New Kinematic and Geochronologic Evidence for the Quaternary Evolution of the Central Anatolian Fault Zone

In this study new structural, geomorphic and geochronologic data are provided for several key faults within the southern and central parts of the Central Anatolian Fault Zone, which suggest Quaternary left-lateral motion has been previously overstated. Our neotectonic mapping along the southern part of the CAFZ, coupled with 36Cl exposure dating, documents a left lateral slip rate of 0.77 ± 0.22 mm a-1 during the Late- Pleistocene, lower than rates of 3 mm a-1 originally proposed. To the north, the Erciyes fault is characterized by a linear array of monogenetic vents which suggest maximum horizontal extension in a WNW-ESE direction during the Late-Quaternary. Further north, mapping and structural analysis shows that the Erkilet and Gesi faults within the northern Erciyes basin are predominantly extensional. We re-characterize the CAFZ as one of an array of weakly active, highly segmented, transtensional fault systems in Central and Eastern Anatolia which have re-activated paleotectonic structures.M.A.S.2016-11-19 00:00:0