Kinematics of late pliocene-quaternary normal faulting in the southeastern end of the Gediz graben, Western Anatolia, Turkey

Abstract

The kinematic analysis of fault-slip data obtained from lower Pliocene and Pleistocene deposits indicates two successive extensional events in the southeastern end of the Gediz graben. The late Pliocene N-S extensional phase was followed by a NNE-SSW extension in the Pleistocene. This change in extension direction from N-S to NNE-SSW is indicated by slip vectors on active fault planes and historic fault offsets. This younger extensional event is still active, as suggested by recent seismic activity and focal mechanisms of earthquakes in the region. The slip regime has important implications for the Neogene tectonic evolution of western Anatolia.