposits related to the last phreatoplinian events. These late explosive events sampled plutonic xenoliths that allow to better constrain magma fractionation processes that operated at depth in the magma chamber. Magma evolution was first controlled by accumulation of clinopyroxene, phlogopite and apatite, then by phlogopite, amphibole and feldspars, with apatite, magnetite, titanite and zircon as accessories. Crystallization of clinopyroxene, phlogopite and amphibole probably controlled the silica-saturation trend of the whole series and faithfully reflect intensive H2O variations in the magma that were responsible of explosive cyclic events. The parental magma may have had a lamprophyric-tephritic composition. Trace element and isotope ratios indicate a prevalent asthenospheric source versus lithospheric one. Geochemical features, such as strong enrichment of LILE, REE, HFSE in the Gölcük magma point to the involvement of a asthenospheric OIB-type melt with a possible carbonatitic component, that interacted with remnants of the delaminated lithosphere during upwelling.

A comprehensive and densely sampled map of shear-wave azimuthal anisotropy in the Aegean–Anatolia region

A better understanding of what drives surface motion in the rapidly deforming Aegean–Anatolia region requires the comparison of mantle circulation models with reliable and densely spaced seismic anisotropy data. We present a new set of 4279 high-quality splitting data of core-refracted shear waves measured at 216 permanent and temporary broadband seismic stations in Turkey and Greece, and their neighboring countries. When combined with previously published observations, our dataset provides unprecedented dense spatial coverage of the area. The delay time between the fast and slow shear waves is highest in the northern Aegean Sea and northwestern Anatolia (average, 1.5±0.4 s) and lowest in the southern Aegean Sea (average, 0.6±0.4 s). The fast-wave polarization axes are oriented NE–SW over most of Anatolia and the northern Aegean Sea. These show steady counterclockwise rotation of 1° per degree of longitude from eastern Anatolia to the northern Aegean. The only exceptions to this uniform pattern are NNW–SSE to NW–SE orientations in mainland Greece, and NW–SE orientations in the southwestern corner of Anatolia. The overall anisotropy pattern can be explained by instantaneous density–driven mantle flow with additional local effects, such as slab rollback in the Aegean Sea and a slab window beneath southwestern Anatolia.

AN EVALUATION OF NEOLITHIC AND EARLY CHALCOLITHIC SITES IN UPPER MEANDER BASIN IN THE CONTEXT OF SETTLEMENT PATTERN AND MATERIAL CULTURE

This article deals with the settlements of the Neolithic and Early Chalcolithic periods on the Upper Menderes Basin located in south-western Anatolia and aims to make extensive evaluations of the material culture and settlement patterns of the region by using the systematic survey data. The survey data about the Upper Menderes Basin reveal that the 17 settlements were settled in the Neolithic and Early Chalcolithic Ages. The evaluations were made depending on the material culture of the settlements concerned and they indicate that the region had an identical culture with the District of Lakes in the Neolithic and Early Chalcolithic Ages. On the other hand, when the site selection and settlement pattern concerned are considered, it is understood that plain and the highland areas were selected as living areas in the early phases of the Late Neolithic Age, whereas the settlements increased in the Late Neolithic-Early Chalcolithic period and the basin was located by rivers and lakes at the plain level.

Two new species of the genus Anemadus Reitter, 1885, from the Near East (Coleoptera: Cholevidae).

Two new species of Anemadus from the Near East are described and illustrated. Anemadus lucarellii sp. nov., from South-Western Anatolia, belongs to the Anemadus pellitus species-group (sensu Giachino & Vailati, 1993) and Anemadus kadleci sp. nov., from North-Western Syria, belongs to the Anemadus strigosus species-group (sensu Giachino & Vailati, 1993). The description of these new species markedly increases the knowledge of the distribution of this genus in the Near East.

A new Centaurea species (Asteraceae) from Mt Sakar, South-eastern Bulgaria

A new species of Centaurea, C. sakarensis, known from a single locality north-east of the village of Lessovo on Mt Sakar, is described and illustrated. It belongs to C. sect. Acrolophus, and its morphologically closest relative is C. cariensis Boiss., a Turkish endemic from western and south-western Anatolia. The new species is currently known from a single population of about 1000 individuals, growing on open stony calcareous places, at 475 m a.s.l., and should be classified as Critically Endangered, (B1ab[i, ii, iii]+2ab [i, ii, iii]).

A new Pseudophoxinus (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) species from Southwestern Anatolia, with remarks on the distribution of the genus in western Anatolia

Pseudophoxinus burduricus sp. n. is described from drainages of Salda and Burdur lakes, southwestern Turkey. It is distinguished from other Anatolian Pseudophoxinus by a combination of characters: lateral line incomplete, with 21–39 (commonly 26–37) perforated scales and 47–57+1-2 scales in lateral series; 10½–12½ scale rows between lateral line and dorsal fin origin, 3–4(5) scale rows between lateral line and the pelvic fin origin; dorsal fin commonly with 7½ branched rays; anal fin commonly with 6½ branched rays; 7–8(9) gill rakers on the first branchial arch; a faint and diffuse epidermal black stripe from eye to caudal fin base in alive and preserved individuals; mouth slightly subterminal, tip of mouth cleft on about level of lower margin of eye; snout rounded, its length greater than eye diameter. Comparison is given with all Pseudophoxinus species from western Anatolia.

