Genetic framework of neogene-quaternary basin closure process in central Turkey

Abstract

Central Turkey represents the only orogenic plateau in the Mediterranean region. Also, the largest closed drainage basin and the largest intracontinental basin of Turkey, the Lake Tuz Basin, is located in this region. Results from a three-dimensional (3-D) computer modeling study of the Lake Tuz Basin indicate a southward-deepening freshwater lake basin with great depth in the Mio-Pliocene, which regressed toward the north during the Plio-Quaternary into the shallow saline lake basin it is today. The spatio-temporal variations of Neogene and Quaternary deposits reflect the main effects of internal forces (isostasy>volcanism>faulting) that were caused by lithospheric slab breakoffand subsequent asthenospheric upwelling under central Turkey. Climatic change played a relatively minor role during these periods and was closely associated with the results of internal forces.