Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Mountain Science, cilt.23, sa.5, ss.2369-2387, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
In this study, the central section of the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ)—which forms the tectonic boundary between the Eurasian plate to the north and the Anatolian microplate to the south in Turkey—was investigated using a geodetic method based on GNSS data. A new block model was proposed utilizing data from 105 GNSS sites distributed across the main fault and its associated splay faults, including the Erikli, Ekinveren, Merzifon–Esençay, Sungurlu, and Eldivan Faults. The model results indicate that the average right-lateral slip rate along the main strand of the NAFZ is approximately 19 mm/yr, which is lower than the commonly reported range of 22–25 mm/yr in literature. This variation results from the partitioning of deformation onto the splay faults branching from the master fault. The block model analysis reveals a progressive increase in right-lateral movement from east to west and demonstrates that the splay faults also accommodate significant slip rates. In contrast to previous studies, it has been revealed that the Ekinveren Fault exhibits a right-lateral strike-slip character with a reverse-slip component. The findings quantitatively indicate the development of a positive flower structure in the vertical plane and a horsetail pattern in the horizontal plane, suggesting that deformation is distributed among the splay faults of the NAFZ.