An active bivergent rolling-hinge detachment system: Central Menderes metamorphic core complex in western Turkey

Gessner K., Ring U., Johnson C., Hetzel R., Passchier C., GÜNGÖR T.

GEOLOGY, vol.29, no.7, pp.611-614, 2001 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 29 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2001
  • Journal Name: GEOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.611-614
  • Keywords: detachment faults, core complexes, fission-track dating, extension tectonics, Turkey, MASSIF, FAULTS, GEDIZ
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Two symmetrically arranged detachment systems delimit the central Menderes metamorphic core complex and define a bivergent continental breakaway zone in the Anatolide belt of western Turkey. Structural analysis and apatite fission-track thermochronology show that a large east-trending syncline within the Alpine nappe stack in the central part of the orogen is related to late Miocene-early Pliocene to recent core-complex formation. The syncline formed as a result of two opposite-facing rolling hinges in the footwalls of each of the two detachments. Back-rotation of the syncline limbs suggests that the detachments rotated from an initial dip of 50 degrees -60 degrees to a currently shallow orientation of 0 degrees -20 degrees.