NEOTECTONICS OF THE SW MARMARA REGION, NW ANATOLIA, TURKEY

Abstract

This study reports on the geometric and structural characteristics of the North Anatolian Fault Zone in the southwest Marmara region. The geometric and kinematic features of the faults in the region are described, based on field observations. In addition, the Neogene and Quaternary basin fill which occupies large areas in the region has been determined, and the tectonic regimes controlling these basins are explained. The neotectonic regime is also explained considering different deformation phases affecting the region. The N-S extension and E-W strike-slip have affected the region possibly since the latest Pliocene-Quaternary. Field observations show that these extensional tectonics around the south Marmara region are related to right strike-slip on the E-W North Anatolian fault zone and the N-S Aegean extensional system. The faults in this zone trend approximately E-W in the eastern part of the region and NE-SW towards the west of the region, indicating that they accommodate rotation in addition to differential movement between adjacent blocks. © 2006 Cambridge University Press.