Research on the stability analysis of GNSS reference stations network by time series analysis

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is being widely used for various purposes throughout the world. In recent years, Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) networks consisting of multiple GNSS systems have been set up and operating in many developed countries. In Turkey, CORS-TR has been operating since 2009. The aim of CORS-TR is fast, correct, and reliable collection of all kinds of geographic data, thus, speeding up the activities of cadastre, assuring organized urbanization, constituting the spatial infrastructure for relevant works of e-government, and monitoring plate tectonics. Therefore, in this article, we investigated 788 days of spatial behaviors of 20 CORS-TR stations located in the southwest of Turkey. GNSS observations recorded from stations were evaluated and time series analyses were conducted to reveal station behaviors. As a result of trend component analyses of time series it was determined that with the exception of a single station (KAMN), other stations were moving in the southwest direction (21.7 mm/year). This finding is in consistency with the regionʼs tectonic plate movements. In the periodical component analyses, stationsʼ daily, monthly, seasonal, annual and even biennial movements resulting from atmospheric and hydrologic loading, climatic and other effects were revealed. Additionally, statistically random white noise was determined in GNSS station positions due to sunspot changes and earthʼs irregular rotation around its own axis. Nevertheless, colored noise in correlation with time was also determined by scholastic component analyses. As a result of the analyses, AKHR station east movement component was defined by AR(2) model and the movements of other stations were defined by ARMA(p,q) type models of different models. The results regarding the movements of CORS-TR stations in this region and the causes for these results were in consistency with the movements and causes of GNSS stations in the region and throughout the world. These results indicate that stations of CORS-TR network located in Southwestern Anatolia were rather stable and able to be providing reliable, accurate and continuous data for national and international studies to be conducted in many fields.

The Indigenous and Invasion Fishes In Two Main Reservoirs in the Southwestern Anatolia (AYDIN)

Buyuk Menderes River basin, located in the Southern part of Turkey, has two significant dam lakes. Threats include pollution (industrial and agricultural activities), overfishing, habitat degradation and drought. This study was carried out to determine the native and non-native fish fauna in Kemer and Topcam dams lakes in the Buyuk Menderes River. Specimens were caught by scoop and gill nets between April 2007 and February 2008. Kemer is inhabited by Cyprinus carpio, Squalius cephalus, Barbus plebejus escherichi, Silurus glanis Acanthobrama mirabilis and Chondrostoma maendrense. In Topcam Dam has Cyprinus carpio, Squalius cephalus, Acanthobrama mirabilis and Capoeta bergama. Both had the invasive Lepomis gibbosus, Pseudorasbora parva and Carassius gibelio. Acanthobrama mirabilis is endangered fishes and Chondrostoma maendrense and Capoeta bergamae are two of the vulnerable species.KEY WORDSKemer, Topcam Dam Lake, Native, Exotic fish, Anatolia.

Neotethys closure history of Anatolia: insights from40Ar–39Ar geochronology andP–Testimation in high‐pressure metasedimentary rocks

AbstractThe multiple high‐pressure (HP), low‐temperature (LT) metamorphic units of Western and Central Anatolia offer a great opportunity to investigate the subduction‐ and continental accretion‐related evolution of the eastern limb of the long‐lived Aegean subduction system. Recent reports of theHP–LTindex mineral Fe‐Mg‐carpholite in three metasedimentary units of the Gondwana‐derived Anatolide–Tauride continental block (namely the Afyon Zone, the Ören Unit and the southern Menderes Massif) suggest a more complicated scenario than the single‐continental accretion model generally put forward in previous studies. This study presents the first isotopic dates (white mica40Ar–39Ar geochronology), and where possible are combined withP–Testimates (chlorite thermometry, phengite barometry, multi‐equilibrium thermobarometry), on carpholite‐bearing rocks from these threeHP–LTmetasedimentary units. It is shown that, in the Afyon Zone, carpholite‐bearing assemblages were retrogressed through greenschist‐facies conditions atc. 67–62 Ma. Early retrograde stages in the Ören Unit are dated to 63–59 Ma. In the Kurudere–Nebiler Unit (HPMesozoic cover of the southern Menderes Massif),HPretrograde stages are dated toc. 45 Ma, and post‐collisional cooling toc. 26 Ma. These new results support that the Ören Unit represents the westernmost continuation of the Afyon Zone, whereas the Kurudere–Nebiler Unit correlates with the Cycladic Blueschist Unit of the Aegean Domain. In Western Anatolia, three successiveHP–LTmetamorphic belts thus formed: the northernmost Tavşanlı Zone (c. 88–82 Ma), the Ören–Afyon Zone (between 70 and 65 Ma), and the Kurudere–Nebiler Unit (c. 52–45 Ma). The southward younging trend of theHP–LTmetamorphism from the upper and internal to the deeper and more external structural units, as in the Aegean Domain, points to the persistence of subduction in Western Anatolia between 93–90 andc. 35 Ma. After the accretion of the Menderes–Tauride terrane, in Eocene times, subduction stopped, leading to continental collision and associated Barrovian‐type metamorphism. Because, by contrast, the Aegean subduction did remain active due to slab roll‐back and trench migration, the eastern limb (below Southwestern Anatolia) of the Hellenic slab was dramatically curved and consequently teared. It therefore is suggested that the possibility for subduction to continue after the accretion of buoyant (e.g. continental) terranes probably depends much on palaeogeography.