Geochemical proxies and formation mechanism of Hatay (Baslamis) travertine and relation with Dead Sea Fault Zone (S-Turkey)

This study is the first investigation of the Baslamis(Hatay) travertines formed in the northern part of the left-lateral strike-slip Dead Sea Fault Zone. In this study, Baslamis travertines are examined in terms of structural, mineralogical and formation mechanism by conducting geochemical, hydrogeochemical and facies analysis. The Baslamis travertine occurrences are characterized by successions of terraces and pools developed in slope depositional system, mound depositional system and depression depositional system. The travertines have been classified into five lithotypes, namely: laminated, coated bubble, reed, intraclasts and micritic travertine. According to the thin section, XRD, SEM and EDX analysis, the Baslamis travertines are divided into two groups, the first group contains aragonite and secondary minerals such as silica and clay minerals, while the second group consists only of calcite minerals, therefore, the travertines are morphologically classified as aragonite-bearing travertines and massive calcite bearing travertines. The negative correlation between Ca and Sr abundances in travertine samples indicates that some Ca was replaced by Sr in the calcite lattice. Relatively rich trace element content in the Baslamis travertines is attributed to leaching of the underlying gabbro and limestone. Higher concentrations of some of the elements were probably the result of diagenetic processes and syngenetic mineralization. The Baslamis travertines are defined as meteogene travertine deposits and are fed with meteoric-origin waters along Dead Sea Fault Zone in terms of hydrogeochemical results. The conceptual model of the Baslamis travertine shows that the travertines are formed by precipitation of dissolving the limestone. The heat source of the geothermal fluid forming the travertines is of tectonic origin.Scientific Research Project Coordination Unit of Ni.gde Omer Halisdemir University [FEB2017/15-YULTEP]This study was the funded by the Scientific Research Project Coordination Unit of Ni.gde Omer Halisdemir University within project FEB2017/15-YULTEP. Special thanks go to Dr. Muhammed ZeynelOzturk for his contribution and Mr. Graham H. Lee for proofreading the manuscript