TECTONIC, FLUID, AND STORM-DRIVEN EVOLUTION OF A COLLISIONAL EVAPORITE SYSTEM: INSIGHTS FROM THE MULTI-STAGE TEKMAN–KARAYAZI SUB-BASIN (EASTERN ANATOLIA), TÜRKIYE
Journal of Sedimentary Research, cilt.96, sa.5, ss.833-854, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 96 Sayı: 5
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.2110/jsr.2025.170
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Sedimentary Research
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, Geobase
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.833-854
- Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The Miocene Tekman–Karayazı Sub-basin (TKSB) in eastern Anatolia records a key stage in the transition from marine to continental conditions during the final closure of the Neo-Tethys. This study reveals a previously unrecognized evaporite system composed of clastic sulfates, primary selenite crystals, and fluidized sulfate domes, formed under the combined influence of tectonically active deformation and high-energy surface processes. Field and petrographic data show that evaporitic activity began earlier than previously thought. The replacement of large benthic foraminifera belonging to the genus Nummulites in older carbonate units, together with gypsum-filled porosity, points to long-lived sulfate circulation and repeated diagenetic overprinting. Occasional halite pseudomorphs further reflect episodic hypersaline conditions and early mineral transformation. A major outcome of this study is the evidence for vertical recycling of older marine-derived brines into Miocene deposits. We link this process to tectonically driven fluid pumping, likely enhanced by lithospheric-scale processes such as lithospheric dripping and lithospheric delamination. These mechanisms promoted uplift, increased permeability, and sustained fluid migration through the basin. Sedimentary structures such as hummocky and swaly cross-stratification indicate repeated storm-wave influence in a high-energy shoreface setting. At the same time, deformation features including liquefaction structures, syndepositional faulting, and gypsum injections point to strong seismic control. While storm and tidal processes contributed to sediment instability, seismic events appear to have been the dominant trigger. Overall, the TKSB represents a dynamic evaporite system where tectonics, seismicity, and surface processes operated together to shape sedimentation, deformation, and fluid flow.