Geology and correlation of the Mersin Mélanges, Southern Turkey

Abstract

Our paper aims to give a thorough description of the infra-ophiolitic mélanges associated with the Mersin ophiolite. We propose new regional correlations of the Mersin mélanges with other mélange-like units or similar series, located both in southern Turkey and adjacent regions. The palaeotectonic implications of the correlations are also discussed. The main results may be summarized as follows: the infra-ophiolitic mélange is subdivided into two units, the Upper Cretaceous Sorgun ophiolitic mélange and the Ladinian-Carnian Hacialani{dotless} mélange. The Mersin mélanges, together with the Antalya and Mamonia domains, are represented by a series of exotic units now found south of the main Taurus range, and are characteristic of the South-Taurides Exotic Units. These mélanges clearly show the mixed origin of the different blocks and broken formations. Some components have a Palaeotethyan origin and are characterized by Pennsylvanian and Lower to Middle Permian pelagic and slope deposits. These Palaeotethyan remnants, found exclusively in the Hacialani{dotless} mélange, were reworked as major olistostromes in the Neotethys basin during the Eo-Cimmerian orogenic event. Neotethyan elements are represented by Middle Triassic seamounts and by broken formations containing typical Neotethyan conodont faunas such as Metapolygnathus mersinensis Kozur & Moix and M. primitius s. s., both present in the latest Carnian interval, as well as the occurrence of the middle Norian Epigondolella praeslovakensis Kozur, Masset & Moix. Other elements are clearly derived from the former north Anatolian passive margin and are represented by Huǧlu-type series including the Upper Triassic syn-rift volcanic event. These sequences attributed to the Huǧlu-Pindos back-arc ocean were displaced southward during the Late Cretaceous obduction event. The Tauric elements are represented by Eo-Cimmerian flysch-like and molasse sequences intercalated in Neotethyan series. Additionally, some shallow-water blocks might be derived from the Bolkardaǧ paraautochthonous and the Taurus-Beydaglari marginal sequences. ©TÜBİTAK.