Palaeomagnetic study of crustal deformation across an intracontinental transform: The North Anatolian Fault Zone in Northern Turkey

Abstract

Eocene volcanic rocks spanning the North Anatolian Fault Zone in north central Turkey have a common reversed polarity and appear to record a short term volcanic episode useful for identifying subsequent tectonic rotations. Although regional differences are present, no distributed clockwise rotations caused by dextral motion across the fault zone since mid-Miocene times are found. Instead variable anticlockwise block rotations demonstrate that this fault system does not obey theoretical models for crustal behaviour across continental transforms. Deformation is found to be highly inhomogeneous with a narrow zone of intense clockwise rotation recognised within blocks bounded by strike-slip faults above, and parallel to, the fundamental lineament. Further from the lineament no systematic rotations with respect to the major bounding plates are detected. A zone of c. 30° anticlockwise rotation in the east may be either a consequence of emplacement of the Pontides or an ongoing consequence of continental collision. Slightly larger rotations south of the fault probably record block rotations into Anatolia as this region is being extruded westwards by continuing impingement of Afro-Arabia into the Eurasian Plate.